A group of scientists studied the effect of a chemical on various strains of bacteria. Strain A star

A group of scientists studied the effect of a chemical on various strains of bacteria. Strain A started with 6000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 2000 cells per hour after the chemical was applied. Strain B started with 2000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 1000 cells per hour after the chemical was applied. When will the strains have the same number of cells? Explain.

Set up strain equations where h is the number of hours since time 0:

• Strain A: 6000 - 2000h
• Strain B: 2000 - 1000h

Set them equal to each other
6000 - 2000h = 2000 - 1000h

Using our equation solver, we see that h = 4