- #1
FrogPad
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Ok, I have this modeling problem that I cannot figure out how to setup.
The problem is given:
The population of mosquitoes in a certain area increases at a rate proportional to the current population, and in the absence of other factors, the population doubles each week. There are 200,000 mosquitoes in the area initially, and predators (birds, bats, so forth) eat 20,000 mosquitoes/day. Determine the population of mosquitoes in the area at any time.
I don't understand what "absense of other factors" means. I'll put down what I have.
Let P(t) = the population of mosquitoes.
P(0)=200,000
dP/dt = 2*P(t) mosquitoes/week - 20,000 mosquitoes/day
(now simply convert week to days)
dP/dt = 2*P(t) mosquitoes/(7*day) - 20,000 mosquitoes/day
So yeah, that's the equation I have to model it. I have NO idea if that is right not, because like I said, I don't really understand what the question is asking.
Now, when I solve this problem I get a different answer then what the book has.
The book gives:
P=201,977.31-1977.31*e^(ln(2))*t, 0<=t<=t_f ~=6.6745 weeks
So, if anybody could point me in a direction of what I am doing wrong with the modeling... or maybe, just maybe my model is fine and I'm solving the DIFFEQ problem wrong...
Anyways... thanks in advance, I appreciate any help.
The problem is given:
The population of mosquitoes in a certain area increases at a rate proportional to the current population, and in the absence of other factors, the population doubles each week. There are 200,000 mosquitoes in the area initially, and predators (birds, bats, so forth) eat 20,000 mosquitoes/day. Determine the population of mosquitoes in the area at any time.
I don't understand what "absense of other factors" means. I'll put down what I have.
Let P(t) = the population of mosquitoes.
P(0)=200,000
dP/dt = 2*P(t) mosquitoes/week - 20,000 mosquitoes/day
(now simply convert week to days)
dP/dt = 2*P(t) mosquitoes/(7*day) - 20,000 mosquitoes/day
So yeah, that's the equation I have to model it. I have NO idea if that is right not, because like I said, I don't really understand what the question is asking.
Now, when I solve this problem I get a different answer then what the book has.
The book gives:
P=201,977.31-1977.31*e^(ln(2))*t, 0<=t<=t_f ~=6.6745 weeks
So, if anybody could point me in a direction of what I am doing wrong with the modeling... or maybe, just maybe my model is fine and I'm solving the DIFFEQ problem wrong...
Anyways... thanks in advance, I appreciate any help.