Using an exponential function, it is found that:
It is modeled by:
[tex]y = ab^x[/tex]
In which:
In this problem:
Thus, the equation is: [tex]y = 5(3)^x[/tex]
16 hours later, the amount is:
[tex]y = 5(3)^{16} = 215233605[/tex]
After 16 hours, there would be 215,233,605 tribbles.
8 hours later, the amount is:
[tex]y = 5(3)^{8} = 32805[/tex]
After 8 hours, there would be 32,805 tribbles.
More can be learned about exponential functions at https://brainly.com/question/25537936