A species of endangered tigers has a population in 2020 of about 900, and that number is expected to decline by about 6% each year.

Question

A species of endangered tigers has a population in 2020 of about 900, and that number is expected to decline by about 6% each year. If this rate continues, what would we predict the tiger population to be in 2037?

Answer 1

Let P(t) be the population of Tigers as a function of time:

P(t) = P_0·(1-rate)^t-2020

1. P₀ = population in 2020 = 900
2. rate = rate of decline expressed as a decimal = 0.06
3. t = year = 2037

P(t=2037) = 900·(1 - 0.06)^2037-2020

Use your calculator to compute the answer.