Answer:
10,240 bacteria
Step-by-step explanation:
Using the formula:
Number of bacteria = 2^n
Where n = number of times the bacteria can divide within the time available. In this case, the bacteria can divide once every 3o minutes, meaning that it can divide 2 times in one hour and 10 times in 5 hours. Hence, n = 10.
There were 10 bacteria to start with, hence, the formula becomes:
Number of bacteria at the end of 5 hours = 10 x 2^10
= 10 x 1024
= 10240 bacteria
There would be 10,240 bacteria after 5 hours.