The government of a city is concerned about a possible epidemic of an infectious disease caused by bacteria. To decide what measures to take, it must calculate the reproduction rate of the bacteria. In laboratory experiments of a bacterial culture, initially with 40 thousand units, the formula for the population was obtained: $$p(t) = 40 \cdot 2^{3t}$$ where $t$ is the time, in hours, and $p(t)$ is the population, in thousands of bacteria. In relation to the initial quantity of bacteria, after 20 min, the population will be (A) reduced to one third. (B) reduced to half. (C) reduced to two thirds. (D) doubled. (E) tripled.
The government of a city is concerned about a possible epidemic of an infectious disease caused by bacteria. To decide what measures to take, it must calculate the reproduction rate of the bacteria. In laboratory experiments of a bacterial culture, initially with 40 thousand units, the formula for the population was obtained:
$$p(t) = 40 \cdot 2^{3t}$$
where $t$ is the time, in hours, and $p(t)$ is the population, in thousands of bacteria.
In relation to the initial quantity of bacteria, after 20 min, the population will be
(A) reduced to one third.
(B) reduced to half.
(C) reduced to two thirds.
(D) doubled.
(E) tripled.