Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
To understand this question start from day 30 when the pond is completely covered. Before the 30th day, the pond must have half as many lilies. And if go another day back i-e 28th day, the pond will be 1/4 covered.
a. On what day will the pond be 1/4 covered?
Ans. 28th day
b. On what day will the pond be 1/2 covered?
Ans. 29th day
c. Does the size of the pond make a difference?
Ans. Yes, the bigger the size, the more room there will be for lilies
d. What will begin to happen at one minute past the 30th day?
Ans. The lilies in pond will start to wither and rot due to lack of space for other lilies to grow
e. If this pond were earth, and the lilies were people, what kind of environmental, social, and economic developments can be expected as the 30th day approaches?
Ans. Expanding the size of the pond or limiting the reproduction of lilies could be one of two alternative approaches to cater this issue.
f. At what point (what day) would preventative action become necessary to prevent unpleasant events?
Ans. Action becomes necessary before the 30th day approaches.
g. If this pond were your city, state or country, and the lilies were people, considering all other life, at what day would you and your family like to live and have the highest quality of life?
Ans. The quality of life is highest at the first day. The increase in number of lilies would reduce the quality of life, as limited space and water would be occupied by many lilies.
h. Based on your understanding, what corresponding day do you think we are at in the world today? The United States?
Ans. According to one study, the maximum number of humans earth can support is 10 billion and currently we are standing at 7 billion which is more than half of 10 billion. Considering the reproduction rate doubles everyday as in the example, we are standing midway on 29th day.
