Purpose
The purpose of this problem was to calculate how many rats will be born in a year with the given constraints. Six rats are born per litter with three females and three males. The rats must wait 120 days after they are born to give birth, then they will give birth after 40 days.
What Is Known
Process
I had four different strategies to find the answer. I first wrote it out on paper, but that strategy got too low of a number. I tried drawing out a family tree for my second attempt, however that failed as well. I asked Mr Corner for the answer, which was 1,808. Knowing the answer, I wanted to find the process and thought it would be a good idea to use the computer for calculations. I used a spreadsheet to map it all out, but sadly that failed as well. Finally, I tried drawing it out by finding how many females will be born using tallies. After finding the females, I can double it to account for the males.
Solution
I calculated, with my tally marks, that there are 904 female rats. After doubling it to account for the male, I saw that my answer matched the final answer (1,808 rats).
Reflection
I am very confident with my answer because I had it checked and it turned out to be correct. I also have four different attempts to show my process and to support my answer. A Habit of a Mathematician I used consistently was Staying Organized. I tried to keep all my information together to make sure I didn't lose track of my process. I think I used this habit very well and I am overall very satisfied with my process.
The purpose of this problem was to calculate how many rats will be born in a year with the given constraints. Six rats are born per litter with three females and three males. The rats must wait 120 days after they are born to give birth, then they will give birth after 40 days.
What Is Known
- Litter = 6 rats
- Litter born every 40 days
- 120 days after a female is born, she gives birth
- Litter ==> 3 males, 3 females
Process
I had four different strategies to find the answer. I first wrote it out on paper, but that strategy got too low of a number. I tried drawing out a family tree for my second attempt, however that failed as well. I asked Mr Corner for the answer, which was 1,808. Knowing the answer, I wanted to find the process and thought it would be a good idea to use the computer for calculations. I used a spreadsheet to map it all out, but sadly that failed as well. Finally, I tried drawing it out by finding how many females will be born using tallies. After finding the females, I can double it to account for the males.
Solution
I calculated, with my tally marks, that there are 904 female rats. After doubling it to account for the male, I saw that my answer matched the final answer (1,808 rats).
Reflection
I am very confident with my answer because I had it checked and it turned out to be correct. I also have four different attempts to show my process and to support my answer. A Habit of a Mathematician I used consistently was Staying Organized. I tried to keep all my information together to make sure I didn't lose track of my process. I think I used this habit very well and I am overall very satisfied with my process.