Algebra-1

Question Analysis
This question applies the concept of exponents to a real-world scenario, specifically the exponential growth of a bacterial population. The problem requires the student to understand that the exponent represents the number of hours and to use the product rule to find the total exponent.

Key Concept Explanation
The product rule for exponents states that when multiplying powers with the same base, you add the exponents. Here, the base is 2, and the exponents represent the number of hours. The initial population is , and after 4 hours, it is . To find the population after 7 hours, we need to add the exponents.

Step-by-step Solution
1. Identify the initial population:
2. After 4 hours, the population is

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