At the start of an experiment, there are 60 bacteria in a dish. The bacteria population is expected to grow at a rate of 230% each day.

Which is the best prediction for the bacteria population after 5 days?

Question

At the start of an experiment, there are 60 bacteria in a dish. The bacteria population is expected to grow at a rate of 230% each day.

Which is the best prediction for the bacteria population after 5 days?

anonymous · Answer

You can use the pert formula for this equation:
$$A = Pe ^{rt}$$
Where P = initial amount, e = a mathematical constant, r = rate, and t = time
tip: e should be on your calculator.
Hope this helps!

anonymous · Answer

what would e be ?

alekos · Answer

e = 2.71828

anonymous · Answer

Thank you @alekos! I couldn't remember it off the top of my head haha

mathmale · Answer

This experiment starts with P=60 bacteria.  The given growth rate is 230%, which translates into the mixed decimal fraction 2.3.  The time period of interest is 5 days.

You need only put this info together in the formula given you by wotseit and then evaluate it:

$$A=(60 bacteria)e ^{2.3*5}$$

mathmale · Answer

What kind of calculator do you have?  You'll need a calculator to evaluate the exponential function e^(2.3*5).

anonymous · Answer

uhhhh....lol i got 5922946.26 i put 60(e)^2.3 5 into my calculater ...idk what i did wrong

mathmale · Answer

I did hope you'd answer my question about the type of calculator you have.

Try that calculation again.  But do some preliminary work first:  2.3*5 = ??

2.3*5 will be the exponent of your base, e.

anonymous · Answer

11.5

anonymous · Answer

and im just using a scientific calculator that is installed on my laptop

anonymous · Answer

When you are doing calculations such as this on a scientific calculator, it is important to use parenthesis: 60 x e^(2.3 *5)
Otherwise, your calculator may read it as:
$$60 \times e ^{2.3} \times 5$$
I'm not sure if this was the problem but it helps to know anyway.

mathmale · Answer

Now take that 11.5 to be the exponent of e:$$e ^{11.5}$$
Evaluate that.  Then multiply the result by (60 bacteria).

anonymous · Answer

i am still getting the same answer :/

mathmale · Answer

How are you hoping I would respond?

anonymous · Answer

Can you take a screenshot of how you are putting it into your calculator? Use the prntscr button on a PC (not sure what it is for mac), paste it into paint, save it, and attach it as a file. Computer calculators are weird and I am curious how you are entering it.