The population is increasing by a continuous exponential growth model. Then, it follows the next formula:
[tex]P(t)=P_0e^{rt}[/tex]Where P=2265, Po= ?, r=15% = 0.15 and t=5.
P = final population
P0= initial population
r= rate
t= time
Replacing with the given values:
[tex]2265=P_0e^{0.15\ast5}[/tex]Solve for Po:
[tex]P_0=\frac{2265}{e^{0.15\ast5}}[/tex]Then
[tex]P_0=1070[/tex]Hence, the number of bacteria in the initial sample is 1070.
(The value is rounded to the nearest integer).