A scientist counts 25 bacteria present in a culture and that number triple each hour. When will there be about 1170 bacteria in the culture?

25 bacteria at time = 0

population triples each hour

population = 25 * (3^time)

We have to solve that equation for time so we

take logarithms of both sides:

population / 25 = (3^time)

log (1,170 / 25) = time * log (3)

log (46.8) = time * log (3)

1.6702458531 = time * 0.4771212547

time = 1.6702458531 / 0.4771212547

time = 3.5006737523 hours

Double check

population = 25 * (3^3.5006737523)

population = 25*46.8

population = 1,170