Question p-t-90

2.1 Nonlinear Functions - Exponential growth and decay functions
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pt=90,0001.06t

The given function p models the population of Lowell t years after a census. Which of the following functions best models the population of Lowell m months after the census?

A.

rm=90,000121.06m

B.

rm=90,0001.0612m

C.

rm=90,0001.0612m12

D.

rm=90,0001.06m12

p t = 90,000 1.06 t The given function p models the population of Lowell t

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Nonlinear Functions — Exponential growth and decay functions. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice D is correct. It’s given that the function p models the population of Lowell t years after a census. Since there are 12 months in a year, m months after the census is equivalent to m12 years after the census. Substituting m12 for t in the equation pt=90,0001.06t yields pm12=90,0001.06m12. Therefore, the function r that best models the population of Lowell m months after the census is rm=90,0001.06m12.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.