An initial population of 7 chipmunks in Mary's yard increases by 6% each year. If the function f(x) = abx models this situation, what is the population of the chipmunks in 5 years? (to the nearest whole number)

there would be 9 chipmunks after 5 years.

Step-by-step explanation:

An initial population of 7 chipmunks in Mary's yard increases by 6% each year. It means that the population is increasing in an exponential rate.

The function that models the situation is expressed as

f(x) = ab^x

Where

a represents the initial population of chipmunks

b represent the rate of growth

x represent the number of years

From the information given,

a = 7

b = 1 + 6% = 1 + 6/100 = 1.06

x = 5 years

After 5 years,

f(5) = 7 × 1.06^5

f(5) = 9