MHB Help with exponential function word problem

Click For Summary
The exponential function for the number of bacteria is given by B(t) = 40e^(0.6t). After substituting t = 2, the correct calculation shows B(2) = 40e^(1.2), which simplifies to approximately 132.8. The confusion arose from misinterpreting B(2) as a multiplication rather than a function notation. The final answer should be stated as 132.8 bacteria, not days. Understanding function notation is crucial in solving such problems accurately.
linapril
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
The number of bacteria in a culture is given by B(t) = 40e0.6t, where t is the time in days.
How many bacteria are there after 2 days?
I substituted t = 2, and got this:

2B = 40e1.2
which I simplified to become this
B = 66.4 days

Apparently this answer is wrong though, can someone explain why?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
linapril said:
The number of bacteria in a culture is given by B(t) = 40e0.6t, where t is the time in days.
How many bacteria are there after 2 days?
I substituted t = 2, and got this:

2B = 40e1.2
which I simplified to become this
B = 66.4 days

Apparently this answer is wrong though, can someone explain why?

Hi linapril! :)

After substitution you have B(2) = 40e1.2
The left side B(2) is not a multiplication.
B(2) is a special notation that represents the number of bacteria after 2 days.
We say that B is a function of time.

So your answer is just 40e1.2 = 132.8 days.
 
However, the answer is NOT "132.8 days" it is, rather, 132.8 bacteria.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
14K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K