sat suite question viewer
An entomologist recommended a program to reduce a certain invasive beetle population in an area. The given function estimates this beetle species' population years after , where . Which of the following is the best interpretation of in this context?
Explanation
Choice A is correct. For an exponential function in the form , where and are positive constants and , the initial value of , or the value of when , is and the value of decreases by each time increases by . Therefore, the initial value of the function , or the value of when , is . Therefore, the best interpretation of in this context is the estimated initial beetle population for this species and area in .
Choice B is incorrect. The estimated beetle population for this species and area years after is , or approximately , not .
Choice C is incorrect. The estimated percent decrease in the beetle population for this species and area each year after is , or , not .
Choice D is incorrect. The estimated percent decrease in the beetle population for this species and area every years after is , or approximately , not .