Using P(t)=P_oe^(kt) how do you find the count in the bacteria culture was 900 after 20 minutes and 1100 after 35 minutes and find what was the inital size of the culture and the population after 95 minutes?

1 Answer
Jan 19, 2017

Initial size of the culture was 688 and the population after 95 minutes is 2455.

Explanation:

As the count in the bacteria culture was 900 after 20 minutes and P(t)=P_oe^(kt)

we have P(20)=900=P_oe^(20t)

Similarly as the count in the bacteria culture was 1100 after 35 minutes

we have P(35)=1100=P_oe^(35t)

Dividing latter by former, we get 1100/900=11/9=e^(35t-20t)

i.e. e^(15t)=11/9 and 15t=ln(11/9)=0.013378

and hence P_o=900/e^(0.013378xx20)=900/1.306772=688.72

and the population after 95 minutes is 688.72xxe^(95xx0.013378)

= 688.72xxe^1.27091=2455

**all calculations done using scientific calculator