A piece of raw meat is accidentally left out at room temperature, and bacteria begin to grow on it.

Question

A piece of raw meat is accidentally left out at room temperature, and bacteria begin to grow on it. Initially, there are $500$ bacteria presents, and the number of bacteria doubles every $3$ hours. The number of bacteria, $N$, after $t$ hours can be modelled by the formula $N = 500(2)^{kt}$. Show that $k = \frac{1}{3}$.[2] It is considered unsafe for consumption when the number of bacteria on the meat exceeds $3000$. Determine the maximum number of hours that it will still be safe to consume the meat.[3]

Accepted Answer

(b)Maximum hours = 7 hours.

2025 MGS PRELIMS P2 Q1

2025 MGS PRELIMS P2 Q1