When will the fish population be reduced to 10,000?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a differential equation representing the decline of a fish population in a lake due to disease. The equation is given by dP/dt = -k*sqrt(P), where k is a positive constant. Initial conditions indicate a population of 90,000 fish, reducing to 40,000 after 6 weeks. By integrating the equation and applying the limits of integration, the goal is to determine when the population will decrease to 10,000 fish.

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Homework Statement



The fish population in a lake is attacked by a disease at time t=0 with the result that the size P(t) of the population at time t:

dP/dt= -k*sqrt(P)

where k is a positive constant. If there were initially 90,000 fish in the lake and 40,000 were left after 6 weeks, when will the fish population be reduced to 10,000?

The Attempt at a Solution



integrate [(90,000->40,000) dP/sqrt(P)] = integrate [(0->t)-kdt]

then set t= 6 and solve for k

this was a question on a test I did not know how to do could you tell me if I am on the right track?
 
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I am uncertain that using limits of integration leads to the correct answer. You have this:

\displaystyle\int \frac{dP}{\sqrt{P}} = \displaystyle\int -k dt

where, after integrating, there will be two constants. Luckily there are two conditions.
 
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