Answer to Question #310943 in Algebra for Charity

Question

The corona disease has been led to many deaths per week increases by 9.2% every week.Suppose this trend does not change and 82 deaths have been recorded this week.Determined the number of deaths that: a)were recorded 4 weeks ago b) will be recorded in 3 weeks time c) will be recorded in 6 weeks time

Answer 1

Solution

The deaths follow an exponential growth and can be calculated using the formula

$P=P_0(1+r)^t$

where

$P$ is the number of deaths after t weeks

$P_0$ is the current number of deaths

$r$ is the rate of increase which $=0.092$

(a) Cases 4 weeks ago

$P_{-4}=P_0(1+r)^t$

$P_{-4}=82(1-0.092)^4$

$=56$ deaths

(b) Cases in 3 weeks time

$P_3=P_0(1+r)^t$

$P_3=82(1+0.092)^3$

$=107$ deaths

(c) Cases in 6 weeks time

$P_6=P_0(1+r)^t$

$P_6=82(1+0.092)^6$

$=139$ deaths