Question

A researcher tagged 40 giant turtles in 2008. In 2009 she returned and captured 50 turtles, 16 of which were tagged. in 2010 she returned again and captured 30 turtles 8 of which were tagged.
a: Use a proportion to estimate the turtle population for 2009
b: Use a proportion to estimate the turtle population for 2010


Can someone help me? I really dont understand what to do, so as simply as you can explain it the better. Ty <3

Answer 1

Any ideas?

Answer 2

Well I have never worked with these types of problems before so i'm not even sure how to set up the equation.

Answer 3

Do you know what a proportion is?

Answer 4

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal.

Answer 5

ok

Answer 6

Generally a/b = c/d

Answer 7

40/b = 16/50

Answer 8

so we are finding b?

Answer 9

Yes.

Answer 10

How would we find b?

Answer 11

you are allowed to "flip" *both* ratios, so do that:
b/40= 50/16
now multiply both sides by 40

Answer 12

I confused. Should I solve 50/16 before multiplying?

Answer 13

so .. b/40= 12.8?