A biologist is comparing the growth of a population of flies per week to the number of flies an iguana will consume per week. He has devised an equation to solve for which day (x) the iguana would be able to eat the entire population. The equation is 3^x = 2x + 1.

Explain to the biologist how he can solve this on a graph using a system of equations.

Question

A  biologist is comparing the growth of a population of flies per week to the number of flies an iguana will consume per week. He has devised an equation to solve for which day (x) the iguana would be able to eat the entire population. The equation is 3^x = 2x + 1.

Explain to the biologist how he can solve this on a graph using a system of equations.

janu16 · Answer

@phi

janu16 · Answer

@mathmate

mathmate · Answer

One useful tool is to graph the left-hand side and right-hand side as two curves.  
We will find the solution (on the x-coordinate) situated where the two curves intersect.

In this case, trial and error will get the answer much quicker.

janu16 · Answer

so grpah this 3^x = 2x + 1? @mathmate

janu16 · Answer

attachment

mathmate · Answer

Yes, have you found the x-coordinates of where the two curves meet?