Answer:
We can assume that the decline in the population is an exponential decay.
An exponential decay can be written as:
P(t) = A*b^t
Where A is the initial population, b is the base and t is the variable, in this case, number of hours.
We know that: A = 800,000.
P(t) = 800,000*b^t
And we know that after 6 hours, the popuation was 500,000:
p(6h) = 500,000 = 800,000*b^6
then we have that:
b^6 = 500,000/800,000 = 5/8
b = (5/8)^(1/6) = 0.925
Then our equation is:
P(t) = 800,000*0.925^t
Now, the population after 24 hours will be:
P(24) = 800,000*0.925^24 = 123,166
Answer:
122,070 bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:AA0ktA=500,000=800,000=?=6hours=A0ekt
Substitute the values in the formula.
500,000=800,000ek⋅6
Solve for k. Divide each side by 800,000.
58=e6k
Take the natural log of each side.
ln58=lne6k
Use the power property.
ln58=6klne
Simplify.
ln58=6k
Divide each side by 6.
ln586=k
Approximate the answer.
k≈−0.078
We use this rate of growth to predict the number of bacteria there will be in 24 hours.
AA0ktA=?=800,000=ln586=24hours=A0ekt
Substitute in the values.
A=800,000eln586⋅24
Evaluate.
A≈122,070.31
At this rate of decay, researchers can expect 122,070 bacteria.
