Question

A scientist is running an experiment with

two species of bacteria that grow exponentially.
If species A doubles in population every
two days, species B doubles in population
every five days, and each species began the
experiment with a population of 50 bacteria,
what will the difference be between the
populations of the two species after ten days?
(A) 200
(B) 800
(C) 1,200
(D) 1,400

Answer 1

The correct answer A

Answer 2

D 1,400

Explanation:

Species A doubles every 2 days and species B doubles every 5 days, so in 10 days, species A will double 10/2 = 5 times and species B will double 10/5=2 times. After 10 days from an initial population of 50 in each species, species A will have 50 x 2 ^5= 50 x 32 = 1,600 population while species B will have 50 x 2 ^2 = 200 population. Their difference is 1,600-200 = 1,400.