Questions: The exponential model A = 634.0(1.16)t describes the population, A, of a county in millions, t years after 2003. Use this model to determine the population of the county in 2003.
Transcript text: The exponential model A = 634.0(1.16)t describes the population, A, of a county in millions, t years after 2003. Use this model to determine the population of the county in 2003.
Solution
To determine the population of the county in 2003 using the given exponential model \( A = 634.0(1.16)^t \), we need to evaluate the model at \( t = 0 \) because 2003 is the starting year. This will give us the initial population of the county in 2003.
Step 1: Identify the Model
The exponential model for the population \( A \) of the county is given by the equation:
\[
A = 634.0(1.16)^t
\]
where \( t \) represents the number of years after 2003.
Step 2: Evaluate the Model for 2003
To find the population in the year 2003, we set \( t = 0 \):
\[
A = 634.0(1.16)^0
\]
Since any number raised to the power of 0 is 1, we simplify this to:
\[
A = 634.0 \times 1 = 634.0
\]
Step 3: State the Population
Thus, the population of the county in 2003 was:
\[
\boxed{634.0}
\]