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Algebra 1
Course: Algebra 1 > Unit 12
Lesson 7: Exponential vs. linear modelsExponential growth & decay: FAQ
Frequently asked questions about exponential growth & decay
What's the difference between exponential and linear growth?
In linear growth, we add or subtract the same amount each time period, while in exponential growth, we multiply by the same factor each time period. For example, linear growth might involve adding 5 each day, while exponential growth might involve multiplying by 2 each day.
Practice with our Exponential vs. linear growth exercise.
How can we tell if a graph represents exponential or linear growth?
One of the hallmarks of exponential growth is that the graph will get steeper and steeper over time. Linear growth, on the other hand, will have a constant slope.
Practice with our Graphs of exponential growth exercise.
What's the difference between exponential growth and exponential decay?
While both involve exponential functions, exponential growth refers to when the quantity is increasing over time, while exponential decay refers to when the quantity is decreasing over time.
Practice with our Exponential growth vs. decay exercise.
How do we create an exponential function from a table or graph?
There are a few steps to this. First, identify the initial value (the y-intercept). Second, determine whether the function is growing or decaying. Third, find the growth or decay factor - this will be the number we're multiplying by each time period. Once we have these three pieces of information, we can write the exponential function in the form y, equals, a, left parenthesis, b, right parenthesis, start superscript, x, end superscript, where a is the initial value and b is the growth or decay factor.
Practice with our Exponential functions from tables & graphs exercise.
Where do we see exponential growth and decay in the real world?
There are many examples! Compound interest is a common example of exponential growth, while radioactive decay is a common example of exponential decay.
Practice with our Connecting exponential graphs with contexts exercise.
Want to join the conversation?
- How do you graph exponential functions? The video was not very helpful.(5 votes)
- if you have points, put them onto the graph and draw the line. If your given a and r, use a as your y intercept and calculate r for given numbers.(2 votes)
- Is there a difference between exponential and geometric functions?(2 votes)