Question

It has been estimated that a certain stream can support 85,000 fish if it is pollution-free. It has further been estimated that for each ton of pollutants in the stream, 1700 fewer fish can be supported. Assuming the relationship is linear, write the equation that gives the population of fish p in terms of the tons of pollutants x.

Answer 1

`p = 85000 - 1700x`

Explanation:

Given

`Initial\ Fish = 85000`

`Rate = 1700`

Required

Determine the equation

For 1 ton, there is a reduction of 1700 fishes

This implies that:

For x tons, there will be a reduction of 1700x fishes

So, the function is:

`p = Initial\ Fishes - Rate * x`

We used minus because the number of fishes reduced.

So, we have:

`p = 85000 - 1700*x`

`p = 85000 - 1700x`

Hence, the function is:
`p = 85000 - 1700x`