Question

A certain forest covers an area of 2000 km2. Suppose that each year this area decreases by 4.75%. What will the area be after 7 years?Use the calculator provided and round your answer to the nearest square kilometer.

Answer 1

SOLUTION

The given area of the forest is 2000 square kilometers

The rate of decrease is given as 4.75%

The given time is 7 years

The formula for decay is

$y=a(1-r)^t$

Substituting values gives

$y=2000(1-0.0475)^7$

Solve for y

$\begin{gathered} y=2000(0.7113) \\ y=1423 \end{gathered}$

Therefore the new area of the forest is 1423 square meters.