Question

A bacterium doubles every hour. There are 5 bacteria initially. How many will there be after 6 hours?

• A. 160 bacteria
• B. 320 bacteria
• C. 640 bacteria
• D. 460 bacteria

Hint:

In doubling problems, multiply initial quantity by $2^n$ where $n$ is the number of intervals.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Doubling problems follow exponential growth: \[ Final = Initial \times 2^n \] Explanation: Initial bacteria = 5 Time = 6 hours \[ Total = 5 \times 2^6 = 5 \times 64 = 320 \]