Population Dynamics: Logistic Model (Differential Equations)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a population dynamics problem using the logistic model described by a differential equation. The scenario involves determining the time it takes for a population, starting at 10,000, to reach half of its carrying capacity of 100,000, given a growth rate of 5% at time t=0.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between different expressions for the rate of change of population, specifically questioning how to connect the logistic model with the simpler exponential growth model.
  • Some participants express confusion about the implications of the provided equations and the meaning of certain variables, such as P'/P.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of solving the logistic differential equation and whether the original poster has the solution available.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the equations involved and the original poster's understanding of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to focus on the logistic equation, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential inconsistencies in variable notation and the original poster's mention of having a solution to the differential equation, which has not been provided in the thread.

KTiaam
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Homework Statement



Population Dynamics: Logistic model. Suppose the environmental carrying capacity of the population is 100000 and the growth rate a t=0 is 5%. . If the population starts at 10000, how long does it take for the population to reach half the carrying capacity?

dp/dt = A P (P1 – P), where P1 = 100 using 1000 as the unit of population. Here P'/P = 0.05 at t = 0.

Use P'/P = 0.05 and the value of P0 given above in the ODE P' = A P (P1 – P) to find A.

You have the solution of the ODE… use it to answer the question.

Homework Equations


dp/dt = A P
p(t) = P0 ekt
dp/dt = A P (P1 – P)

The Attempt at a Solution


P1 = 100
P(0) = 10

From my understanding you want to find P(t) = 50 and t = ?
I'm just having a hard time connecting dp/dt = AP and dp/dt = A P (P1 – P)
do i find what AP is and then set it equal to A P (P1 – P)?

or do i use p(t) = P0 ekt in some way.

It says "you have the solution of the ODE, use it to answer the question"
I am also not understanding what P'/P represents, as it is equal to .05, but that's the answer when i divide 50 by 1000.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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KTiaam said:
dp/dt = A P
p(t) = P0 ekt
dp/dt = A P (P1 – P)
You have conlicting expressions for dP/dt. I believe the second is for the logistic model. The first is for a model that has no limit on carrying capacity.
You need to solve the logistic differential equation.
 
haruspex said:
You have conlicting expressions for dP/dt. I believe the second is for the logistic model. The first is for a model that has no limit on carrying capacity.
You need to solve the logistic differential equation.

Could you explain a little bit more?
So use only p(t) = P0e^kt?
 
KTiaam said:
Could you explain a little bit more?
So use only p(t) = P0e^kt?
No, haruspex was talking about the logistic equation -- dP/dt = AP(P1 - P). This is the one you need to solve for P.

BTW, try to be consistent with the casing of your variables. Don't use dp/dt in one place and P on the other side. P represents population, so the equation should be as I wrote it above.
 
Last edited:
Mark44 said:
No, haruspex was talking about the logistic equation -- dP/dt = AP(P1 - P). This is the one you need to solve for P.
.
Yes, that's what I meant. But I just noticed in the OP it says "you have the solution to the equation". KTiaam, this implies you have already been given the solution to this differential equation, but you have not listed it. Instead, you have listed a simpler ODE and its solution.
 
haruspex said:
But I just noticed in the OP it says "you have the solution to the equation". KTiaam, this implies you have already been given the solution to this differential equation, but you have not listed it.
Yeah, I was wondering about that, and didn't see the solution listed anywhere.
 

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