Question

A population of sea turtles is growing at a rate of 3% on North Carolina's coast due to great protection

programs on the beaches. If there are currently 3,000 sea turtles, how many years will it take for the
population to double?

Answer 1

23.4 years

Explanation:

The exponential growth model is

A = P(1 + r)^5t, where r is the annual growth rate as a decimal fraction.

If the original number (P) is to double, then this model becomes

2P = P(1 + 0.03)^t, or 2 = 1.03^t. Solve this for t by taking the log of both sides:

log 2 = t*log 1.03, or

0.30103

t = --------------- = 23.4 years

0.01284