Question:medium

The rate of change of population $P(t)$ with respect to time $(t)$, where $\alpha$, $\beta$ are the constant birth and death rates, respectively, is

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In population models, net growth = birth rate $-$ death rate. Multiply this with current population for total rate of change.
Updated On: Jan 14, 2026
  • $\dfrac{dP}{dt} = (\alpha + \beta)P$
  • $\dfrac{dP}{dt} = (\alpha - \beta)P$
  • $\dfrac{dP}{dt} = \dfrac{\alpha + \beta}{P}$
  • $\dfrac{dP}{dt} = \dfrac{\alpha - \beta}{P}$
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The population change rate quantifies the net effect of births and deaths relative to the existing population size.
Births increase the population count, whereas deaths decrease it.
Therefore, $\text{Net Growth Rate} = \alpha - \beta$
The increment in population size directly correlates with the current population $P(t)$.
Consequently, $\frac{dP}{dt} = (\alpha - \beta)P$
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