To represent a population of insects that is growing exponentially at a rate of 7%, the correct function can be derived from the general formula for exponential growth, which is:
\[ f(x) = P(1 + r)^x \]
where:
- \( P \) is the initial population (in this case, 50),
- \( r \) is the growth rate (in this case, 0.07 for 7%),
- \( x \) is the number of time periods (e.g., days, years, etc.).
Plugging in the values, we get:
\[ f(x) = 50(1 + 0.07)^x \] \[ f(x) = 50(1.07)^x \]
Thus, the correct function that represents the population of insects growing at a rate of 7% is:
f(x) = 50(1.07)^x
The corresponding option is:
f(x) = 50(1.07)^x (the third option).