Question

In 1992, the moose population in a park was measured to be 4600. By 1998, the population was measured again to be 4240. If the population continues to change linearly

1.Find a formula for the moose population, P , in terms of t, the years since 1990.

2.What does your model predict the moose population to be in 2009?

Answer 1

P(t) = - 60t + 4720

3580

Explanation:

Given :

m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1)

m = (4250 - 4600) / (8 - 2)

m = - 360 / 6

m = - 60

Using the point slope relation :

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

y - 4600 = - 60(x - 2)

y - 4600 = - 60x + 120

y - 4600 + 4600 = - 60x + 120 + 4600

y = - 60x + 4720

P(t) = - 60t + 4720

To predict population in 2009 :

2009 - 1990 = 19 years

Put t = 19

P(19) = - 60(19) + 4720

P(19) = - 1140 + 4720

P(19) = 3580