In 2003, the population of Charlotte, NC was 584,658. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Charlotte has been growing at the rate of 4.8% annually since 2003. What equation models the population of Charlotte t years after 2003?

Question

anonymous · Answer

And explain why please.
A y = 584,658(1 + 4.8)t
B y = 584,658(1 + 0.48)t
C y = 584,658(1 + 0.048)t
D y = 584,658(0.048)t

kropot72 · Answer

After one year the population will be given by:
$$\large Pop.\ after\ 1\ year=584,658\times1.048$$
In the choices, if you substitute 1 for t, which choice matches the above expression?

wolf1728 · Answer

I am wondering if all those choices should end with ^t instead of *t?

kropot72 · Answer

@wolf1728 Yes, you are correct. Good spotting!

wolf1728 · Answer

Thanks kropot :-)

kropot72 · Answer

yw

kropot72 · Answer

If Pt is the population after t years, P0 is the initial population and r is the growth rate as a decimal the general equation is:
$$\large P _{t}=P _{0}(1+r)^{t}$$
Hopefully you can make the correct choice now.