A species of bacteria in a laboratory undergoes exponential growth, reproducing every 30 minutes. Starting with one bacteria cell, how many bacterial cells will there be after 3 hours? Would the answer be 64? Thanks
cells=1(2)^t/.5
cells= 2^6= 64
To answer the question, we need to calculate the number of bacterial cells after 3 hours, given that the bacteria reproduce every 30 minutes.
First, let's determine how many times the bacteria reproduce in 3 hours. Since each reproduction cycle takes 30 minutes, there are 3 hours / 30 minutes = 6 reproduction cycles.
Next, we need to consider the exponential growth of the bacteria. If the bacteria double in number with each reproduction cycle, then during 6 reproduction cycles, the number of bacteria will be multiplied by 2 for each cycle. This can be represented as 2^6.
Using exponentiation, we find that 2^6 equals 64.
Therefore, after 3 hours, starting with one bacteria cell, there will be a total of 64 bacterial cells.
You are correct! The answer is indeed 64.