Hello!
The answer is:
The correct option is the third option,
[tex]L(p(x))=2.425(1.082)^{x}[/tex]
Why?
From the statement we know the function that models the population growth over the years (p(x)) but we have been told that there is an estimated loss that can be modeled by the function L(p), so in order to find which function represents the final function, we need to composite the function, which is the same that evaluate p(x) into the function L(p).
We are given:
[tex]p(x)=2.5(1.082)^{x}[/tex]
and
[tex]L(p(x))=p(0.97)[/tex]
So, the evaluationg p(x) into L(p), we have:
[tex]L(p(x))=p(0.97)\\\\L(p(x))=2.5(1.082)^{x}*(0.97)=0.97*2.5(1.082)^{x} \\\\L(p(x))=0.97*2.5(1.082)^{x}=2.425(1.082)^{x}\\\\L(p(x))=2.425(1.082)^{x}[/tex]
Hence, the correct option is:
The third option,
[tex]L(p(x))=2.425(1.082)^{x}[/tex]
Have a nice day!