Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits
In calculus, a limit is a fundamental concept that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. Evaluating limits helps us understand the function's behavior at points where it may not be explicitly defined or at infinity. In this case, we are interested in the limit of the population function p(t) as t approaches infinity, which provides insight into the long-term behavior of the population.
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Population Functions
Population functions model the growth of a population over time, often represented as p(t), where t is time. These functions can take various forms, such as exponential or logistic growth models. Understanding the specific form of the population function given, p(t) = 600(t² + 3)/(t² + 9), is crucial for evaluating its behavior as time progresses, particularly as t approaches infinity.
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Asymptotic Behavior
Asymptotic behavior refers to the behavior of a function as its input approaches a limit, often infinity. In the context of population growth, it helps us determine the maximum population size that can be sustained over time. By analyzing the limit of p(t) as t approaches infinity, we can interpret the long-term population trend and understand whether the population stabilizes, grows indefinitely, or declines.
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Cases Where Limits Do Not Exist