<PRE><B>Question 1071198</B>
discrete compound growth rate formula is:


f = p * (1+r)^n


f is the future value.
p is the present value 
r is the growth rate per time period.
t is the number of time periods.


the growth rate is 78% per hour = .78
the time period is hours.


in 5 hours, there are 34,820 bacteria in the culture.


formula becomes


34820 = p * 1.78^5


divide both sides of this equation by 1.78^5 and solve for p to get:


p = 34820 / 1.78^5 = 1948.627177


in 5 hours, 1948.627177 bacteria will have grown to be equal to 1948.627177 * 1.78^5 = 34820 bacteria.


</PRE>