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11.11 Modelling with Differential Equations

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Question 6

An orchard contains 1200 apple trees. A farmer observes a fungal infection spreading among the trees. Initially, 40 trees are infected. The number of infected trees is increasing by 25% each day.

a.

The total number of infected trees, xxx, is modelled by

x=A×Bt x = A \times B^t x=A×Bt

where A A\,A and B B\,B are constants and t t\,t is the number of days after the farmer first noticed the infection.

(i) Find the total number of infected trees 6 days after the farmer first noticed the infection based on this model.

(ii) Explain why this model is not realistic in the long term for the orchard.

[3]
b.

A refined model assumes the rate of increase of the number of infected trees is given by

dxdt=x(1200−x)4800 \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{x(1200 - x)}{4800} dtdx​=4800x(1200−x)​

(i) Show that

∫(Cx+D1200−x)dx=∫dt \int \left( \frac{C}{x} + \frac{D}{1200 - x} \right) dx = \int dt ∫(xC​+1200−xD​)dx=∫dt

where C C\,C and D D\,D are positive integers to be found.

(ii) Hence, find t t\,t in terms of xxx.

(iii) Find the number of days it takes from when the infection is first noticed until half of the trees are infected.

[9]

11.11 Modelling with Differential Equations Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /11.11 Modelling with Differential Equations

Practise Edexcel A Level Maths 11.11 Modelling with Differential Equations with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 51 questions, matched to the Edexcel A Level Maths (9MA0) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.

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