5.4.5 Interpret the Growth Factor of the Equation

Algebra 15.4.5 Interpret the Growth Factor of the Equation

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A group of biologists is surveying the mice population in a forest. The equation $n = 75 \cdot 3^{t}$ gives the total number of mice, $n$ , $t$ years since the survey began. Explain what the numbers 75 and 3 mean in this situation.

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75 is the initial number of mice in the forest when the survey started, or the number of mice when $t$ is 0. The 3 is the growth factor or constant ratio, meaning that each year, the population of mice in the forest is 3 times the previous year’s population.

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