Question

select the correct answer. a pack of gray wolves was reintroduced to a forest. the table gives the size of this population of wolves over time.

time (years)	wolf population
2	15
4	19
6	24
8	31
10	38

if the trend in the table continues, which value is closest to the predicted population size during year 12?
a. 53
b. 46
c. 49
d. 42

Explanation:

Step1: Find the differences in population

Find the differences between consecutive wolf - population values:
$15 - 12=3$, $19 - 15 = 4$, $24 - 19=5$, $31 - 24 = 7$, $38 - 31=7$. The differences seem to be increasing by 1 or staying the same in a somewhat irregular pattern. Let's assume a linear - like growth trend for simplicity. The average increase from year 10 to year 12 can be estimated by looking at the previous increases. The increase from year 8 to year 10 is $38 - 31 = 7$. If we assume a similar increase from year 10 to year 12.

Step2: Calculate the predicted population

The population at year 10 is 38. If we assume an increase of 7 (similar to the previous 2 - year increase), the predicted population at year 12 is $38+7 = 45$. The closest value to 45 among the options is 46.

Answer:

B. 46