{"id":1976,"date":"2016-11-02T23:05:13","date_gmt":"2016-11-02T23:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymakercollegealgebra\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=1976"},"modified":"2017-04-20T23:17:21","modified_gmt":"2017-04-20T23:17:21","slug":"find-the-equation-of-an-exponential-function","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/ivytech-wmopen-collegealgebra\/chapter\/find-the-equation-of-an-exponential-function\/","title":{"raw":"Equations of Exponential Functions","rendered":"Equations of Exponential Functions"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Given two data points, write an exponential function<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Identify initial conditions for an exponential function<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Find an exponential function given a graph<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use a graphing calculator to find an exponential function<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Find an exponential function that models continuous growth or decay<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn the previous examples, we were given an exponential function, which we then evaluated for a given input. Sometimes we are given information about an exponential function without knowing the function explicitly. We must use the information to first write the form of the function, then determine the constants <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>, and evaluate the function.\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3>How To: Given two data points, write an exponential model.<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>If one of the data points has the form [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex], then <em>a<\/em>\u00a0is the initial value. Using <em>a<\/em>, substitute the second point into the equation [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex], and solve for <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If neither of the data points have the form [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex], substitute both points into two equations with the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]. Solve the resulting system of two equations in two unknowns to find <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Using the <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>\u00a0found in the steps above, write the exponential function in the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Example: Writing an Exponential Model When the Initial Value Is Known<\/h3>\r\nIn 2006, 80 deer were introduced into a wildlife refuge. By 2012, the population had grown to 180 deer. The population was growing exponentially. Write an algebraic function <em>N<\/em>(<em>t<\/em>) representing the population <em>N<\/em>\u00a0of deer over time <em>t<\/em>.\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"910377\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"910377\"]\r\nWe let our independent variable <em>t<\/em>\u00a0be the number of years after 2006. Thus, the information given in the problem can be written as input-output pairs: (0, 80) and (6, 180). Notice that by choosing our input variable to be measured as years after 2006, we have given ourselves the initial value for the function, <em>a\u00a0<\/em>= 80. We can now substitute the second point into the equation [latex]N\\left(t\\right)=80{b}^{t}[\/latex] to find <em>b<\/em>:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}N\\left(t\\right)\\hfill &amp; =80{b}^{t}\\hfill &amp; \\hfill \\\\ 180\\hfill &amp; =80{b}^{6}\\hfill &amp; \\text{Substitute using point }\\left(6, 180\\right).\\hfill \\\\ \\frac{9}{4}\\hfill &amp; ={b}^{6}\\hfill &amp; \\text{Divide and write in lowest terms}.\\hfill \\\\ b\\hfill &amp; ={\\left(\\frac{9}{4}\\right)}^{\\frac{1}{6}}\\hfill &amp; \\text{Isolate }b\\text{ using properties of exponents}.\\hfill \\\\ b\\hfill &amp; \\approx 1.1447 &amp; \\text{Round to 4 decimal places}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\n<strong>NOTE:<\/strong> <em>Unless otherwise stated, do not round any intermediate calculations. Then round the final answer to four places for the remainder of this section.<\/em>\r\n\r\nThe exponential model for the population of deer is [latex]N\\left(t\\right)=80{\\left(1.1447\\right)}^{t}[\/latex]. (Note that this exponential function models short-term growth. As the inputs gets large, the output will get increasingly larger, so much so that the model may not be useful in the long term.)\r\n\r\nWe can graph our model to observe the population growth of deer in the refuge over time. Notice that the graph below\u00a0passes through the initial points given in the problem, [latex]\\left(0,\\text{ 8}0\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(\\text{6},\\text{ 18}0\\right)[\/latex]. We can also see that the domain for the function is [latex]\\left[0,\\infty \\right)[\/latex], and the range for the function is [latex]\\left[80,\\infty \\right)[\/latex].\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"487\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225444\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0022.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of the exponential function, N(t) = 80(1.1447)^t, with labeled points at (0, 80) and (6, 180).\" width=\"487\" height=\"700\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> Graph showing the population of deer over time, [latex]N\\left(t\\right)=80{\\left(1.1447\\right)}^{t}[\/latex], t\u00a0years after 2006[\/caption]\r\n[\/hidden-answer]<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nA wolf population is growing exponentially. In 2011, 129 wolves were counted. By 2013 the population had reached 236 wolves. What two points can be used to derive an exponential equation modeling this situation? Write the equation representing the population <em>N<\/em>\u00a0of wolves over time <em>t<\/em>.\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"222558\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"222558\"][latex]\\left(0,129\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,236\\right);N\\left(t\\right)=129{\\left(\\text{1}\\text{.3526}\\right)}^{t}[\/latex][\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Example: Writing an Exponential Model When the Initial Value is Not Known<\/h3>\r\nFind an exponential function that passes through the points [latex]\\left(-2,6\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,1\\right)[\/latex].\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"904458\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"904458\"]\r\nBecause we don\u2019t have the initial value, we substitute both points into an equation of the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{b}^{x}[\/latex], and then solve the system for <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Substituting [latex]\\left(-2,6\\right)[\/latex] gives [latex]6=a{b}^{-2}[\/latex]<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Substituting [latex]\\left(2,1\\right)[\/latex] gives [latex]1=a{b}^{2}[\/latex]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nUse the first equation to solve for <em>a<\/em>\u00a0in terms of <em>b<\/em>:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}6=ab^{-2}\\\\\\frac{6}{b^{-2}}=a\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Divide.}\\\\a=6b^{2}\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Use properties of exponents to rewrite the denominator.}\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nSubstitute <em>a<\/em>\u00a0in the second equation, and solve for <em>b<\/em>:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}1=ab^{2}\\\\1=6b^{2}b^{2}=6b^{4}\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Substitute }a.\\\\b=\\left(\\frac{1}{6}\\right)^{\\frac{1}{4}}\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Use properties of exponents to isolate }b.\\\\b\\approx0.6389\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Round 4 decimal places.}\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nUse the value of <em>b<\/em>\u00a0in the first equation to solve for the value of <em>a<\/em>:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]a=6b^{2}\\approx6\\left(0.6389\\right)^{2}\\approx2.4492[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nThus, the equation is [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=2.4492{\\left(0.6389\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].\r\n\r\nWe can graph our model to check our work. Notice that the graph below\u00a0passes through the initial points given in the problem, [latex]\\left(-2,\\text{ 6}\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,\\text{ 1}\\right)[\/latex]. The graph is an example of an <strong>exponential decay<\/strong> function.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"487\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225453\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0032.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of the exponential function, f(x)=2.4492(0.6389)^x, with labeled points at (-2, 6) and (2, 1).\" width=\"487\" height=\"445\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/> The graph of [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=2.4492{\\left(0.6389\\right)}^{x}[\/latex] models exponential decay.[\/caption][\/hidden-answer]<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nGiven the two points [latex]\\left(1,3\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,4.5\\right)[\/latex], find the equation of the exponential function that passes through these two points.\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"40110\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"40110\"][latex]f\\left(x\\right)=2{\\left(1.5\\right)}^{x}[\/latex][\/hidden-answer]\r\n<iframe id=\"mom1\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/www.myopenmath.com\/multiembedq.php?id=2942&amp;theme=oea&amp;iframe_resize_id=mom1\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250\">\r\n<\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3>Q &amp; A<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Do two points always determine a unique exponential function?<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<em>Yes, provided the two points are either both above the x-axis or both below the x-axis and have different x-coordinates. But keep in mind that we also need to know that the graph is, in fact, an exponential function. Not every graph that looks exponential really is exponential. We need to know the graph is based on a model that shows the same percent growth with each unit increase in x<\/em><em>, which in many real world cases involves time.<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3>How To: Given the graph of an exponential function, write its equation.<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>First, identify two points on the graph. Choose the <em>y<\/em>-intercept as one of the two points whenever possible. Try to choose points that are as far apart as possible to reduce round-off error.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If one of the data points is the <em>y-<\/em>intercept [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex] , then <em>a<\/em>\u00a0is the initial value. Using <em>a<\/em>, substitute the second point into the equation [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex], and solve for <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If neither of the data points have the form [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex], substitute both points into two equations with the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]. Solve the resulting system of two equations in two unknowns to find <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Write the exponential function, [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Example: Writing an Exponential Function Given Its Graph<\/h3>\r\nFind an equation for the exponential function graphed below.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225455\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0042.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of an increasing exponential function with notable points at (0, 3) and (2, 12).\" width=\"731\" height=\"369\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/>\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"440954\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"440954\"]\r\nWe can choose the <em>y<\/em>-intercept of the graph, [latex]\\left(0,3\\right)[\/latex], as our first point. This gives us the initial value, [latex]a=3[\/latex]. Next, choose a point on the curve some distance away from [latex]\\left(0,3\\right)[\/latex] that has integer coordinates. One such point is [latex]\\left(2,12\\right)[\/latex].\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}y=a{b}^{x}&amp; \\text{Write the general form of an exponential equation}. \\\\ y=3{b}^{x} &amp; \\text{Substitute the initial value 3 for }a. \\\\ 12=3{b}^{2} &amp; \\text{Substitute in 12 for }y\\text{ and 2 for }x. \\\\ 4={b}^{2} &amp; \\text{Divide by 3}. \\\\ b=\\pm 2 &amp; \\text{Take the square root}.\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nBecause we restrict ourselves to positive values of <em>b<\/em>, we will use <em>b\u00a0<\/em>= 2. Substitute <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>\u00a0into the standard form to yield the equation [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=3{\\left(2\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nFind an equation for the exponential function graphed below.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225457\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0052.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of an increasing function with a labeled point at (0, sqrt(2)).\" width=\"487\" height=\"294\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/>\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"564720\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"564720\"][latex]f\\left(x\\right)=\\sqrt{2}{\\left(\\sqrt{2}\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]. Answers may vary due to round-off error. The answer should be very close to [latex]1.4142{\\left(1.4142\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3>How To: Given two points on the curve of an exponential function, use Desmos\u00a0to find the equation.<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Create a table by clicking on the plus \"+ \" sign and choosing table.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Enter your points in the table.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Enter y1 ~ [latex]a*b^{x1}[\/latex], a graph of the model will appear!<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You will see values for a, b at the bottom of the entry box.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You can determine how well the model fits your data by looking at the [latex]r^2[\/latex] value. \u00a0The closer it is to 1, the better your model.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nUse Desmos\u00a0to find two exponential equations:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>One that includes the points [latex]\\left(2,24.8\\right)[\/latex]<\/li>\r\n \t<li>And another that includes the points [latex]\\left(5,198.4\\right)[\/latex].<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/oerfiles\/College+Algebra\/calculator.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3370\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2017\/02\/13193222\/calculator.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"46\" \/><\/a>\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"88241\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"88241\"]\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>[latex]y\\approx{6.2}\\cdot(2)^x[\/latex]<\/li>\r\n \t<li>[latex]y\\approx 12\\cdot {1.85}^{x}[\/latex]<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Investigating Continuous Growth<\/h2>\r\nSo far we have worked with rational bases for exponential functions. For most real-world phenomena, however, <em>e <\/em>is used as the base for exponential functions. Exponential models that use <em>e<\/em>\u00a0as the base are called <em>continuous growth or decay models<\/em>. We see these models in finance, computer science, and most of the sciences, such as physics, toxicology, and fluid dynamics.\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3>A General Note: The Continuous Growth\/Decay Formula<\/h3>\r\nFor all real numbers <em>t<\/em>, and all positive numbers <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>r<\/em>, continuous growth or decay is represented by the formula\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]A\\left(t\\right)=a{e}^{rt}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nwhere\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>a<\/em>\u00a0is the initial value,<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>r<\/em>\u00a0is the continuous growth rate per unit time,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>and <em>t<\/em>\u00a0is the elapsed time.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&gt; 0, then the formula represents continuous growth. If <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&lt; 0, then the formula represents continuous decay.\r\n\r\nFor business applications, the continuous growth formula is called the continuous compounding formula and takes the form\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]A\\left(t\\right)=P{e}^{rt}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nwhere\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em>P<\/em>\u00a0is the principal or the initial invested,<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>r<\/em>\u00a0is the growth or interest rate per unit time,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>and <em>t<\/em>\u00a0is the period or term of the investment.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox\">\r\n<h3>How To: Given the initial value, rate of growth or decay, and time <em>t<\/em>, solve a continuous growth or decay function.<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Use the information in the problem to determine <em>a<\/em>, the initial value of the function.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use the information in the problem to determine the growth rate <em>r<\/em>.\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>If the problem refers to continuous growth, then <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&gt; 0.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If the problem refers to continuous decay, then <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&lt; 0.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use the information in the problem to determine the time <em>t<\/em>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Substitute the given information into the continuous growth formula and solve for <em>A<\/em>(<em>t<\/em>).<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Example: Calculating Continuous Growth<\/h3>\r\nA person invested $1,000 in an account earning a nominal 10% per year compounded continuously. How much was in the account at the end of one year?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"864251\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"864251\"]\r\nSince the account is growing in value, this is a continuous compounding problem with growth rate <em>r\u00a0<\/em>= 0.10. The initial investment was $1,000, so <em>P\u00a0<\/em>= 1000. We use the continuous compounding formula to find the value after <em>t\u00a0<\/em>= 1 year:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}A\\left(t\\right)\\hfill &amp; =P{e}^{rt}\\hfill &amp; \\text{Use the continuous compounding formula}.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill &amp; =1000{\\left(e\\right)}^{0.1} &amp; \\text{Substitute known values for }P, r,\\text{ and }t.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill &amp; \\approx 1105.17\\hfill &amp; \\text{Use a calculator to approximate}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nThe account is worth $1,105.17 after one year.\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nA person invests $100,000 at a nominal 12% interest per year compounded continuously. What will be the value of the investment in 30 years?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"59872\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"59872\"]$3,659,823.44[\/hidden-answer]\r\n<iframe id=\"mom10\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/www.myopenmath.com\/multiembedq.php?id=25526&amp;theme=oea&amp;iframe_resize_id=mom10\" width=\"100%\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Example: Calculating Continuous Decay<\/h3>\r\nRadon-222 decays at a continuous rate of 17.3% per day. How much will 100 mg of Radon-222 decay to in 3 days?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"660828\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"660828\"]\r\nSince the substance is decaying, the rate, 17.3%, is negative. So, <em>r\u00a0<\/em>=\u00a0\u20130.173. The initial amount of radon-222 was 100 mg, so <em>a\u00a0<\/em>= 100. We use the continuous decay formula to find the value after <em>t\u00a0<\/em>= 3 days:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}A\\left(t\\right)\\hfill &amp; =a{e}^{rt}\\hfill &amp; \\text{Use the continuous growth formula}.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill &amp; =100{e}^{-0.173\\left(3\\right)} &amp; \\text{Substitute known values for }a, r,\\text{ and }t.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill &amp; \\approx 59.5115\\hfill &amp; \\text{Use a calculator to approximate}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\r\nSo 59.5115 mg of radon-222 will remain.\r\n\r\n[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nUsing the data in the previous example, how much radon-222 will remain after one year?\r\n\r\n[reveal-answer q=\"58534\"]Solution[\/reveal-answer]\r\n[hidden-answer a=\"58534\"]3.77E-26 (This is calculator notation for the number written as [latex]3.77\\times {10}^{-26}[\/latex] in scientific notation. While the output of an exponential function is never zero, this number is so close to zero that for all practical purposes we can accept zero as the answer.)[\/hidden-answer]\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Given two data points, write an exponential function<\/li>\n<li>Identify initial conditions for an exponential function<\/li>\n<li>Find an exponential function given a graph<\/li>\n<li>Use a graphing calculator to find an exponential function<\/li>\n<li>Find an exponential function that models continuous growth or decay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the previous examples, we were given an exponential function, which we then evaluated for a given input. Sometimes we are given information about an exponential function without knowing the function explicitly. We must use the information to first write the form of the function, then determine the constants <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>, and evaluate the function.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>How To: Given two data points, write an exponential model.<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>If one of the data points has the form [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex], then <em>a<\/em>\u00a0is the initial value. Using <em>a<\/em>, substitute the second point into the equation [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex], and solve for <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>If neither of the data points have the form [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex], substitute both points into two equations with the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]. Solve the resulting system of two equations in two unknowns to find <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>Using the <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>\u00a0found in the steps above, write the exponential function in the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Example: Writing an Exponential Model When the Initial Value Is Known<\/h3>\n<p>In 2006, 80 deer were introduced into a wildlife refuge. By 2012, the population had grown to 180 deer. The population was growing exponentially. Write an algebraic function <em>N<\/em>(<em>t<\/em>) representing the population <em>N<\/em>\u00a0of deer over time <em>t<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q910377\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q910377\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\nWe let our independent variable <em>t<\/em>\u00a0be the number of years after 2006. Thus, the information given in the problem can be written as input-output pairs: (0, 80) and (6, 180). Notice that by choosing our input variable to be measured as years after 2006, we have given ourselves the initial value for the function, <em>a\u00a0<\/em>= 80. We can now substitute the second point into the equation [latex]N\\left(t\\right)=80{b}^{t}[\/latex] to find <em>b<\/em>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}N\\left(t\\right)\\hfill & =80{b}^{t}\\hfill & \\hfill \\\\ 180\\hfill & =80{b}^{6}\\hfill & \\text{Substitute using point }\\left(6, 180\\right).\\hfill \\\\ \\frac{9}{4}\\hfill & ={b}^{6}\\hfill & \\text{Divide and write in lowest terms}.\\hfill \\\\ b\\hfill & ={\\left(\\frac{9}{4}\\right)}^{\\frac{1}{6}}\\hfill & \\text{Isolate }b\\text{ using properties of exponents}.\\hfill \\\\ b\\hfill & \\approx 1.1447 & \\text{Round to 4 decimal places}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong> <em>Unless otherwise stated, do not round any intermediate calculations. Then round the final answer to four places for the remainder of this section.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The exponential model for the population of deer is [latex]N\\left(t\\right)=80{\\left(1.1447\\right)}^{t}[\/latex]. (Note that this exponential function models short-term growth. As the inputs gets large, the output will get increasingly larger, so much so that the model may not be useful in the long term.)<\/p>\n<p>We can graph our model to observe the population growth of deer in the refuge over time. Notice that the graph below\u00a0passes through the initial points given in the problem, [latex]\\left(0,\\text{ 8}0\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(\\text{6},\\text{ 18}0\\right)[\/latex]. We can also see that the domain for the function is [latex]\\left[0,\\infty \\right)[\/latex], and the range for the function is [latex]\\left[80,\\infty \\right)[\/latex].<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 497px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225444\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0022.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of the exponential function, N(t) = 80(1.1447)^t, with labeled points at (0, 80) and (6, 180).\" width=\"487\" height=\"700\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Graph showing the population of deer over time, [latex]N\\left(t\\right)=80{\\left(1.1447\\right)}^{t}[\/latex], t\u00a0years after 2006<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>A wolf population is growing exponentially. In 2011, 129 wolves were counted. By 2013 the population had reached 236 wolves. What two points can be used to derive an exponential equation modeling this situation? Write the equation representing the population <em>N<\/em>\u00a0of wolves over time <em>t<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q222558\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q222558\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">[latex]\\left(0,129\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,236\\right);N\\left(t\\right)=129{\\left(\\text{1}\\text{.3526}\\right)}^{t}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Example: Writing an Exponential Model When the Initial Value is Not Known<\/h3>\n<p>Find an exponential function that passes through the points [latex]\\left(-2,6\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,1\\right)[\/latex].<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q904458\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q904458\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\nBecause we don\u2019t have the initial value, we substitute both points into an equation of the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{b}^{x}[\/latex], and then solve the system for <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Substituting [latex]\\left(-2,6\\right)[\/latex] gives [latex]6=a{b}^{-2}[\/latex]<\/li>\n<li>Substituting [latex]\\left(2,1\\right)[\/latex] gives [latex]1=a{b}^{2}[\/latex]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Use the first equation to solve for <em>a<\/em>\u00a0in terms of <em>b<\/em>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}6=ab^{-2}\\\\\\frac{6}{b^{-2}}=a\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Divide.}\\\\a=6b^{2}\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Use properties of exponents to rewrite the denominator.}\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>Substitute <em>a<\/em>\u00a0in the second equation, and solve for <em>b<\/em>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{l}1=ab^{2}\\\\1=6b^{2}b^{2}=6b^{4}\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Substitute }a.\\\\b=\\left(\\frac{1}{6}\\right)^{\\frac{1}{4}}\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Use properties of exponents to isolate }b.\\\\b\\approx0.6389\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\,\\text{Round 4 decimal places.}\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>Use the value of <em>b<\/em>\u00a0in the first equation to solve for the value of <em>a<\/em>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]a=6b^{2}\\approx6\\left(0.6389\\right)^{2}\\approx2.4492[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>Thus, the equation is [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=2.4492{\\left(0.6389\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/p>\n<p>We can graph our model to check our work. Notice that the graph below\u00a0passes through the initial points given in the problem, [latex]\\left(-2,\\text{ 6}\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,\\text{ 1}\\right)[\/latex]. The graph is an example of an <strong>exponential decay<\/strong> function.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 497px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225453\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0032.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of the exponential function, f(x)=2.4492(0.6389)^x, with labeled points at (-2, 6) and (2, 1).\" width=\"487\" height=\"445\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">The graph of [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=2.4492{\\left(0.6389\\right)}^{x}[\/latex] models exponential decay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Given the two points [latex]\\left(1,3\\right)[\/latex] and [latex]\\left(2,4.5\\right)[\/latex], find the equation of the exponential function that passes through these two points.<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q40110\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q40110\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">[latex]f\\left(x\\right)=2{\\left(1.5\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"mom1\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/www.myopenmath.com\/multiembedq.php?id=2942&amp;theme=oea&amp;iframe_resize_id=mom1\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>Q &amp; A<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Do two points always determine a unique exponential function?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Yes, provided the two points are either both above the x-axis or both below the x-axis and have different x-coordinates. But keep in mind that we also need to know that the graph is, in fact, an exponential function. Not every graph that looks exponential really is exponential. We need to know the graph is based on a model that shows the same percent growth with each unit increase in x<\/em><em>, which in many real world cases involves time.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>How To: Given the graph of an exponential function, write its equation.<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>First, identify two points on the graph. Choose the <em>y<\/em>-intercept as one of the two points whenever possible. Try to choose points that are as far apart as possible to reduce round-off error.<\/li>\n<li>If one of the data points is the <em>y-<\/em>intercept [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex] , then <em>a<\/em>\u00a0is the initial value. Using <em>a<\/em>, substitute the second point into the equation [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex], and solve for <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>If neither of the data points have the form [latex]\\left(0,a\\right)[\/latex], substitute both points into two equations with the form [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]. Solve the resulting system of two equations in two unknowns to find <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>Write the exponential function, [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=a{\\left(b\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Example: Writing an Exponential Function Given Its Graph<\/h3>\n<p>Find an equation for the exponential function graphed below.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225455\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0042.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of an increasing exponential function with notable points at (0, 3) and (2, 12).\" width=\"731\" height=\"369\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q440954\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q440954\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\nWe can choose the <em>y<\/em>-intercept of the graph, [latex]\\left(0,3\\right)[\/latex], as our first point. This gives us the initial value, [latex]a=3[\/latex]. Next, choose a point on the curve some distance away from [latex]\\left(0,3\\right)[\/latex] that has integer coordinates. One such point is [latex]\\left(2,12\\right)[\/latex].<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}y=a{b}^{x}& \\text{Write the general form of an exponential equation}. \\\\ y=3{b}^{x} & \\text{Substitute the initial value 3 for }a. \\\\ 12=3{b}^{2} & \\text{Substitute in 12 for }y\\text{ and 2 for }x. \\\\ 4={b}^{2} & \\text{Divide by 3}. \\\\ b=\\pm 2 & \\text{Take the square root}.\\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>Because we restrict ourselves to positive values of <em>b<\/em>, we will use <em>b\u00a0<\/em>= 2. Substitute <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>b<\/em>\u00a0into the standard form to yield the equation [latex]f\\left(x\\right)=3{\\left(2\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Find an equation for the exponential function graphed below.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2016\/11\/02225457\/CNX_Precalc_Figure_04_01_0052.jpg\" alt=\"Graph of an increasing function with a labeled point at (0, sqrt(2)).\" width=\"487\" height=\"294\" data-media-type=\"image\/jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q564720\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q564720\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">[latex]f\\left(x\\right)=\\sqrt{2}{\\left(\\sqrt{2}\\right)}^{x}[\/latex]. Answers may vary due to round-off error. The answer should be very close to [latex]1.4142{\\left(1.4142\\right)}^{x}[\/latex].<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>How To: Given two points on the curve of an exponential function, use Desmos\u00a0to find the equation.<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Create a table by clicking on the plus &#8220;+ &#8221; sign and choosing table.<\/li>\n<li>Enter your points in the table.<\/li>\n<li>Enter y1 ~ [latex]a*b^{x1}[\/latex], a graph of the model will appear!<\/li>\n<li>You will see values for a, b at the bottom of the entry box.<\/li>\n<li>You can determine how well the model fits your data by looking at the [latex]r^2[\/latex] value. \u00a0The closer it is to 1, the better your model.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Use Desmos\u00a0to find two exponential equations:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>One that includes the points [latex]\\left(2,24.8\\right)[\/latex]<\/li>\n<li>And another that includes the points [latex]\\left(5,198.4\\right)[\/latex].<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/oerfiles\/College+Algebra\/calculator.html\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3370\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/896\/2017\/02\/13193222\/calculator.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"46\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q88241\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q88241\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\n<ol>\n<li>[latex]y\\approx{6.2}\\cdot(2)^x[\/latex]<\/li>\n<li>[latex]y\\approx 12\\cdot {1.85}^{x}[\/latex]<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Investigating Continuous Growth<\/h2>\n<p>So far we have worked with rational bases for exponential functions. For most real-world phenomena, however, <em>e <\/em>is used as the base for exponential functions. Exponential models that use <em>e<\/em>\u00a0as the base are called <em>continuous growth or decay models<\/em>. We see these models in finance, computer science, and most of the sciences, such as physics, toxicology, and fluid dynamics.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>A General Note: The Continuous Growth\/Decay Formula<\/h3>\n<p>For all real numbers <em>t<\/em>, and all positive numbers <em>a<\/em>\u00a0and <em>r<\/em>, continuous growth or decay is represented by the formula<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]A\\left(t\\right)=a{e}^{rt}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>where<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>a<\/em>\u00a0is the initial value,<\/li>\n<li><em>r<\/em>\u00a0is the continuous growth rate per unit time,<\/li>\n<li>and <em>t<\/em>\u00a0is the elapsed time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&gt; 0, then the formula represents continuous growth. If <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&lt; 0, then the formula represents continuous decay.<\/p>\n<p>For business applications, the continuous growth formula is called the continuous compounding formula and takes the form<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]A\\left(t\\right)=P{e}^{rt}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>where<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>P<\/em>\u00a0is the principal or the initial invested,<\/li>\n<li><em>r<\/em>\u00a0is the growth or interest rate per unit time,<\/li>\n<li>and <em>t<\/em>\u00a0is the period or term of the investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox\">\n<h3>How To: Given the initial value, rate of growth or decay, and time <em>t<\/em>, solve a continuous growth or decay function.<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Use the information in the problem to determine <em>a<\/em>, the initial value of the function.<\/li>\n<li>Use the information in the problem to determine the growth rate <em>r<\/em>.\n<ol>\n<li>If the problem refers to continuous growth, then <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&gt; 0.<\/li>\n<li>If the problem refers to continuous decay, then <em>r\u00a0<\/em>&lt; 0.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>Use the information in the problem to determine the time <em>t<\/em>.<\/li>\n<li>Substitute the given information into the continuous growth formula and solve for <em>A<\/em>(<em>t<\/em>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Example: Calculating Continuous Growth<\/h3>\n<p>A person invested $1,000 in an account earning a nominal 10% per year compounded continuously. How much was in the account at the end of one year?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q864251\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q864251\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\nSince the account is growing in value, this is a continuous compounding problem with growth rate <em>r\u00a0<\/em>= 0.10. The initial investment was $1,000, so <em>P\u00a0<\/em>= 1000. We use the continuous compounding formula to find the value after <em>t\u00a0<\/em>= 1 year:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}A\\left(t\\right)\\hfill & =P{e}^{rt}\\hfill & \\text{Use the continuous compounding formula}.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill & =1000{\\left(e\\right)}^{0.1} & \\text{Substitute known values for }P, r,\\text{ and }t.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill & \\approx 1105.17\\hfill & \\text{Use a calculator to approximate}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>The account is worth $1,105.17 after one year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>A person invests $100,000 at a nominal 12% interest per year compounded continuously. What will be the value of the investment in 30 years?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q59872\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q59872\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">$3,659,823.44<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"mom10\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/www.myopenmath.com\/multiembedq.php?id=25526&amp;theme=oea&amp;iframe_resize_id=mom10\" width=\"100%\" height=\"300\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Example: Calculating Continuous Decay<\/h3>\n<p>Radon-222 decays at a continuous rate of 17.3% per day. How much will 100 mg of Radon-222 decay to in 3 days?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q660828\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q660828\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">\nSince the substance is decaying, the rate, 17.3%, is negative. So, <em>r\u00a0<\/em>=\u00a0\u20130.173. The initial amount of radon-222 was 100 mg, so <em>a\u00a0<\/em>= 100. We use the continuous decay formula to find the value after <em>t\u00a0<\/em>= 3 days:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[latex]\\begin{array}{c}A\\left(t\\right)\\hfill & =a{e}^{rt}\\hfill & \\text{Use the continuous growth formula}.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill & =100{e}^{-0.173\\left(3\\right)} & \\text{Substitute known values for }a, r,\\text{ and }t.\\hfill \\\\ \\hfill & \\approx 59.5115\\hfill & \\text{Use a calculator to approximate}.\\hfill \\end{array}[\/latex]<\/p>\n<p>So 59.5115 mg of radon-222 will remain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Using the data in the previous example, how much radon-222 will remain after one year?<\/p>\n<div class=\"qa-wrapper\" style=\"display: block\"><span class=\"show-answer collapsed\" style=\"cursor: pointer\" data-target=\"q58534\">Solution<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"q58534\" class=\"hidden-answer\" style=\"display: none\">3.77E-26 (This is calculator notation for the number written as [latex]3.77\\times {10}^{-26}[\/latex] in scientific notation. While the output of an exponential function is never zero, this number is so close to zero that for all practical purposes we can accept zero as the answer.)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-1976\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Original<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Revision and Adaptation. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Question ID 25526 . <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Morales,Lawrence, mb Lippman,David, mb Sousa,James. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: IMathAS Community License CC-BY + GPL<\/li><li>College Algebra. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Abramson, Jay et al.. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: OpenStax. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/9b08c294-057f-4201-9f48-5d6ad992740d@5.2\">http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/9b08c294-057f-4201-9f48-5d6ad992740d@5.2<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Download for free at http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/9b08c294-057f-4201-9f48-5d6ad992740d@5.2<\/li><li>Question ID 2942. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Anderson,Tophe. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>:  IMathAS Community License CC-BY + GPL<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":21,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Question ID 25526 \",\"author\":\"Morales,Lawrence, mb Lippman,David, mb Sousa,James\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"IMathAS Community License CC-BY + GPL\"},{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Revision and Adaptation\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"College Algebra\",\"author\":\"Abramson, Jay et 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