Answer:
sample size at the beginning was 40 bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that a sample of bacteria experienced 5% daily growth compounded continuously for 14 days
Let C be the initial amount of bacteria.
C grows continuously compounding at the rate of 5%
The equation representing the number of bacteria at time t days would be
[tex]P(t) = Ce^{0.05t}[/tex]
Now we have t = 14 days and P = 80.
Substitute to get
[tex]80=Ce^{0.05(14)} \\C=80e^{-0.05(14)}\\C=39.72682[/tex]
Approximately 40 bacteria were present at the beginning.