in a lab experiment, 60 bacteria are placed in a petri dish. the conditions are such that the number of…

Explanation:

Step1: Define exponential growth formula

The formula for exponential growth (doubling) is $N(t) = N_0 \times 2^{\frac{t}{T}}$, where $N_0$ is initial population, $t$ is time elapsed, $T$ is doubling time.

Step2: Plug in given values

Here, $N_0=60$, $t=23$, $T=15$. Substitute: $N(23) = 60 \times 2^{\frac{23}{15}}$

Step3: Calculate exponent first

$\frac{23}{15} \approx 1.5333$

Step4: Compute the power term

$2^{1.5333} \approx 2.917$

Step5: Multiply by initial population

$60 \times 2.917 \approx 175.02$

Step6: Round to nearest whole number

Round 175.02 to the nearest integer.

Answer:

175