Answer:
Using the formula:
[tex]P = P_0(1+r)^t[/tex]
where
[tex]P_0[/tex] is the initial population
r is the rate in decimal
b = 1+r is the growth factor
t is the time in years.
As per the statement:
the bear population increases at a rate of 2% each year there are 1573 bears this year,
⇒[tex]P_0 = 1573[/tex], r = 2% = 0.02
then;
[tex]P=1573(1+0.02)^t[/tex]
⇒[tex]b = 1+r= 1+0.02 = 1.02[/tex]
Therefore, the growth factor b is, 1.02
