algebra equation
a species of bacteria reproduce by doubling every 20 minutes. Starting with a single baterium, how many bacteria will there be after 3 hours?
2006-08-29 20:57:16 · 2 answers · asked by chonita 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
y=x(2)^(180/20) (to the power of 180 over 20)
This is a basic exponential formula. x is your starting number of bacteria, this case it is 1, 2 is your increase rate (doubling every cycle). 180 is the number of minutes in 3 hours and 20 is your cycle period (this gives you how many times you are doubling=9)
y=1(2)^9
y=512
2006-08-30 00:01:26 · answer #1 · answered by chicgirl639 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Err... I can't show you a proper equation since I am not well-versed in Mathematics... but I'll just show you how to get the answer.
1 hour = 60 minutes
20 minutes would be equivalent to double the number of the bacteria.
Since, 3 hours is equal to 120 minutes you'll get
512 bacteria in 3 hours.
2006-08-30 04:10:52 · answer #2 · answered by Cascade Ranger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋