A biologist is studying a population of bacteria. The population doubles every 3 hours. If the population starts with 500 bacteria, how many bacteria will there be after 15 hours?

Wed, 06 May 2026 02:12:49 +0000

**A biologist is studying a population of bacteria. The population doubles every 3 hours. If the population starts with 500 bacteria, how many bacteria will there be after 15 hours?** In a world increasingly shaped by invisible biological forces, a quiet but growing fascination is unfolding—especially in scientific circles and health-tech communities. Researchers and curious minds alike are tracking how microorganisms evolve, reproduce, and impact everything from medicine to environmental systems. Recently, the doubling pattern of bacterial colonies has entered mainstream inquiry, particularly when a starting population of just 500 doubles every 3 hours. This isn’t science fiction—it’s real-time biology with tangible implications. With 15 hours passing, the population undergoes a clear, predictable growth pattern. Since doubling occurs every 3 hours, the number of doubling events in 15 hours is 15 ÷ 3 = 5. This means the population grows by doubling 5 times from its original size. **The Math Behind the Growth: Simple, Reliable, and Impactful**
Starting with 500 bacteria and doubling 5 times produces the formula:
500 × 2⁵ = 500 × 32 = 16,000