Question

A sample of bacteria is growing at an hourly rate of 6% according to the continuous exponential growth function. The sample began with 5 bacteria. How many bacteria will be in the sample after 22 hours.

Answer 1

18 bacteria

Explanation:

The formula for Exponential growth is given as:

y = a (1 + r)^t

a = Initial sample size = 5

y = Sample size after time t

r = Growth rate = 6% = 0.06

t = Time in hours = 22

Hence,

y = 5 (1 + 0.06)²²

y = 5 × 3.6035374165783565

y =18.017687083 bacteria

Approximately = 18 bacteria

Therefore, there would be 18 bacteria in the sample after 22 hours