Exponential Growth in Species A and B: Solving for Initial Grams

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the time when two species, A and B, will have equal mass given their respective growth rates. Species A starts with 6 grams and doubles every 2 hours, while Species B starts with 14 grams and doubles every 5 hours. The relevant growth formula is N = N_0 × 2^(t/T), where N_0 is the initial mass, t is time, and T is the doubling time. Participants clarify the need to set the equations for both species equal to each other to find the time at which their masses are equal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential growth equations
  • Familiarity with the concept of doubling time
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
  • Knowledge of graphing functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the exponential growth formula N = N_0 × 2^(t/T)
  • Learn how to set equations equal to each other for solving simultaneous growth problems
  • Explore graphing techniques for visualizing exponential growth
  • Investigate real-world applications of exponential growth in biology
USEFUL FOR

Students studying biology or mathematics, educators teaching exponential growth concepts, and anyone interested in solving real-world problems involving growth rates.

jackleyt
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Species A doubles every 2 hours and initially there are 6 grams. Species B doubles every 5 hours and initially there are 14 grams.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I've tried graphing this, but I don't think I have the right equations down. I don't know how to form the equations so I can solve the problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In general for 'doubling time' problems, we have a simple formula

N = N_0 \times 2^{t \over T}

where N is the number of bacteria after t minutes and T is the time in minutes that it takes to double.

So if that's the relevant equation, attempting a solution should be possible.

EDIT: Although I don't actually know what your question is.
 
Last edited:
jackleyt said:
I don't know how to form the equations so I can solve the problem.

You didn't even say what the problem is.
 
*How long until the species have the same mass? Sorry.
 
jackleyt said:
*How long until the species have the same mass? Sorry.

Okay so you know the equations by which they grow for each of them, and then you set them equal to each other and solve for t.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K