SOLUTION: Hi: I need help here! Thanks so very much! Assume that the number of viruses present in a sample is modeled by the exponential function "f(t) = 10t", where t is the elapsed time

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: Hi: I need help here! Thanks so very much! Assume that the number of viruses present in a sample is modeled by the exponential function "f(t) = 10t", where t is the elapsed time      Log On


   

Question 36638: Hi: I need help here! Thanks so very much!
Assume that the number of viruses present in a sample is modeled by the exponential function "f(t) = 10t", where t is the elapsed time in minutes. How would you apply logarithms to determine when the sample will grow to 5 billion viruses?
Answer by Paul(988) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Ok, Virus will each have a cell divison time.
TO find that time; put the equation in normal form first:
Ok first your equation might be f%28t%29=10%5Et not f(t)=10t
5%2810%29%5E9=10%5Et
log%285%2810%29%5E9%29=log10%5Et
log%285%2810%29%5E9%29=tlog10
log5%2Blog%2810%29%5E9=tlog10
log5%2B9log10=tlog10
Like bases cancel out:
t=log5+9
Paul.