The population of a species of rabbit triples every year. this can be modeled by f(x) = 4(3)x and f(5) = 972. what does the 972 represent?
the starting population of the rabbits
the population of the rabbits after five years
the rate the population increases
the number of years that have passed

F(x) = 4(3)x and f(5) = 972.

972 represents the population of the rabbits after five years.

5 in f(5) represents the year.
4 in f(x) = 4(3)x represents the starting population of the rabbits
3 in f(x) = 4(3)x represents the rate the population increases
x in f(x) = 4(3)x represents the number of years that have passed.