37 The data collected by a biologist showing the growth of a colony of bacteria at the end of each
hour are displayed in the table below.
Time, hour, (x)
0
1
2
3
4
5
Population (y)
250
330
580
800
1650
3000
Write an exponential regression equation to model these data. Round all values to the nearest
thousandth.
Assuming this trend continues, use this equation to estimate, to the nearest ten, the number of
bacteria in the colony at the end of 7 hours.
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Algebra 2/Trigonometry – January ’13