Math Problem Statement

Consider a population that grows according to the recursive rule P_n = P_(n-1) + 95, with initial population P_0 = 70. Find P_1, P_2, an explicit formula for P_n, and then use the formula to calculate P_100.

Solution

To solve this problem, let’s go through each part step by step.

Given Information

  • Initial population, P0=70P_0 = 70.
  • Recursive rule, Pn=Pn1+95P_n = P_{n-1} + 95.

This rule means that each step increases the population by 95.

Step 1: Calculate P1P_1 and P2P_2

Using the recursive rule:

  1. P1=P0+95P_1 = P_0 + 95 P1=70+95=165P_1 = 70 + 95 = 165

  2. P2=P1+95P_2 = P_1 + 95 P2=165+95=260P_2 = 165 + 95 = 260

So, P1=165P_1 = 165 and P2=260P_2 = 260.

Step 2: Find an Explicit Formula for PnP_n

Since this is an arithmetic sequence (each term increases by 95), we can use the formula for the nn-th term of an arithmetic sequence: Pn=P0+ndP_n = P_0 + n \cdot d where d=95d = 95 (the common difference).

Substituting P0=70P_0 = 70: Pn=70+95nP_n = 70 + 95n

Step 3: Use the Explicit Formula to Find P100P_{100}

Substitute n=100n = 100 into the formula: P100=70+95100P_{100} = 70 + 95 \cdot 100 P100=70+9500=9570P_{100} = 70 + 9500 = 9570

Summary of Answers

  • P1=165P_1 = 165
  • P2=260P_2 = 260
  • Explicit formula for PnP_n: Pn=70+95nP_n = 70 + 95n
  • P100=9570P_{100} = 9570

Would you like further details on any part of this solution?


Related Questions

  1. How would the explicit formula change if the initial population were different?
  2. What if the population grew by a different rate, such as 120 instead of 95?
  3. How does an arithmetic sequence differ from a geometric sequence?
  4. Can you find the population at n=50n = 50 using the explicit formula?
  5. How could this model be modified to include a variable growth rate?

Tip:

For recursive problems, it’s helpful to recognize if they follow a known sequence (like arithmetic or geometric), as it allows for an explicit formula, which is often simpler to work with than the recursive form.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Arithmetic Sequences
Recursive Functions

Formulas

Recursive formula: P_n = P_(n-1) + d
Explicit formula for arithmetic sequence: P_n = P_0 + n * d

Theorems

Arithmetic Sequence Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10