I'm working on exponential equations and my a = 18.14, b = 1.34
so when I write my equation, it's y = 18.14(1.34)^x
They are talking about pigeons in NYC, starting in the year 1995 (obviously more than 18 pigeons in NYC, but..)
Anyway, my y-intercept would be (0, 18.14) representing in 1995 there were 18.14 pigeons?
And there would not be an x intercept because you can't start a population with 0?
And then, they are asking how many pigeons would there be in 2013. So, 2013 is 18 years after 1995, so if I use 18 for my x, y = 18.14(1.34)^18 I get 3520 pigeons. I know 34% growth is high, but that seems like an awful lot of pigeons after just 18 years?? Have I done that correctly?
exponentials have no x-intercept. no power of 18.14 is zero
Surely you have looked at the graphs in your text ... ?
It is a lot of pigeons, but your math is correct