Lesson 6

Writing Equations for Exponential Functions

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Problem 1

A population of 1,500 insects grows exponentially by a factor of 3 every week. Select all equations that represent or approximate the population, \(p\), as a function of time in days, \(t\), since the population was 1,500.

A:

\(p(t) = 1,\!500 \boldcdot 3^t\)

B:

\(p(t) = 1,\!500 \boldcdot 3^{\frac{t}{7}}\)

C:

\(p(t) = 1,\!500 \boldcdot 3^7t\)

D:

\(p(t) = 1,\!500 \boldcdot \left(3^\frac17\right)^t\)

Solution

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Problem 2

The tuition at a public university was $21,000 in 2008. Between 2008 and 2010, the tuition had increased by 15%. Since then, it has continued to grow exponentially.

Select all statements that describe the growth in tuition cost.

A:

The tuition cost can be defined by the function \(f(y) = 21,\!000 \boldcdot (1.15)^\frac{y}{2}\), where \(y\) represents years since 2008.

B:

The tuition cost increased 7.5% each year.

C:

The tuition cost increased about 7.2% each year.

D:

The tuition cost roughly doubles in 10 years.

E:

The tuition cost can be approximated by the function \(f(d) = 21,\!000 \boldcdot 2^d\), where \(d\) represents decades since 2008.

Solution

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Problem 3

Here is a graph that represents \(g(x) = a \boldcdot b^x\). Find the values of \(a\) and \(b\). Show your reasoning. 

Graph of exponential decay function that includes the points 0 comma 10 and 1 point 5 comma 1 point 25.

Solution

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Problem 4

The number of fish in a lake is growing exponentially. The table shows the values, in thousands, after different numbers of years since the population was first measured.

years population
0 10
1  
2 40
3  
4  
5  
6  
  1. By what factor does the population grow every two years? Use this information to fill out the table for 4 years and 6 years.
  2. By what factor does the population grow every year? Explain how you know, and use this information to complete the table.

Solution

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(From Unit 4, Lesson 3.)

Problem 5

The value of a home increases by 7% each year. Explain why the value of the home doubles approximately once each decade. 

Solution

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(From Unit 4, Lesson 4.)

Problem 6

Here is the graph of an exponential function \(f\).

Coordinate plane, x, y, no units marked on either axis. Points A, B, C lie on a curve that begins just above the origin on the positive y axis and increases as x increases.

The coordinates of \(A\) are \(\left(\frac{1}{4},3\right)\). The coordinates of \(B\) are \(\left(\frac{1}{2},4.5\right)\). If the \(x\)-coordinate of \(C\) is \(\frac{7}{4}\), what is its \(y\)-coordinate? Explain how you know.

Solution

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(From Unit 4, Lesson 5.)