<PRE><B>Question 1207262</B>
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&lt;pre&gt;

The exponential growth law is 

    n(t) = {{{n[0]*1.85^t}}}.


In 2 hours

    12500 = {{{n[0]*1.85^2}}}.


Therefore,  {{{n[0]}}} = {{{12500/1.85^2}}} = 3652  (rounded).


&lt;U&gt;ANSWER&lt;/U&gt;.  Initial number of bacteria is about 3652.
&lt;/pre&gt;

Solved.


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To see many other similar and different solved problems on bacteria growth, &amp;nbsp;look into the lesson

&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;- &lt;A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/logarithm/Bacteria-growth-problems.lesson&gt;Bacteria growth problems&lt;/A&gt; 

in this site.



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