Question

A researcher studying microorganisms has discovered a strain of bacteria that doubles every 2.8 days. How many bacteria will the researcher have after 7.3 days if they started with 650 bacteria?

Answer 1

3960.4 bacteria

Explanation:

The formula to solve the above question is given as:

P(t) = Po (2) ^t/k

P(t) = Population after time t = ?

Po = Initial population = 650 bacteria

t = Time in days = 7.3 days

k = doubling time = 2.8 days

P(t) = 650 × (2)^7.3/2.8

P(t) = 650 × 2^2.6071428571

P(t) = 650 × 6.0929582599

P(t) = 3960.4228689 bacteria.

Approximately = 3960.4 bacteria

Therefore, the number of bacteria the researcher will have after 7.3 days if they started with 650 bacteria is 3960.4 bacteria.