Question

A scientist is studying wildlife. She estimates the population of bats in her state to be 345,000. She predicts the population to grow at an average annual rate of 1.2%. Using the scientist’s prediction, create an equation that models the population of bats, y, after x years.

Answer 1

Answer: y = 345,000 * (1 + 0.012)^x

Explanation: The population of bats can be modeled by an exponential growth equation of the form:

y = 345,000 * (1 + 0.012)^x

Where x represents the number of years. The initial population of bats is 345,000 and the average annual growth rate is 1.2%, represented by the factor of 1 + 0.012.