Scientists studied a deer population for 10 years. They generated the function [tex]f(x)=248(1.15)^x[/tex] to approximate the number of deer in the population [tex]x[/tex] years after beginning the study.

About how many deer are in the population 3 years after beginning the study?

A. 251
B. 377
C. 856
D. 1,003



Answer :

To determine the number of deer in the population 3 years after beginning the study, we can use the function provided by the scientists: [tex]\( f(x) = 248 \times (1.15)^x \)[/tex].

Given:
- [tex]\( x = 3 \)[/tex]
- Initial population [tex]\( P_0 = 248 \)[/tex]
- Growth rate [tex]\( r = 1.15 \)[/tex]

To find the population after 3 years ([tex]\( f(3) \)[/tex]), we substitute [tex]\( x \)[/tex] with 3 in the function:

[tex]\[ f(3) = 248 \times (1.15)^3 \][/tex]

Now, let's break down the calculation step-by-step:

1. Calculate [tex]\( (1.15)^3 \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ (1.15)^3 = 1.15 \times 1.15 \times 1.15 = 1.15^3 \approx 1.520875 \][/tex]

2. Multiply the result by the initial population:

[tex]\[ 248 \times 1.520875 \approx 377.177 \][/tex]

Thus, the population after 3 years is approximately 377.

Among the given options:

- 251
- 377
- 856
- 1,003

The closest answer is 377. Therefore, about 377 deer are in the population 3 years after beginning the study.

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