In 2004, the population of butterflies in West Fremont is 60,000, and growing at a rate of 1.4% each year. If the rate of population growth remains constant, determine the year in which the population will double?

1 Answer
Apr 1, 2016

The population would have doubled in the year 2072

Explanation:

If the rate of growth is constrained as constant then this is the same as simple interest type calculation.

Let the number of years be #n#

#60000+[(60000xx1.4/100)xxn] = 60000xx2#

Subtract 60000 from both sides

#=>(60000xx1.4/100)xxn = 60000#

Divide both sides by #(60000xx1.4/100)#

#=> n=60000xx100/(60000xx1.4)#

#=> n= 100/(1.4) = 71.429# years span to 3 decimal places

So the year in which this happens is

#2001+ 71 = 2072#