document.write( "Question 747333: A bacteria culture initially contains 3000 bacteria and doubles every half hour. The formula for the population is P(t)=3000e^(kt) for some constant k. How do I solve for k? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #454831 by Cromlix(4381)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The formula P(t) = P(o)e^kt t is in hours
\n" ); document.write( " P(o) - original amount of bacteria.\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "working on the principle that the culture
\n" ); document.write( " doubles every half an hour. The amount
\n" ); document.write( "after 1 hour would = 12000 bacteria\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "12,000 = 3,000 e^ k x 1
\n" ); document.write( "12,000 = 3,000 e^k
\n" ); document.write( "12000/3000 = e^k
\n" ); document.write( " 4 = e^k
\n" ); document.write( " lge 4 = k loge e
\n" ); document.write( " k = loge 4
\n" ); document.write( " k = 1.38629
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" );