The formula P=0.68x^2 -0.041x+3 models the approx. population in thousands, for a species of fish in a local pond, x years after 1997.During what year will the population reach 27,234? I know how to set up the equation i just keep getting the wrong answer...the answer is 2003, but im not sure how to get to that

Question

The formula P=0.68x^2 -0.041x+3 models the approx. population in thousands, for a species of fish in a local pond, x years after 1997.During what year will the population reach 27,234?  I know how to set up the equation i just keep getting the wrong answer...the answer is 2003, but im not sure how to get to that

noelgreco · Answer

Are you plugging in 27.234 for P?  Remember, it's population in thousands.

I get 6  which gives 2003 as desired.

noelgreco · Answer

Do you see, or need more detail?

anonymous · Answer

what's throwing me of is the 0.68x^2

noelgreco · Answer

Are you using a graphing calculator?

noelgreco · Answer

...or are you using the quadratic formula?

anonymous · Answer

I'm using a calculator, but i didn't think the quadratic formula applied to this equation. I'll try that.

noelgreco · Answer

Did it work?

anonymous · Answer

yes it did thanks very much, i didn't even think to use the quadratic formula.