The size of an isolated bacterial colony

MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · A Level · Mathematics · Differentiation · Differentiation

Problem

The size P(t)P(t) of an isolated bacterial colony, measured in thousands of cells, is modeled by P(t)=7.5 t23,t≥0,P(t)=7.5\,t^{\tfrac23}, \quad t\ge 0, where tt is measured in hours. (a) Determine the instantaneous rate of growth of the colony at t=8t=8 hours. Include correct units in your answer. (b) Compute the average rate of growth of the colony over the time interval 0≤t≤80\le t\le 8. Include units. (c) Compare the results from parts (a) and (b). Explain, using complete sentences, what the comparison reveals about how the growth rate of the colony changes over time.

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