# Number of bacteria in a culture

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1. Oct 14, 2014

### Niaboc67

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The number of bacteria in a culture is given by the formula n(t) = 700e0.65t, where t is measured in hours.

What is the initial population n0 of the culture (at t = 0)?
n0 =

Approximately how many bacteria, N, will the culture contain after 5 hours?
N =

3. The attempt at a solution
The number of bacteria in a culture is given by the formula n(t) = 700e0.65t, where t is measured in hours.

What is the initial population n0 of the culture (at t = 0)?
n0 = 700 because 700e^0.65(0) is itself at that time

Approximately how many bacteria, N, will the culture contain after 5 hours?
N = 6704.40 because 700e^0.65(5) is that outcome. However it tells me to approximate I did that to the 39^ to 40. However, it seems this is incorrect. Please explain why, thank you.

2. Oct 14, 2014

### RUber

I think you are saying $700e^{.65t}$
Where t=5 this is $700*e^{3.25}$
Your calculation is not that.
Round to the nearest whole bacterium if they did not tell you a certain number of significant digits to use.

3. Oct 14, 2014

### LCKurtz

I don't get 6704.4 for that calculation.

I have no idea what that last sentence means.