Question

Colby and Jaquan are growing bacteria in an experiment in a laboratory. Colby starts with 50 bacteria in his culture and the number of bacteria doubles every 2 hours. Jaquan has a different type of bacteria that doubles every 3 hours. How many bacteria should Jaquan start with so that they have the same amount at the end of the day?

Answer 1

800

Explanation:

Assuming the end of the day is 24 hours later

Colby will have 50 X (2 ^ 12) = 204,800

Jaquan finishes with 204,800 after its doubled 8 times (24 / 3). So she needs to start with 204,800 / 2 ^ 8 = 800

Answer 2

75. if it doubles ever 3 hours, it'll doubt 8 times
75x 8= 600
in the other one it doubles ever 2 hours so it'll double 12 times
50x 12= 600