Question

In 1996 an outbreak of a disease affected 10 people in a large community. By 1997, the number of those infected had grown to 40. Find an exponential growth function that fits the data.

Answer 1

Answer: The initial population is 18 and 1 year(t=1) later it is 38

Step-by-step explanation:

38 = 18 * e^(1*k), where k is the growth rate

e^(1*k) = 38/18

Take the natural log(ln) of both sides of the = k = ln(38/18) = 0.747

P(t) = 18 * e^(0.747*t), where P(t) is the population affected at time t(years since 1996)