The function p defined by p(t) = 3960(1.02)^t

Question

The function p defined by p(t) = 3960(1.02)^t describes the population of Dilcue, North Dakota t years after it was founded.

a.What is the meaning of p(65)/p(64)?

b.Without doing calculations, find the value of p(65)/p(64). Explain how you found your answer.

c. Does p(8)/p(7) = p(65)/p(64)? Why or Why not?

Answer 1

Think in general terms: p(n+1)/p(n). In English this is the ratio of the population of one year to the previous year. Do the algebra and you will see that it's easy to find this ratio. Give it a try. If you're still stuck, check back in.