Activity 5.2.1. Population Growth Part A.
In a laboratory experiment, researchers establish a colony of \(100\) bacteria and monitor its growth. The colony triples in population every day.
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Fill in the table showing the population P(t) of bacteria t days later.
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Plot the data points from the table and connect them with a smooth curve.
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Write a function that gives the population of the colony at any time \(t\text{,}\) in days. Hint: Express the values you calculated in part (1) using powers of \(3\text{.}\) Do you see a connection between the value of \(t\) and the exponent on \(3\text{?}\)
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Graph your function from part (3) using a calculator. (Use the table to choose an appropriate domain and range.) The graph should resemble your hand-drawn graph from part (2).
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Evaluate your function to find the number of bacteria present after \(8\) days. How many bacteria are present after \(36\) hours?
\(t\) | \(P(t)\) | ||
\(0\) | \(100\) | \(P(0)=100\) | |
\(1\) | \(\) | \(P(1)=100\cdot 3=\) | |
\(2\) | \(\) | \(P(2)=[100\cdot 3]\cdot 3=\) | |
\(3\) | \(\) | \(P(3)=\) | |
\(4\) | \(\) | \(P(4)=\) | |
\(5\) | \(\) | \(P(5)=\) |