Question

possible points 20
in 2000, an invasive plant species covered 0.2% of an island. for the 5 years that followed, the area covered by the plant tripled every year. how much of the island was covered in 2005?
a 25.0%
b 3.0%
c 48.6%
d 33.3%

Explanation:

Step1: Define exponential growth formula

The area follows exponential growth: $A = A_0 \times r^t$, where $A_0=0.2\%$, $r=3$, $t=5$.

Step2: Calculate growth factor

Compute $3^5$:
$3^5 = 3\times3\times3\times3\times3 = 243$

Step3: Find final covered area

Multiply initial area by growth factor:
$A = 0.2\% \times 243 = 48.6\%$

Answer:

C. 48.6%