a. In this item, we are given that the value of r (rate) is jointly proportional to x( infected) and p-x (not infected). This joint variation can be expressed as,
r = k(x)(p-x)
where k is the constant of proportionality.
b. When p = 8000.
x = 90,
r = k(90)(8000 - 90) = 711900k
for x = 900
r = k(900)(8000 - 900) = 6390000k
From the obtained values, when 900 are infected then, the rate of spreading the disease is faster compared to only 90 infected.
c. factor = (6390000k / 711900 k) x 100 = 879.60%.
Hence, the disease will spread by about 8.97 times faster.