To solve this problem, we need to understand the growth pattern of the tree. The statement indicates that the tree doubles its weight every three months. This is a characteristic of exponential growth, not linear growth.
Exponential growth means that the growth rate of a value is proportional to its current value. In simpler terms, as the tree gets heavier, it grows even faster because it doubles its weight based on its already increased size.
Let’s break it down step by step:
- Initially, let’s say the tree weighs 100 units.
- After 3 months, the weight becomes 200 units.
- After another 3 months (6 months total), the weight doubles again to 400 units.
- After another 3 months (9 months total), the weight doubles to 800 units.
- After another 3 months (12 months total), the weight doubles to 1600 units.
Therefore, it takes 12 months for the tree to reach a weight of 1600 units. This example clearly illustrates that the tree’s weight is growing exponentially, as the time it takes to reach each successive weight becomes shorter in relation to the amount it weighs.