SOLUTION: the fish population is decreasing at a rate of 3% per year. in 2002 there were about 1900 fish. find the fish population in 2010

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: the fish population is decreasing at a rate of 3% per year. in 2002 there were about 1900 fish. find the fish population in 2010      Log On


   

Question 982861: the fish population is decreasing at a rate of 3% per year. in 2002 there were about 1900 fish. find the fish population in 2010
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
One way is to say population decreases to 97% each year.
and then form:
p%28t%29=p%2A%280.97%29%5Et, where t is time since year 2002.

p=1900,
t=0 for year 2002;

Year 2010 is then t=8.

p%288%29=1900%280.97%29%5E8

p%288%29=1900%2A0.783743

highlight%28p%288%29=1490%29, which could be said as 1500, just for less accuracy if the 1900 were meant as two significant figures.