To solve this question, we need to solve an exponential equation, which we do applying the natural logarithm to both sides of the equation, getting that it will take 7.6 years for for 21 of the trees to become infected.
Model:
The exponential model for the number of infected trees after t years is given by:
[tex]f(t) = e^{0.4t}[/tex]
How many years will it take for 21 of the trees to become infected?
This is t for which:
[tex]f(t) = 21[/tex]
Thus
[tex]e^{0.4t} = 21[/tex]
Applying the natural logarithm to both sides:
[tex]\ln{e^{0.4t}} = \ln{21}[/tex]
[tex]0.4t = \ln{21}[/tex]
[tex]t = \frac{\ln{21}}{0.4}[/tex]
[tex]t = 7.6[/tex]
It will take 7.6 years for for 21 of the trees to become infected.
For another example of a problem in which an exponential equation is solved, you can check brainly.com/question/24290183.