The population of an endangered species was estimated to be 240 in 2018. The population has been tracked each year and has been modeled with the geometric sequence 240, 360, 540, 810, . . . . Create a function that models this situation.(1 point)

Responses

f(n)=240(120)n−1
f left parenthesis n right parenthesis equals 240 left parenthesis 120 right parenthesis superscript n minus 1 baseline

f(n)=240(12)n−1
f left parenthesis n right parenthesis equals 240 left parenthesis Start Fraction 1 over 2 End Fraction right parenthesis superscript n minus 1 baseline

f(n)=240(32)n−1
f left parenthesis n right parenthesis equals 240 left parenthesis Start Fraction 3 over 2 End Fraction right parenthesis superscript n minus 1 baseline

f(n)=240+(n−1)12

1 answer

To determine the correct model for the population of the endangered species based on the given geometric sequence (240, 360, 540, 810, ...), we need to identify the common ratio.

  1. Calculating the common ratio:
    • From 240 to 360: \( \frac{360}{240} = 1.5 \)
    • From 360 to 540: \( \frac{540}{360} = 1.5 \)
    • From 540 to 810: \( \frac{810}{540} = 1.5 \)

The common ratio is \( r = 1.5 \).

  1. Modeling the function: The general form for a geometric sequence can be given by:

    \[ f(n) = a \cdot r^{n-1} \] where \( a \) is the first term and \( r \) is the common ratio.

    In this case:

    • \( a = 240 \)
    • \( r = 1.5 \)
  2. Substituting into the function: Therefore, the function that models this situation is:

    \[ f(n) = 240 \cdot (1.5)^{n-1} \]

  3. Matching to the given options: In terms of the provided responses, we have:

    • \( f(n) = 240(1.5)^{n-1} \) is equivalent to \( f(n) = 240(3/2)^{n-1} \).

However, since this specific option might not be directly listed, and we don't see \( 1.5 \) or \( 3/2 \) explicitly in your options, the closest equivalent is:

  • f(n)=240(32)n−1

But since \( 32 \) seems incorrect, and the other options do not represent valid models based on the geometric growth inferred, it appears none of the provided options directly match the correct function.

To conclude, the correct model function based on the given terms is:

Final Answer: \[ f(n) = 240 \left( \frac{3}{2} \right)^{n-1} \] but since this isn't listed, ensure to recheck the options provided for accuracy.