Question

scientists put marks on 72 moose as part of an effort to estimate the local moose population. later, the scientists flew over the area and counted a total of 430 moose, of which 43 were marked. to the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the moose population?

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Let \( N \) be the total moose population. The proportion of marked moose in the sample should equal the proportion of marked moose in the population. So \(\frac{72}{N}=\frac{43}{430}\).

Step2: Solve for \( N \)

Cross - multiply: \( 43N = 72\times430 \). Then \( N=\frac{72\times430}{43} \). Simplify \( \frac{72\times430}{43}=72\times10 = 720 \) (since \( \frac{430}{43}=10 \)).

Answer:

720