To determine whether the bear population is proportionally related to the number of years, we can analyze the data provided in the table and calculate the ratios of the bear populations to the number of years.
Here’s the data represented again for clarity:
- Year 1: 6 bears
- Year 2: 20 bears
- Year 3: 120 bears
- Year 4: 60 bears
- Year 5: 240 bears
Now, let's calculate the ratios of the bear populations to the corresponding years:
- For Year 1: \( \frac{6}{1} = 6 \)
- For Year 2: \( \frac{20}{2} = 10 \)
- For Year 3: \( \frac{120}{3} = 40 \)
- For Year 4: \( \frac{60}{4} = 15 \)
- For Year 5: \( \frac{240}{5} = 48 \)
The ratios are:
- Year 1: 6
- Year 2: 10
- Year 3: 40
- Year 4: 15
- Year 5: 48
Since the ratios are not equivalent (i.e., they do not stay constant), we can conclude that the bear population is not proportionally related to the number of years since the ratios change.
Thus, the correct response would be: The bear population is not proportionally related to the number of years because the ratios are not equivalent.
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