How Is Doubling Time Calculated in Population Growth Models?

[Christo]

1. The population of a certain country grows according to the formula:

N = N0e^kt

Where N is the number of people (in millions) after t years, N0 is the initial number of people (in millions) and k = 1/20 ln 5/4.

Calculate the doubling time of this population. Leave your answer in terms
of ln : Do not use a calculator.2. I don't understand where to start off.3. I have basically come to the conclusion that N = 2N0
That is how far I have come. I know I haven't done anything as of yet. But any help would be appreciated

 

[SteamKing]

Well, you were given a value for k. Did you plug this value into the population equation and make any obvious simplifications?

 

[symbolipoint]

Use N=2 and N_o=1.
Take natural log of both sides of the equation.

 

[Christo]

Thanks for the info, will plug in the variables and see where I end up.

 

[HallsofIvy]

To see that you get the same "doubling time" for any initial value, take [tex]N= 2N_0[/tex].