Question
A study is done on the population of a certain fish species in a lake. Suppose that the population size \( P(t) \) after \( t \) years is given by the following exponential function. \( P(t)=530(1.36)^{t} \) Find the initial population size. Does the function represent growth or decay? Browth \( \quad \) o decay By percent does the population size change each year? \( \square \% \)
Ask by Henry Spencer. in the United States
Mar 15,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
- **Initial Population Size:** 530 fish
- **Growth or Decay:** Growth
- **Annual Percent Change:** 36%
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Beyond the Answer
The initial population size can be determined by evaluating the function at \( t = 0 \). Plugging in \( t = 0 \): \( P(0) = 530(1.36)^{0} = 530(1) = 530 \). So, the initial population size is 530 fish! The function shows growth, as the base (1.36) is greater than 1. To find the annual growth rate in percentage, subtract 1 from the base and multiply by 100: \( (1.36 - 1) \times 100 = 36\% \). Thus, the population size changes by 36% each year.