Question

A type of bacteria doubles in number every 12 hours. After 2 days, there are 48 bacteria. How many bacteria were there at the begging?

Answer 1

I believe there were 3 to start. It doubles every 12 hours and there are 48 to end. Also There are 48 hours in two days and I takes 12*4 to get 48. You would divide 48 (end bacteria number) by 2 to get 24. That’s the total for 36hrs. Then, do 36/2=12. That’s the total for 24hrs. Next, do 12/2 to get 6. That’s the total for 12hrs. Last, do 6/2=3. That’s your starting number. I hope this makes sense and helps.