In 1992, the moose population in a park was measured to be 3610. By 1996, the population was measured again to be 4290. If the population continues to change linearly:

Question

In 1992, the moose population in a park was measured to be 3610. By 1996, the population was measured again to be 4290. If the population continues to change linearly:Find a formula for the moose population, , in terms of , the years since 1990.

P(t)=______

What does your model predict the moose population to be in 2002?

__________

Answer 1

One can write a linear equation by setting up 2 ordered pairs (t, P). Then calculating the slope and then finding the equation.

at 1990 let t =0, therefore 1992 will be t =2, and 1996 t = 6

the ordered pairs (t,P) are (2, 3610) and (6, 4290)

the formula for slope is (P - P)/(t -t), (4290-3610)/ (6-2), which simplifies to 680/4 which is 170

using point slope form of the equation. P - 3610 = 170(t - 2)

this can be rearranged to P = 170t + 3270

Answer 2

1992:3610

1996:4290

So 4290-3610=680/3610=.188%;4=T:yrs./4=.047%:yr.

2002=4290*1.188=5104.088.............=P