linear functions

Question

In 1994, the moose population in a park was measured to be 3870. By 1999, the population was measured again to be 4020. If the population continues to change linearly:

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

Then:

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

Answer 1

4020 - 3870 = 150 new moose in 5 years, or 30 new moose per year. 150/5=30

P = 3870 + 30t

2002= 8 + 1994 or t=8

P(2002) = P(t=8) = 3870 + 30(8) = 3870 + 240 = 4110

or 2002 is 3 years after 1999, so 3x30 = 90 more moose than in 1999 = 4020 + 90 = 4110