Question

The number of bacteria in a certain population increases according to a continuous exponential growth model, with a growth rate parameter of 5.9% per hour.

How many hours does it take for the size of the sample to double?
Note: This is a continuous exponential growth model.
Do not round any intermediate computations, and round your answer to the nearest hundredth.

Answer 1

11.72 hours

Explanation:

In a continuous exponential growth model, the formula for the size of the population at time t is given by:

N(t) = N₀ * e^(rt)

where N₀ is the initial population size, r is the growth rate parameter, and e is the mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.71828.

To find the time it takes for the population size to double, we can set N(t) equal to 2N₀ and solve for t:

2N₀ = N₀ * e^(rt)

Dividing both sides by N₀:

2 = e^(rt)

Taking the natural logarithm of both sides:

ln(2) = rt * ln(e)

Since ln(e) = 1:

ln(2) = rt

Solving for t:

t = ln(2)/r

Substituting the given growth rate parameter of 5.9% per hour:

t = ln(2)/(0.059) ≈ 11.72 hours

Therefore, it takes approximately 11.72 hours for the size of the population to double.