5

Set 10: Exponential Functions (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

A population starts at 1,000 and doubles every year. After how many years will the population first exceed 8,000 based on the table?

YearPopulation
01,000
12,000
24,000
38,000
A.

3 years

B.

4 years

✓ Correct
C.

2 years

D.

5 years

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. Choice B is the correct answer. The table shows populations at each year mark. 1. Check Table: At year 3, population = 8,000 (equals, not exceeds). 2. Pattern: Population doubles: P(t)=1000(2)tP(t) = 1000(2)^t. 3. Year 4: P(4)=1000(2)4=16,000>8,000P(4) = 1000(2)^4 = 16,000 > 8,000. 4. Conclusion: First exceeds 8,000 at year 4. Strategic Tip: "Exceed" means strictly greater than, not equal to. Choice A is incorrect because at year 3, the population equals 8,000, not exceeds. Choice C is incorrect because at year 2, population is only 4,000. Choice D is incorrect because the population exceeds 8,000 before year 5.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 4 years

Why others are wrong:
A: Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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