A bacterial culture initially has 100 bacteria and doubles in number every 3 hours. How many bacteria will there be after 12 hours?

A 800

B 1600

C 3200

D 400

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The formula for exponential growth is N(t) = N₀ * 2^(t/h), where h is the doubling time. N(12) = 100 * 2^(12/3) = 100 * 2⁴ = 100 * 16 = 1600 bacteria.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A bacterial culture initially has 100 bacteria and doubles in number every 3 hours. How many bacteria will there be after 12 hours?" is Option B: 1600.

The other options — A) 800, C) 3200, D) 400 — are incorrect for this CLEP Exam Prep question. As explained above: The formula for exponential growth is N(t) = N₀ * 2^(t/h), where h is the doubling time. N(12) = 100 * 2^(12/3) = 100 * 2⁴ = 100 * 16 = 1600 bacteria.

📚 About This CLEP Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level CLEP Exam Prep question from the College Algebra topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free CLEP Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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A bacterial culture initially has 100 bacteria and doubles in number every 3 hours. How many bacteria will there be after 12 hours?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This CLEP Exam Prep Practice Question

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