Question

Two researchers are studying the decline of orangutan populations. In one study, a population of 784 orangutans is expected to decrease at a rate of 25 orangutans per year. In a second study, the population of a group of 817 orangutans is expected to decrease at a rate of 36 per year. After how many years will the two populations be the same?
The two populations will be the same after
years.

Answer 1

Answer:

3 years

Step-by-step explanation:

Let y = number of orangutans, and let x = number of years.

For each study, the population, y, after x years is:

First study:

y = 784 - 25x

Second study:

y = 817 - 36x

We set the populations equal and solve for x, the number of years.

784 - 25x = 817 - 36x

Add 36x to both sides. Subtract 784 from both sides.

11x = 33

Divide both sides by 11.

x = 3

Answer: 3 years