Question

A wildlife researcher studying the growth of a fox population in a particular region records the number of foxes in the year 2018. She determines that if the fox population keeps growing the function
P
(
t
)
=

500
(
1.05
)
t
will model the number of foxes, P, after t years. Which statement correctly interprets this model?


The number of foxes in this particular region is originally 500 and increases by 5% per year.


The number of foxes in this particular region is originally 5 and increases by 500% per year.


The number of foxes in this particular region is originally 5 and increases by 500 per year.


The number of foxes in this particular region is originally 500 and increases by 5 per year

Answer 1

The correct interpretation is: "The number of foxes in this particular region is originally 500 and increases by 5% per year."

Reason: P(0) = 500 gives the initial population (in 2018), and the factor 1.05 means a 5% annual multiplicative increase.