Answer:
y = 10852 bacteria
Explanation:
The equation is exponential growth
y = a b^x where a is the initial amount , b is the growth rate and x is the time
At time 0, we have 5000 bacteria
5000 = a * b^0
5000 = a *1
a = 1
At 4 hours, we have 6000 bacteria
6000 = 5000 * b^4
Divide each side by 5000
6000/5000 = b^4
6/5 = b^4
Take the 4th root of each side
(6/5)^(1/4) = (b^4)^(1/4)
1.046635139 = b
Our equation is
y = 5000 (1.046635139) ^ x
We want to find the number of bacteria present after 17 hours
y = 5000 (1.046635139)^17
y=10851.51313
To the nearest whole number
y = 10852 bacteria