Question

A group of biologists is surveying the rabbit population at a farm. The equation n = 10(3)t gives the total number of rabbits, n, t years since the survey began. What do the numbers 10 and 3 mean in this situation?

Answer 1

Step 1: Write down the standard form of an exponential function

`\begin{gathered} y=a(b)^t \\ \text{where} \\ a\text{ is the starting/initial value } \\ b\text{ is the constant multiplier/growth factor} \\ t\text{ is time.} \end{gathered}`

Step 2: Use the above definition to answer the question.

`n=10(3)^t`

In the above situation, therefore:

10 means starting/initial value.

3 means constant multiplier/growth factor.