Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Logistic Growth Model
The function P(t) = 1600 / (1 + 7e^(-0.02t)) represents a logistic growth model, which describes how populations grow in a limited environment. Initially, the population grows exponentially, but as resources become limited, the growth rate decreases and approaches a maximum carrying capacity, in this case, 1600 cells.
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Derivative and Growth Rate
To find the growth rate of the population, we need to compute the derivative of P(t) with respect to t, denoted as P'(t). This derivative indicates how the population changes over time, and finding its maximum involves setting P'(t) to zero and solving for t, which reveals when the population growth is at its peak.
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Critical Points and Maximum Values
Critical points occur where the derivative P'(t) is zero or undefined. By analyzing these points, we can determine the maximum growth rate of the population. Additionally, evaluating P(t) at these critical points allows us to find the corresponding population size when the growth rate is at its maximum.
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