After 8 hours, there are about how many bacteria in the culture.

Question

The growth rate of a bacterial culture is 150% each hour. Initially, there are 10 bacteria.

Answer 1

P(t) = a·b^t

1. P(t) = number of bacteria at time t
2. a = starting number of bacteria = 10
3. b = growth rate = 1.5 (decimal equivalent of 150%)
4. t = hours

P(t) = 10·(1.5)^t

P(8) = 10·(1.5)⁸

Use your calculator to compute the answer. Round to the nearest whole number since you can't have part of a bacterium.