Advanced Functions,Exponential Functions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining when a bacteria population was half its current size, given that it doubles in 7 days. The key point is that if the population is currently 500,000, it was 250,000 three and a half days ago. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between doubling and halving in exponential growth scenarios. Participants clarify that the problem does not require complex calculations or formulas to solve. Understanding the concept of exponential growth is essential for accurately answering the question.
ohhnana
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Homework Statement


If a bacteria population doubles in 7 days, when was it half of its present population?


Homework Equations


A=A0(1+i)^n



The Attempt at a Solution


i= 100%=1
 
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ohhnana said:

Homework Statement


If a bacteria population doubles in 7 days, when was it half of its present population?


Homework Equations


A=A0(1+i)^n



The Attempt at a Solution


i= 100%=1
If the bacteria population now is 500,000, when was the population 250,000?
 
what ?
 
What part of my question did you not understand? This problem is not a complicated one, and you don't need a calculator or any formulas to answer the question.
 
Have you ever seen P = e^{rt} before?

Usually, I would recommend exponential growth/decay for bacteria situations.

Furthermore,

Mark44 said:
...This problem is not a complicated one, and you don't need a calculator or any formulas to answer the question.

"Doubling" and "halving" are very closely related!
 
yea i seen that formula before , so your saying it's impossible to complete the question?
 
No, I don't think he is. Can you answer my question: If the bacteria population now is 500,000, when was the population 250,000?
 
in your question would it be in 7 days and if so wouldn't it be in 3.5 days
 
No, you misunderstood. If the bacteria population was 500,000 today, when in the past was the population 250,000?
 
  • #10
Let's put it a different way- if the population is 250000 today,when will it be 500000? To answer Mark44's question, work backwards from that.
 
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