53999612
A colony of virtual agents in a computer simulation is modeled by the differential equation \(N'(t)=0.18N(t)\), with \(N(0)=240\), where \(t\) is measured in hours.
a) Write the particular exponential model.
b) Find \(N(6)\), rounded to two decimal places.
c) State whether the model represents growth or decay and give the continuous relative rate.
Hints
- A constant relative rate gives a model of the form \(N(t)=N(0)e^{kt}\).
- Use \(k=0.18\) and evaluate the model only after inserting the initial count \(240\).
- The positive exponent coefficient determines growth and gives the continuous hourly relative rate.
Solution
1. The solution of \(N'=kN\) with initial value \(240\) is \(N(t)=240e^{0.18t}\).
2. \(N(6)=240e^{0.18\cdot 6}\approx 706.72\).
3. Since \(k=0.18\), the model represents growth with a continuous relative rate of \(18.0\%\) per hour.
Answer
a) \(N(t)=240e^{0.18t}\)
b) \(N(6)\approx 706.72\,\text{agents}\)
c) Growth with a continuous relative rate of \(18.0\%\) per hour.
