High School

The number of bacteria [tex]P(h)[/tex] in a certain population increases according to the following function, where time [tex]h[/tex] is measured in hours.

[tex]P(h)=2800 e^{0.09 h}[/tex]

How many hours will it take for the number of bacteria to reach 3700?

Round your answer to the nearest tenth, and do not round any intermediate computations.

[tex]\square[/tex] hours

Answer :

To determine how many hours it will take for the number of bacteria to reach 3700, we can use the given function for the population of bacteria:

[tex]\[ P(h) = 2800 e^{0.09 h} \][/tex]

We want to find the value of [tex]\( h \)[/tex] when [tex]\( P(h) = 3700 \)[/tex]. Therefore, we set the equation:

[tex]\[ 2800 e^{0.09 h} = 3700 \][/tex]

To solve for [tex]\( h \)[/tex], follow these steps:

1. Divide both sides by 2800:

[tex]\[ e^{0.09 h} = \frac{3700}{2800} \][/tex]

2. Simplify the fraction:

[tex]\[ e^{0.09 h} = 1.3214 \][/tex]

3. Take the natural logarithm (ln) of both sides to eliminate the exponential:

[tex]\[ \ln(e^{0.09 h}) = \ln(1.3214) \][/tex]

Using the property of logarithms, [tex]\( \ln(e^x) = x \)[/tex], this simplifies to:

[tex]\[ 0.09 h = \ln(1.3214) \][/tex]

4. Solve for [tex]\( h \)[/tex]:

[tex]\[ h = \frac{\ln(1.3214)}{0.09} \][/tex]

5. Calculate the value of [tex]\( h \)[/tex]:

Evaluate the natural logarithm and division:

[tex]\[ h \approx 3.1 \][/tex]

Therefore, it will take approximately 3.1 hours for the number of bacteria to reach 3700.