Final answer:
To find the value of α when Theresa's Trees can plant 64 trees per day with K = 2, we use the formula Q = 16K¹⁴ and solve for α. The calculation reveals that α equals 2.
Step-by-step explanation:
We have been given that Theresa's Trees, a tree-planting company, can plant a number of trees per day given by the equation Q = 16K¹⁴. The company gets pay from local governments at a rate of $2 per tree planted. To calculate the value of α, we can use the information provided that when K = 2, the number of trees planted per day, Q, is 64.
The equation with the given values is 64 = 16(2)¹⁴. To solve for α, we first simplify the equation:
64 = 16(2¹⁴)
64 = 16 * 2¹⁴
64 = 16 * (2¹⁴)
4 = 2¹⁴ (Dividing both sides by 16)
Now, we recognize that 2² = 4, so:
4 = 2²
2¹⁴ = 2²
α = 2 (Since the bases are the same, the exponents must be equal)
Therefore, the value of α is 2.