Final answer:
The growth of the bacteria is an example of exponential growth. We can graph it using the formula y = a * b^x, where a is the initial number of bacteria, b is the growth factor, and x is time. The graph will be an upward-sloping curve.
Step-by-step explanation:
This question involves exponential growth. The formula for exponential growth is y = a * b^x, where 'y' is the final amount, 'a' is the initial amount, 'b' is the growth factor, and 'x' is the time elapsed. In the question, the initial amount of bacteria ('a') is 4, and the bacteria triples every hour, meaning the growth factor ('b') is 3. We measure time in hours ('x').
To graph this, we plot the number of bacteria (y) against time in hours (x). For instance, at time 0 (x=0), there are 4 bacteria (y=4). One hour later (x=1), the bacteria triple in number (y=12), two hours later (x=2), the bacteria triple again (y=36), and so on. The graph of this function will be an upward-sloping curve, representing exponential growth.
Learn more about Exponential Growth