help on problem

brb003 · science forum beginner Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 1

simple question that i can't seem to figure out algebraically.

"suppose 1 person tells a story to 4 people in 20 minutes.

then each of those 4 people tells the story to 4 other people in 20 mintues.

if this pattern continues, how much time will pass before 5000 people have heard the story?"

i know there is a way to figure this out using simple algebra, but my brain is fried!!!!! please help

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