The graph represents the population growth of a swarm of mosquitoes. Which function corresponds to the graphed equation?

(1 point)
Responses

f(x)=5(1.3)x
f of x is equal to 5 times 1 point 3 to the x th power

f(x)=1.3(5)x
f of x is equal to 1 point 3 times 5 to the x th power

f(x)=5(0.3)x
f of x is equal to 5 times 0 point 3 to the x th power

f(x)=5(0.7)x
f of x is equal to 5 times 0 point 7 to the x th power

1 answer

To determine which function corresponds to the graph of the population growth of a swarm of mosquitoes, we should note that population growth can typically be modeled using exponential functions of the form:

\[ f(x) = a \cdot b^x \]

where:

  • \( a \) represents the initial population,
  • \( b \) is the growth factor (if \( b > 1 \), the population is growing; if \( 0 < b < 1 \), the population is decreasing).

From the given options:

  1. \( f(x) = 5(1.3)^x \) - This indicates growth since \( b = 1.3 > 1 \).
  2. \( f(x) = 1.3(5)^x \) - This also indicates exponential growth, but the starting point would be at 1.3 and grow rapidly due to the base being 5.
  3. \( f(x) = 5(0.3)^x \) - This indicates decay since \( b = 0.3 < 1 \).
  4. \( f(x) = 5(0.7)^x \) - This also indicates decay since \( b = 0.7 < 1 \).

Based on what we typically expect from mosquito population growth (which is generally exponential growth in an uncontrolled environment), the most appropriate function from this list is:

\( f(x) = 5(1.3)^x \)

This corresponds to a scenario where the mosquito population starts at 5 and grows over time.