The following functions give the population of three towns i

The following functions give the population of three towns in terms of the number of years, t, since 1995. Use this information to answer the following questions.

Let L represent the population of Linwood: L=7900(1.26)^t

Let N represent the population of Northfield: N=8320(1.04)^t

Let S represent the population of Somers Point: S=11648(0.91)^t

In which town(s), if any, is the population increasing? (Select all that apply.)

Northfield

Somers Point

Linwood

In which town(s), if any, is the population decreasing? (Select all that apply.)

Somers Point

Northfield

Linwood

Which town experienced the largest 1-year percent change of the population with respect to the number of years since 1995?

What is this 1-year percent change ?

Which town had the largest population in the year 2000

In what year did the town of Somers Point have a population of 9449 people?

Solution

1) In L and N towns, the population increases.

2) In Somers Point

3) Linwood

4) L = +26%

N = + 4%

S = -9%

5) L=7900(1.26)^5 = 25088.8

N=8320(1.04)^5 = 10122.55

S=11648(0.91)^5 = 7268.73

Population of L will be maximum in year 2000

6) 9449 = 11648(0.91)^t

t = 2.2185 years