At the start of a research study, a colony of penguins had a population of 20,000. One year later, it had a population of 21,200.
Assuming the population of the colony has grown exponentially, which expression best models the population? Let t represent the time in years from the start of the research study.
a) 21,200 (1.012)^t
b) 20,000(1.06)^4t
c)20,000(1.06)^t
d)1,200 (1.015)^t
Assuming the colony continues to grow at the same rate, what will the population of the colony be 4 years after the start of the research study?
Round your answer to the nearest whole number.
penguins
b) 20,000(1.06)^4t
If t = 4 years, then the population will be:
20,000(1.06)^4(4) = 20,000(1.06)^16 = 20,000(2.18) ≈ 43,600
Therefore, the population of the colony will be approximately 43,600 penguins 4 years after the start of the research study.