# Logistic Equation Calculus Question

1. Feb 11, 2007

### saralsaigh

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Suppose that a population develops according to the logistic equation
dp/dt = 0.03 p - 0.006 p^2
where t is measured in weeks.
-What is the carrying capacity and the value of k?

2. Relevant equations

dp/dt = kP ( 1 - (p/K)) where K is the carrying capacity

3. The attempt at a solution

Well i thought that in order to solve this i need to get the differenctial expression give in the question to resemble that of the logistic equation so i can get the values. so far my attempts have failed...so i dont know if THAT is wat i am actually supposed to do.
I rearranged the equation and i got:
dp/dt = P^2 ( (o.o3/P) - 0.oo6)
= 0.006 P^2 ( (5/P) - 1)
= -0.006 P^2 ( 1- (5/P))
that is the farthest I went so far i dont really know wat to do next or whether or not I am understanding this question correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated

2. Feb 22, 2007

### gammamcc

You have the general form, but then you factored out a p^2. Now you are inventing another form....

To paraphrase "Only Euclid has seen beauty bare" .... but not here.

3. Feb 22, 2007

### cristo

Staff Emeritus
So, you want to get your equation in the form $$\frac{dp}{dt}=\frac{rp(K-p)}{K}=rp(1-\frac{p}{K})$$, where here r is the Malthusian parameter (your k) and K is the carrying capacity.

Your mistake was factoring out p2, since this gives us a term which looks like 1/p instead of p inside the brackets. You should do this: $$\frac{dp}{dt}=0.006p(5-p)=0.03p(1-\frac{p}{5})$$. Can you solve now?

Last edited: Feb 22, 2007
4. Feb 22, 2007

### saralsaigh

thanks for the help i got the right answer