Differential equations - logistic law problem

In summary, using the logistic law, we can determine the population growth after a certain amount of time. In this case, for a low population that doubles every 40 minutes, the population after 2 hours with an initial population of 10^8 is 22,222,222 and with an initial population of 10^9 is 22,792,022.
  • #1
braindead101
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1. A population grows accordin to the logistic law, with a limiting population of 5 x 10^8 individuals. When the population is low, it doubles every 40 minutes. What will the population be after 2 hours if initially it is (a) 10^8, and (b) 10^9?

P=P0e^a(t-t0)
N=a/b
p(t) = ap0/[bp0 + (a-bp0)e^-a(t-t0)]


I have actually solved the problem, but I want to confirm that I am doing it right so here is my solution, i only showed (a) since a and b are the same.

p=p0e^a(t-t0) (i used this since it gives you info about a low population)
2=1e^a(40-0)
2=e^40a
40a = ln 2
a = 1/40 ln 2

then i used N = a/b since N is given to be 5 x 10^8
5 x 10^8 = a/b
5 x 10^8 = (1/40 ln 2) / b
b = (1/40 ln 2)/(5 x 10^8)

then i used the logistic model
p(t) = ap0/[bp0 + (a-bp0)e^-a(t-t0)]
p(120)= (1/40 ln 2)(10^8)/[((1/40 ln 2)/(5x10^8)) (10^8) + (1/40 ln 2 - ((1/40 ln 2)/(5x10^8)) (10^8) )e^(-1/40 ln 2)(120-0)] (sorry i know this looks confusing bare with me)
P(120) = (10^8/40 ln 2) / [1/8 ln 2 + (1/40 ln 2- (1/8 ln 2))e^-3 ln 2)]
P(120) = (10^8/40 ln 2) / [1/8 ln 2 + (1/40 ln 2 - (1/8 ln 2))(1/8)] (e^-3 ln 2 = 1/8, is this correct??)
P(120) = (10^8/40 ln 2) / [1/8 ln 2 + 1/320 ln 2 - 1/64 ln 2]
then i got rid of all the ln 2's
P(120) = (10^8/40) / [1/8 + 1/320 - 1/64]
P(120) = (10^8/40) / 9/80
P(120) = (10^8/40)(80/9)
P(120) = (2 x 10^8)/9 = 22,222,222


i really hope this is right.
and i did the same thing for (b) but changed 10^8 to 10^9 and got 22,792,022
 
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  • #2
anyone?
i am not sure if this is right at all, any feedback would be great
 

What is a differential equation?

A differential equation is a mathematical equation that relates a function with its derivatives. It is used to model change and growth in various scientific and mathematical fields.

What is the logistic law problem?

The logistic law problem is a type of differential equation that models population growth over time. It takes into account factors such as available resources and carrying capacity to predict how a population will change over time.

How is the logistic law problem solved?

The logistic law problem can be solved by using techniques such as separation of variables, substitution, and partial fractions. These methods allow us to find an exact solution or a numerical approximation of the solution.

What are the applications of the logistic law problem?

The logistic law problem has applications in various fields such as biology, ecology, economics, and population dynamics. It is used to predict the growth and decline of populations and to understand the impact of limiting factors on growth.

What are some limitations of the logistic law problem?

The logistic law problem assumes that the population growth rate is proportional to both the current population size and the remaining resources. It also assumes that the environment remains constant, which may not always be the case in real-life situations.

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