9709 P32 - Jun 2015 - Q9
2292
The number of organisms in a population at time t is denoted by x. Treating x as a continuous variable, the differential equation satisfied by x and t is
\(\frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{xe^{-t}}{k + e^{-t}},\)
where k is a positive constant.
- Given that x = 10 when t = 0, solve the differential equation, obtaining a relation between x, k, and t.
- Given also that x = 20 when t = 1, show that k = 1 - \(\frac{2}{e}\).
- Show that the number of organisms never reaches 48, however large t becomes.
