in order to keep track of the garter snake population in a certain area, pam traps 24 garter snakes and…

in order to keep track of the garter snake population in a certain area, pam traps 24 garter snakes and marks them. later, pam catches 390 garter snakes, 18 of which are marked. to the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the garter snake population?

in order to keep track of the garter snake population in a certain area, pam traps 24 garter snakes and marks them. later, pam catches 390 garter snakes, 18 of which are marked. to the nearest whole number, what is the best estimate for the garter snake population?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Let $x$ be the total garter - snake population. The proportion is $\frac{\text{marked in first catch}}{\text{total population}}=\frac{\text{marked in second catch}}{\text{size of second catch}}$, so $\frac{24}{x}=\frac{18}{390}$.

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us $18x = 24\times390$.

Step3: Solve for $x$

First, calculate $24\times390 = 9360$. Then $x=\frac{9360}{18}=520$.

Answer:

520