What does Nf stand for in the equation Nf=(Ni)2^n?

In the equation ( N_f = (N_i) 2^n ), the term ( N_f ) represents the final number of cells after a certain number of cell divisions, denoted by ( n ). This equation is used in population dynamics to calculate how many cells will be present after repeated rounds of cell division, starting from an initial number of cells ( N_i ).

The ( 2^n ) part indicates that with each cell division, the number of cells doubles. For instance, if one cell divides, it becomes two; if those two cells divide, they become four, and so on. Therefore, given an initial number of cells ( N_i ), after ( n ) divisions, the final number of cells ( N_f ) is derived from multiplying ( N_i ) by ( 2^n ), resulting in the correct interpretation of ( N_f ) as the final number of cells.

This interpretation is foundational in understanding cell growth and division, particularly in contexts like population studies, cancer research, and microbiology, where estimating the outcomes of cell proliferation is crucial.