Question

Roberto has been studying a type of bacteria that doubles every month. Originally, there were 3 bacterial cells. He wants to know how many there will be after 43 months. Which equation should he use? a43 = 3(2)(43) a43 = 3(2)43 a43 = 3(2)(43 − 1) a43 = 3(2)43 − 1

Answer 1

option D. a43 = 3(2)^43-1

Answer 2

Answer: $a_{43}=3(2)^{43-1}$

Step-by-step explanation:

Given: Roberto has been studying a type of bacteria that doubles every month ie. there is exponential growth in bacteria.

The exponential growth function is given by :-

$a_n=pq^{n-1}$ where p is the initial amount , q is the gowth factor and n is the time period.

Since, the initial amount of bacteria is p =3

Therefore, the equation to find the number of bacteria after n=43 months with growth factor '2' is given by :_

$a_{43}=3(2)^{43-1}$