Chapter 3: Exponential and

Logarithmic Functions
3.5 Exponential growth and decay

Norazaliza Mohd Jamil

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Learning Objectives

• Solve mathematical modelling problem involving

exponential growth and decay.

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Exponential growth and decay
An exponential function can either be increasing or decreasing.
Increasing – from m to b g. Ex mp e: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, …
Decreasing – from b g to m . Ex mp e: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, …
Exponential growth – an increasing exponential function.
Exponential decay – a decreasing exponential function.

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An exponential function is a function of the form
𝑦 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏𝑥
where 𝑎 is nonzero constant, 𝑏 is greater than 0 and not equal to 1
and 𝑥 is any real number.
If 𝑏 > 1, the exponential function (exponential growth) is an increasing
exponential function. 𝑏 is the growth factor.
If 0 < 𝑏 < 1, the exponential function (exponential decay) is a
decreasing exponential function. 𝑏 is the decay factor.

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Example
1. Determine whether the following functions model exponential growth or
exponential decay.
(a) 𝑦 = 4 ∙ 2𝑥

(b) 𝑦 = 0.25𝑥

(c) 𝑦 = 5𝑥+1

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Example
2. The number of bacteria present in a culture after 𝑡 minutes is given by

4 𝑡
𝑁 𝑡 = 300
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(i) Does this function represent exponential growth or exponential decay?

(ii) How many bacteria are present initially?
(iii) What is the rate of growth or rate of decay?
(iv) Approximately how many bacteria are present after 10 minutes?

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Example
3. Suppose that the population of a certain country grows at an annual rate
of 20%. If we measure population in millions and time in years, then
𝑃 𝑡 = 𝑃0 𝑒 𝑟𝑡
where 𝑃0 = 3 and 𝑟 = 0.2.
(i) If the current population is 3 million, what will the population be in 15
years?
(ii) How long will it take the population to reach 7 million?

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Example
4. When a cup of tea is made, its temperature is 90° 𝐶. After 3 minutes, the
tea has cooled to 65° 𝐶. Given the temperature 𝑇 (° 𝐶) of the cup of tea
decays exponentially according to the function
𝑇 = 𝐴 + 𝐶𝑒 −0.2𝑡
Where 𝑡 is time (minutes), find:
(a) The values of 𝐴 and 𝐶.
(b) The time it takes for the tea to cool to 40° 𝐶.

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Example
5. The yearly profits of a company is RM41000. The profits have been
decreasing by 7% per year.
(a) Write and exponential decay function to represent this situation.
(b) What will the profits in 5 years?

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Example
6. The exponential function
𝑃 𝑡 = 𝑃 0 𝑒 𝑘𝑡
models the population of rabbits in Australia, 𝑃 𝑡 , in millions where 𝑘 is
the growth constant. Use the fact that the population was 20 million is year
2000 and 35 million in year 2013.
(a) Determine the growth constant 𝑘.
(b) Estimate the population of rabbits in Australia in the year 2025.
(c) When will the population size reach 50 million?

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Homework 3.5
Complete the Workbook for topic 3.5 and reward yourself after you
have finished it.

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Game! Time to play
https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/63718bb7a
f483e001de3bfec/35-exponential-growth-
and-decay

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Do not give up, the beginning is
always the hardest.

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