How is the dilution factor calculated?

The dilution factor is calculated by determining the proportion of the original sample to the final mixed volume, which includes both the sample and the diluent. This is accurately represented by taking the volume of the sample and dividing it by the total volume of the mixture, which consists of the volume of the sample plus the volume of the blank or diluent.

This method emphasizes how diluted a sample is in comparison to its original concentration, allowing for standardized calculations across different dilutions. The total volume is crucial because it gives a complete picture of how the sample integrates into the diluent, which is essential for determining the effective concentration of microorganisms in microbiology experiments.

Thus, focusing on this ratio ensures that microbiologists can make repeatable and reliable comparisons between different samples prepared under varied dilution conditions.