Question

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in the ocean. Phytoplankton grow abundantly in oceans around the world and are the foundation of the marine food chain. One variety of phytoplankton growing in tropical waters is increasing at a rate of 22% per month. If it is estimated that there are 130 million in the water, how many will there be in 2 months? Round to the nearest million

Answer 1

The estimated number of phytoplankton in 2 months would be 223 million.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the number of phytoplankton in 2 months, we can use the formula for exponential growth. The formula is:

Final amount = Initial amount × (1 + growth rate)^time

Plugging in the values:

Initial amount = 130 million

Growth rate = 22% per month = 0.22

Time = 2 months

We can now calculate:

Final amount = 130 million × (1 + 0.22)^2

Final amount ≈ 222.966 million

Rounding to the nearest million, the estimated number of phytoplankton in 2 months would be 223 million.