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The current population of New Limerick, Maine is 520 and grows at a rate of 4% per year. Which equation could be used to determine how many years it will take for the population to reach 650 people?

A. 650= 520(1.04)^x
B. 650= 520(1.04)^x
C. 650= 520(1.004)^x
D. 650= 520(0.04)^x

Question

I WILL FAN AND GIVE MEDAL TO WHOEVER HELPS

The current population of New Limerick, Maine is 520 and grows at a rate of 4% per year. Which equation could be used to determine how many years it will take for the population to reach 650 people?

A. 650= 520(1.04)^x
B. 650= 520(1.04)^x
C. 650= 520(1.004)^x
D. 650= 520(0.04)^x

anonymous · Answer

A&B are the same.. That is how it is on the website

agreene · Answer

So, we know the starting value is 520 and it grows by a rate of 4%
Since all the answers are given in a decimal form to represent 4% we just need to convert it to a decimal and we will be able to find which answer is correct.
Remember that when you convert to a fraction, you move the decimal points two points to the left:
$$4\%=0.04$$
So, which answer used that for the growth rate?

agreene · Answer

there you go.

anonymous · Answer

No, you need to add 1 to that to make it the growth rate, 0.04*100 makes it smaller so it is a decay rate. The growth rate is 1.04, so it is either A or B

anonymous · Answer

That's what my friend told me. So i believe it might be A.

agreene · Answer

eh, yeah you are right @Venny  and @morgan2323 
I quickly looked at it and assumed they used the correct notation for growth rates, and not a wrong version.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks anyway @agreene !