Answer: 495 bacteria in 2 minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
We would apply the formula,
y = ab^t
Where
a represents the initial amount of bacteria.
t represents the doubling time.
From the information given
a = 10
t = 15 seconds
Since after 15 seconds, the amount of bacteria multiplies by 2, then
y = 2 × 10 = 20
Therefore
20 = 10 × b^15
Dividing through by 10, it becomes
2 = b^15
Raising both sides of the equation by 1/15, it becomes
2^(1/15) = b^15/15
b = 1.047
The equation becomes
y = 10(1.047)^t
For t = 2 minutes(2 × 60 = 120 seconds), then
y = 10(1.047)^120
y = 495 bacteria
