SOLUTION: A cell divides into two identical copies every 4 minutes. How many cells will exist after 3 hours?

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Question 155031: A cell divides into two identical copies every 4 minutes. How many cells will exist after 3 hours?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Here's the equation that governs growth.
At t=0, N=1, 1 cell exists.
At t=4 minutes, N=2, 2 cells exist.
N%28t%29=2%5E%28%281%2F4%29t%29 where the variable, t, is measured in minutes.
3 hours = 3(60) minutes = 180 minutes.
N%28180%29=2%5E%28%281%2F4%29180%29
N%28180%29=2%5E%2845%29
N=35184372088832
The number's so big, let's switch to scientific notation.
N=3.52x10%5E%2813%29