dr. shepherd is studying a bacterial colony with a population of 29,600 bacteria. the colony is growing 5%…

Explanation:

Step1: Recall exponential growth formula

The exponential growth formula is $P(t) = P_0(1 + r)^t$, where $P_0$ is initial population, $r$ is growth rate, $t$ is time.

Step2: Identify given values

$P_0 = 29600$, $r = 0.05$, $t = 12$

Step3: Substitute values into formula

$P(12) = 29600(1 + 0.05)^{12}$

Step4: Calculate $(1.05)^{12}$

$(1.05)^{12} \approx 1.795856$

Step5: Compute final population

$P(12) = 29600 \times 1.795856 \approx 53157.34$

Step6: Round to nearest whole number

Round $53157.34$ to $53157$

Answer:

53157 bacteria