Question

In 2003, the owl population P in a park was measured to be 340. By 2007, the population was measured again to be 285. The population changes linearly. Let the input t be years since 2003. A.) Find a formula for the owl population, P. Let the input be years t since 2003. B.) what does your model predict the park’s owl population to be in 2019?

Answer 1

Answer:

y = -13.75x + 340

120 owls in 2019

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the population in a future year, use the formula y=mx+b since it changes linearly.

So over 4 years the owl population changed from 285-340=-55. Divide by 4 and this is a yearly change of -13.75. This is m.

The y-intercept is the starting point known as b in the equation. Here it is 340.

So the equation is y=-13.75x+340.

In 2019, t=16 so y=-13.75(16)+340 = 120.