An experiment begins with 8 cells, and the number of cells triples every week. If the expression a(b)^q computes the number of cells that are present q days after the experiment begins, how much is the value of b?
To find the value of b, we need to analyze the given information regarding the number of cells.
According to the problem, the number of cells triples every week. Let's break down this information step by step:
After 1 week, the number of cells becomes 8 * 3 = 24.
After 2 weeks, the number of cells becomes 24 * 3 = 72.
After 3 weeks, the number of cells becomes 72 * 3 = 216.
At this point, we can see that the number of cells follows a geometric sequence with a common ratio of 3. The first term of the sequence is 8.
In general, the formula for the nth term (Tn) of a geometric sequence with a first term (a) and a common ratio (r) is given by:
Tn = a * r^(n-1)
Comparing this formula to the given expression a(b)^q, we can identify that:
a = 8
b = 3
Therefore, the value of b is 3.