A population of bacteria is growing according to the equation [tex]P(t)=450 e^{0.2 t}[/tex].

Use a graphing calculator to estimate when the population will exceed 1199.

[tex]t = [/tex]

Give your answer accurate to one decimal place.



Answer :

To estimate when the population of bacteria will exceed 1199, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Given Function: The population of the bacteria is given by the function \(P(t) = 450 e^{0.2 t}\), where \( P(t) \) is the population at time \( t \).

2. Set Up the Inequality: We want to find the time \( t \) when the population exceeds 1199. This translates to solving the inequality:
[tex]\[ 450 e^{0.2 t} > 1199 \][/tex]

3. Convert to Equation: First solve the related equation to find the exact time when the population reaches 1199:
[tex]\[ 450 e^{0.2 t} = 1199 \][/tex]

4. Solve for \( t \):
- To isolate \( t \), divide both sides by 450:
[tex]\[ e^{0.2 t} = \frac{1199}{450} \][/tex]
- Calculate the right-hand side:
[tex]\[ e^{0.2 t} \approx 2.664 \][/tex]
- Take the natural logarithm of both sides to solve for \( t \):
[tex]\[ 0.2 t = \ln(2.664) \][/tex]
- Calculate \( \ln(2.664) \) using a calculator:
[tex]\[ \ln(2.664) \approx 0.9808 \][/tex]
- Finally, solve for \( t \) by dividing by 0.2:
[tex]\[ t \approx \frac{0.9808}{0.2} = 4.904 \][/tex]

5. Round to One Decimal Place: Round the result to one decimal place to get the final answer:
[tex]\[ t \approx 4.9 \][/tex]

Therefore, the population of bacteria will exceed 1199 at approximately [tex]\( t = 4.9 \)[/tex] hours.

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