Backwards Population Explosion

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Category: Number Operations, Relations & Functions, and Data Analysis
Suitable for Grade Level: Secondary and Elementary

The Math in this Problem:

This investigation introduces the mathematical operation of exponentiation, which is essentially repeated multiplication. This puzzle specifically explores the powers of two, which are often used to measure computer memory and thus, have become consistently apparent in computer software. Exponentiation is also commonly and frequently used in within natural sciences, where we work with population growth.

How many of you are there?
How many parents do you have?
How many grandparents?
How many great grandparents?
How many great great grandparents?
How many great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great great great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great great great great great great grandparents?
How many great great great great great great great great great great grandparents?

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