Exponential Growth vs. Decay Flashcard

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What is exponential growth?

Back

Exponential growth occurs when a quantity increases by a consistent percentage over a period of time, resulting in a rapid increase. It can be represented by the equation y = a * b^x, where b > 1.

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What is exponential decay?

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Exponential decay occurs when a quantity decreases by a consistent percentage over a period of time, leading to a rapid decrease. It can be represented by the equation y = a * b^x, where 0 < b < 1.

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Exponential Growth

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Exponential Decay

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Exponential Decay

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Exponential Growth

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What does the base of an exponential function indicate?

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The base indicates the growth or decay factor. If the base is greater than 1, it represents growth; if the base is between 0 and 1, it represents decay.

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What is the general form of an exponential function?

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The general form is y = a * b^x, where a is the initial value, b is the growth/decay factor, and x is the exponent.

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How can you tell if a graph represents exponential growth?

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A graph represents exponential growth if it shows a curve that rises steeply as x increases.

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How can you tell if a graph represents exponential decay?

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A graph represents exponential decay if it shows a curve that falls steeply as x increases.