SOLUTION: Could someone help me with Exponents? I have two scenarios. Thanks. Do exponential functions only model phenomena that grow, or can they also model phenomena that decay? Explai

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: Could someone help me with Exponents? I have two scenarios. Thanks. Do exponential functions only model phenomena that grow, or can they also model phenomena that decay? Explai      Log On


   



Question 149490: Could someone help me with Exponents? I have two scenarios. Thanks.
Do exponential functions only model phenomena that grow, or can they also model phenomena that decay? Explain what is different in the form of the function in each case.
A cell divides into two identical copies every 4 minutes. How many cells will exist after 3 hours?



Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Could someone help me with Exponents? I have two scenarios. Thanks.
Do exponential functions only model phenomena that grow, or can they also model phenomena that decay?
Ans: Both growth and decay
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Explain what is different in the form of the function in each case.
Form y = ab^x
If b>1 the equation models growth
If 0 < b < 1 the equation models decay
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A cell divides into two identical copies every 4 minutes. How many cells will exist after 3 hours?
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A(t) = A(o)* 2^ (60t/4) where t is the number of hours.
A(3) = 1*2^(180/4)
A(3) = 2^(45) = 3.5184..x 10^13 cells
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Cheers,
Stan H.