Modeling Exponential Equation with 2 given points? If a certain population of rabbits has 100 rabbits after the second day and 300 after the fourth day, can we figure out how many rabbits that there were to begin with, or do we not have enough information?

Aliyah Thompson

Aliyah Thompson

Answered question

2022-11-18

Modeling Exponential Equation with 2 given points?
So let's say that the population of rabbits increase according to the law exponential growth.
If a certain population of rabbits has 100 rabbits after the second day and 300 after the fourth day, can we figure out how many rabbits that there were to begin with, or do we not have enough information?

Answer & Explanation

Biardiask3zd

Biardiask3zd

Beginner2022-11-19Added 16 answers

Step 1
Let us make the problem more general, knowing that at time t 1 the population is P 1 and that at time t 2 the population is P 2 .
The first thing to decide is wich form of the exponential model you want to use.
Suppose that you select, just as Kajelad commented P t = a t b . So, the equations are
P 1 = a t 1 b , P 2 = a t 2 b
Making the ratio, you have
P 2 P 1 = a t 2 b a t 1 b = ( t 2 t 1 ) b
Step 2
Taking logarithms
log ( P 2 P 1 ) = b log ( t 2 t 1 )
then b. Now, use the first equation to get a = P 1 t 1 b .
Another (equivalent) model could be Pt=aebt. Doing the same
P 2 P 1 = a e b t 2 a e b t 1 = e b t 2 e b t 1 = e b ( t 2 t 1 )
Taking logarithms
log ( P 2 P 1 ) = b ( t 2 t 1 )
then b. Now, use the first equation to get a = P 1 e b t 1
Now, for the initial population (that is to say at time t = 0), whatever the choosen model, the population is a.

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