Question 190197This question is from textbook Algebra and Trigonometry
: Trying to figure out the Discovery Project on Exponential Explosion.
It doesn't really give any formula other than f(x)=2^x.
So I used this formula for the answers.
But when I read back into the section it shows another formula for the growth of viruses. So I am not sure which to use.
Thanks!
This question is from textbook Algebra and Trigonometry
Answer by solver91311(24713)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I can't tell what your "Discovery Project on Exponential Explosion" looks like, so I'm guessing somewhat. But here is what I know.
The general formula for exponential growth of an organism is:
Where  is the initial number of organisms,  is the number of progeny per generation,  is the number of generations, and  is the number of organisms after generations.
The formula you gave,  = 2^x) is a reduction of the general formula above where ) ,  ,  (or 2 progeny per generation), and  is the number of generations.
These numbers actually model the exponential growth of bacteria, because you get 2 cells, i.e. 2 progeny, each time a cell splits. Viruses, on the other hand, produce 100s and even 1000s of progeny each generation. The various Rhinoviruses (major cause of the common cold) can replicate 100000 progeny per generation.
What I think is going on is that your particular Discovery Project is asking you to look first at the exponential growth of bacteria as a beginning baseline for your understanding of exponetial growth. If not, and they are really talking about viruses, the only thing left to do is get clarification from your instructor.
Hope that helps.
John
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