For the scenario, identify key components, create an exponential function (y=a⋅bx), then answer the questions that follow.

Question

A scientist is experimenting with bacteria growth populations. He starts with 100 bacteria in a petri dish and estimates that the population will triple each day. 

1) a =

2) ​b =

3) Exponential Function: 

4) How many bacteria will there be after 2 days? 

5) How many bacteria will there be after 5 days? 

Answer 1

y = ab^x

y = 100 (3)^x,

where x = number of days from when the population was 100.

Plug in x=2 and x=5 and evaluate y.