The population of a species of rabbit triples every year. this can be modeled by f(x) = 4(3)x and f(5) = 972. what does the 4 represent? (1 point) the starting population of the rabbits the population of the rabbits after five years the rate the population increases the number of years that have passed

The starting population of the rabbits

Step-by-step explanation:

Given: The population of a species of rabbit triples every year. This can be modeled by f(x) = 4(3)x and f(5) = 972.

We know that the exponential growth function is given by :-

, where A is the initial amount and b is the multiplicative rate of change in time x.

As compared to the given exponential function, we have

A=4

Therefore, 4 represents the starting population of the rabbits