Question

A scientist is studying bacteria and records the number of bacteria over time. The scientists determines that the function N(t)=300(1.30) models the number of bacteria, N after t hours.

Which statement correctly interprets this model.
A. The number of bacteria is originally 300 and increases by 30%
B. The number of bacteria is originally 300 and decreases by 30 every hour
C. The number of bacteria is originally 30 and increases by 300 every hour
D. The number of bacteria is originally 30 and decreases by 300% every hour

Answer 1

(A) The number of bacteria is originally 300 and increases by 30% every hour

Explanation:

I am assuming the function should actually read:

`N(t)=300\cdot 1.30^t`

(i.e., there should be a "t" in the exponent. if this is not the case please disregard my answer).

According to the above exponential function, the initial amount 300 grows as (1+0.3)*300=300+0.3*300. In other words it increases by 30% every hour (t).

Your answer choice (A) is likely a candidate, except I am missing "every hour" at the end (again, am assuming this was omitted by mistake)