Final answer:
To find the number of bacteria after 4.5 hours, use the population growth model. The approximate number of bacteria after 4.5 hours is 40,960.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of bacteria after 4.5 hours, we can use the population growth model. Let's first determine the growth factor by dividing the population at 6 hours (25,600) by the population at 2 hours (400). This gives us a growth factor of 64 (25,600 / 400 = 64).
Next, we can use the growth factor to find the population after 4.5 hours. Starting with the population at 2 hours (400), we multiply it by the growth factor raised to the power of the time difference in hours (4.5 - 2 = 2.5). So the calculation is: 400 * (64 ^ 2.5).
Using a calculator, we find that the approximate number of bacteria after 4.5 hours is 40,960.