Question:medium

A population $p(t)$ of 1000 bacteria introduced into a nutrient medium grows according to the relation $\text{p}(t) = 1000 + \frac{1000t}{100+t^2}$. The maximum size of this bacterial population is

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Maximum occurs where derivative = 0.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • 1100
  • 1250
  • 1050
  • 950
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To find the maximum size of the population, we need to find the global maximum of the function $p(t)$ for $t>0$. This is a standard application of calculus: find the critical points by setting the first derivative to zero, verify it's a maximum, and evaluate the original function at that point. Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Differentiate $p(t)$ using the quotient rule: $\left(\frac{u}{v}\right)' = \frac{u'v - uv'}{v^2}$. 2. Solve $p'(t) = 0$ to find critical time $t$. 3. Substitute the critical value $t$ back into $p(t)$ to find the maximum population. Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The population function is given by: \[ p(t) = 1000 + \frac{1000t}{100+t^2} \] Find the derivative $p'(t)$ with respect to $t$. The derivative of the constant 1000 is 0. Apply the quotient rule to the second term: let $u = 1000t$ and $v = 100+t^2$. Then $u' = 1000$ and $v' = 2t$. \[ p'(t) = 0 + \frac{(1000)(100+t^2) - (1000t)(2t)}{(100+t^2)^2} \] Factor out 1000 from the numerator to simplify: \[ p'(t) = 1000 \left[ \frac{100 + t^2 - 2t^2}{(100+t^2)^2} \right] \] \[ p'(t) = 1000 \left[ \frac{100 - t^2}{(100+t^2)^2} \right] \] To find critical points, set $p'(t) = 0$: \[ 1000 \left[ \frac{100 - t^2}{(100+t^2)^2} \right] = 0 \] Since a fraction is zero only when its numerator is zero (and denominator is not): \[ 100 - t^2 = 0 \] \[ t^2 = 100 \implies t = 10 \text{ or } t = -10 \] Since time $t$ cannot be negative in this context, we take $t = 10$. (We can confirm it's a maximum via the first derivative test: for $t<10$, $100-t^2>0$ so $p'(t)$ is positive. For $t>10$, $100-t^2<0$ so $p'(t)$ is negative. The function increases then decreases, confirming a local maximum at $t=10$). Now, substitute $t = 10$ back into the original population function to find the maximum size: \[ p(10) = 1000 + \frac{1000(10)}{100 + (10)^2} \] \[ p(10) = 1000 + \frac{10000}{100 + 100} \] \[ p(10) = 1000 + \frac{10000}{200} \] \[ p(10) = 1000 + 50 = 1050 \] Step 4: Final Answer:
The maximum size of the bacterial population is 1050.
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