Question

In an experiment to study the growth of bacteria, a medical student measured5000 bacteria at time 0 and 8000 at time 10 minutes. Assuming that the number of bacteria grows exponentially, how many bacteria will be present after 30 minutes? (see attachment)

Answer 1

Let the growth be a function f such that:\[f(x) = A_o e^{kt}\]where Ao is the inital population, and the time t is given in minutes. So, from the first part, we get that Ao = 5000. At time = 10, we get 8000. Solve the log expression for k. With Ao and k, just plugin t=30 and calculate.

Answer 2

ok.

Answer 3

I got 20480. But double check my arithmetic.

Answer 4

i got the same thing.

Answer 5

thanks! I got it right.

Answer 6

No problem :-)