Answer :

AL2006
The "average rate of change" means how many new mice per year
during those years.

How many are there at the end of the 2nd year ?

P(2) = 2,000(1.05)² = 2,205 mice

How many are there at the end of the 5th year ?

P(5) = 2,000(1.05 to the 5th power) = 2,552.6 mice

The average rate of change during those 3 years is (new mice in 3 years) / 3

That's (2552.6 - 2205) / 3 = 347.6 .

To the nearest whole number, it's 348 mice per year ... Choice #2.

That's a lotta mice !