Using the given function, it is found that:
a) 20 insects were discovered.
b) The population after 5 years will be of 417 insects.
As stated in the exercise, it is given by:
[tex]P(t) = \frac{60(1 + 0.4t)}{0.01t + 3}[/tex]
Item a:
[tex]P(0) = \frac{60[1 + 0.4(0)]}{0.01(0) + 3} = \frac{60}{3} = 20[/tex]
20 insects were discovered.
Item b:
5 years = 60 months, hence:
[tex]P(60) = \frac{60[1 + 0.4(60)]}{0.01(60) + 3} \approx 417[/tex]
The population after 5 years will be of 417 insects.
More can be learned about functions at https://brainly.com/question/25537936