A researcher tagged 40 giant turtles in 2008. In 2009, she returned and captured 50 turtles, 16 of which were tagged. In 2010, she returned again and captured 30 turtles, 8 of which were tagged.

Question

A. Use a proportion to estimate the turtle population for 2009

B. Use a proportion to estimate the turtle population for 2010.

Answer 1

16/50 = 40/x
16x = 2000
x = 125

Do the same for 2010.

Answer 2

thank you but I don't get it

Answer 3

In 2009, 16/50 = 32% of the population was tagged, making the population 40/.32 = 125 (P/40 = 50/16)

In 2010, 8/30 = 26.7% of the population was tagged. So, the population is about 150 (P/40 = 30/8)