A coral reef restoration project plants 150 coral fragments in the first month, and each month thereafter increases planting by 20%. How many fragments are planted in the fourth month?

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:48:14 +0000

**Why Coral Restoration Efforts Are Making Waves—And How Many Fragments Grow Each Month** In a time when ecological action meets growing public awareness, coral reef restoration projects are gaining traction as vital solutions to ocean decline. One powerful example unfolds monthly: a focused effort to rehabilitate damaged reef ecosystems through structured planting. Starting strong with 150 coral fragments in the first month, the project scales by 20% each subsequent month—reflecting a deliberate, data-driven approach to reef recovery. This steady increase highlights how progress builds not all at once, but through sustained, incremental growth. Understanding how planting numbers grow over time reveals both the project’s momentum and the larger challenges facing marine conservation. **The Growing Pattern Behind Reef Planting** Every month, the number of coral fragments planted increases—testifying to rising operational capacity and commitment. Starting with 150 fragments, the projected monthly planting follows a clear mathematical pattern: each month’s total is 120% of the previous month’s. This means the second month sees 150 × 1.2 = 180 fragments, the third brings 180 × 1.2 = 216, and the fourth month steadily grows to 216 × 1.2. This compound increase—far more reliable than flat or arbitrary gains—demonstrates accountability and long-term planning, cornerstones of credible environmental restoration.