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1.8.7 Reduce y = ax^n and y = ab^x to linear form

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Question 18

An ecological study tracked the expansion of an invasive water lily population in a lake starting on 1 March. The total surface area covered by the lilies, S S\,S square metres, was recorded over several months. The area is modelled by the equation

S=abt S = ab^t S=abt

where t t\,t is the number of months since 1 March, and a a\,a and b b\,b are constants.

a.

Show that S=abtS = ab^tS=abt can be written in the form log⁡10S=log⁡10a+tlog⁡10b\log_{10} S = \log_{10} a + t \log_{10} blog10​S=log10​a+tlog10​b.

[2]
b.

The values of log⁡10S\log_{10} Slog10​S against t t\,t are plotted on a graph, and a line of best fit is drawn. The line passes through the points (0,1.48)(0, 1.48)(0,1.48) and (8,3.72)(8, 3.72)(8,3.72). Find estimates for the values of a a\,a and bbb. Give your answers to three significant figures.

[4]
c.

Use the model to predict the month in which the surface area covered by the lilies will first exceed 25,000 m2m^2m2.

[3]
d.

State one reason why the prediction in part (c) may be unreliable.

[1]

1.8.7 Reduce y = ax^n and y = ab^x to linear form Questions

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  3. /1.8.7 Reduce y = ax^n and y = ab^x to linear form