Question

After new government legislation declared the spotted owl an endangered species in 1994, the population increased by 250% over the next three years. If there were 48 spotted owls in 1994, how many were there three years later?

Answer 1

In your question, do you mean by "increased by" that, after the first year, you have the original 48 PLUS 250% of 48 or a total of 250% of 48. Normally, the former not the latter is what is the usual meaning, but I suspect the wording in this problem.

Answer 2

It states that its increased by 250% over the next three years.. Will it be 120?

Answer 3

If the problem, which is worded a bit funny (if for no other reason than it left out "each year"), is taken in the way these problem are SUPPOSED to be worded, the answer would be (48)(1 + 2.5)^3. Part of the difficulty is that "each year" is supposed to be stated if that is what is meant. It is difficult to assume this. but I think we have to here, otherwise the "3 years" is irrelevant.

Answer 4

You see, the problem is worded so poorly, that there actually could be four answers, depending on how much is being "read into" the problem. We could have 1) 48(2.5) or 2) 48(1 + 2.5) or 3) (48)(2.5)^3 or 4) (48)(1 + 2.5)^3. I'm taking the liberty of making my own assumptions here and I think they left out "each year" there was a 250% increase and that the increase is in addition to the original 48. So, I go for answer 4).