for a science fair project, anthony is trying to estimate the population of armadillidiidae bugs (more…

for a science fair project, anthony is trying to estimate the population of armadillidiidae bugs (more commonly known as roly polies) on his parents property. anthony traps 38 roly polies, marks them, and releases them. he then replaces the traps and ends up catching 490 roly polies, 19 of which are marked. to the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the roly poly population?
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Set up the proportion
Let $x$ be the total population of roly - polies. The proportion is based on the ratio of marked to total in the second - catch being equal to the ratio of the initial marked to the total population. So, $\frac{19}{490}=\frac{38}{x}$.
Step2: Cross - multiply
Cross - multiplying gives us $19x = 38\times490$.
Step3: Solve for $x$
First, calculate $38\times490 = 18620$. Then, $x=\frac{18620}{19}$. $x = 980$.
Answer:
980