Question

Suppose a certain type of bacteria reproduces according to the model p(t)=100e^0.271t, where t is time in hours. at what rate does this type of bacteria reproduce?

Answer 1

P(t) = 100 e^0.271t

value of e is approximately = 2.71828

assume t = 1; 
p(1) = 100 (2.71828)^0.271(1)
p(1) = 100 (1.31127)
p(1) = 131.13 or 131 rounded off to the nearest whole number.

p(2) = 100 (2.71828)^0.271(2)
p(2) = 100 (2.71828)^0.542
p(2) = 100 (1.71944)
p(2) = 171.94 or 172

p(3) = 100 (2.71828)^0.271(3)
p(3) = 100 (2.25466)
p(3) = 225.47 or 225

I'm not sure how to get the exact rate because the amount grows exponentially.