Bear population. To estimate the size of the bear population on the Keweenaw Peninsula, conservationists captured, tagged, and released 50 bears. One year later

Question

 I am back still am confused and frustrated please help me answer this one.

Answer 1

Hi,

 

   Let x= the bear population then 50/x=.02 (2/100) this is a simple proportion with x being the only unknown. Assumes the bear population is stable.

   Solving for x by cross multiplying gives x=50/.02=2500 bears 

 

Jim

Answer 2

To estimate the bear population, set up a proportion, which is just two ratios that are equal.

 

  2        50

----  =  ----

100        P

 

Here P is the value of the bear population we are trying to estimate.  To find P, the estimated bear population, cross multiply the extremes (2 and P) and the means (100 and 50) of the proportion:

 

2P = 50*100

 

P = 2500 bears

 

There are no extraneous solutions (additional solutions).