How do I solve this exponential equation problem?

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2 Answers
May 17, 2018

Please see the explanation.

Explanation:

The first question asks for P(13):

P(13)=147(1+0.0151)13

P(13)178.62 million

The second question asks for P(20)

P(20)=147(1+0.0151)20

P(20)198.38 million

For the third question, the population equal to 2 billion translates into setting P(t)=2000 and then solving for t:

2000=147(1+0.0151)t

2000147=(1+0.0151)t

ln((1+0.0151)t)=2000147

t=2000147ln(1+0.0151)

t=907.8

The year will be 2907.

May 17, 2018

1) 178.621 million people
2) 198.378 million people
3) The year will be 2052.

Explanation:

To emphasize, P(t) measures population in millions, and t represents the number of years since 2000.

P(t)=147(1+.0151)t
P(t)=147(1.0151)t

Plug in values:

1) The problem asks about the year 2013, which is 13 years after the year 2000.

P(13)=147(1.0151)13

P(13)=178.620827 million people

2) The year 2020 is 20 years after the year 2000.

P(20)=147(1.0151)20

P(20)=198.378175 million people

3) Set 2 billion people equal to P(t). Recall that P(t) measures in millions. 2 billion=2,000 million

2,000=147(1.051)t

1.051t=2,000147

t=log1.051(2,000147)

t=52.48

Year =2000+52.48=2052

The year will be 2052.

Note: If you have only a scientific calculator that can perform logarithms on only base e or base 10, use the logarithm change of base formula logb(x)=loga(x)loga(b), so

log1.051(2,000147)=loga(2000147)loga(1.051)

where a is whatever base you choose.