Question

A forest fire covers twice the amount of forest as it did 3 days ago. If the fire covered 300 square miles 3 days ago and it continues to grow at the same rate, how many square miles will it cover 12 days from now?

Answer 1

This would depend on if we assume this is constant or exponential growth. If it is linear then it would be:

600=3m+300

300=3m

100=m

A=100d+300

A(12)=1500 mi^2

If it is exponential:

600=300r^3

2=r^3

r=2^(1/3)

A=300(2)^(d/3)

A(12)=4800 mi^2