The model describes the amount of bacteria in a Petri dish after t hours. Which one of the following written statements best describes this population?
A) The amount of bacteria decreases by 17% each hour.
B) The amount of bacteria increases by 117% each hour.
C) The amount of bacteria decreases by 117% each hour.
D) The amount of bacteria increases by 17% each hour.
E) The amount of bacteria increases by 1.17% each hour.

Question

The model  describes the amount of bacteria in a Petri dish after t hours. Which one of the following written statements best describes this population?
A) The amount of bacteria decreases by 17% each hour. 
B) The amount of bacteria increases by 117% each hour. 
C) The amount of bacteria decreases by 117% each hour. 
D) The amount of bacteria increases by 17% each hour. 
E) The amount of bacteria increases by 1.17% each hour.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The model described in the question states the amount of bacteria in the Petri dish after t hours. If the amount of bacteria were decreasing by 17% each hour, the model would have a negative exponential function. If the amount of bacteria were decreasing by 117% each hour or increasing by 1.17% each hour, the model would also have a negative exponential function. Therefore, the only logical answer is that the amount of bacteria is increasing by 17% each hour.

The Model Describes the Amount of Bacteria in a Petri