Chapter 13.1
Exponential growth and decay by a factor
What You'll Learn
Apply the growth factor formula to model exponential population changes over time
Calculate the number of periods by dividing elapsed time by the period length
Convert units of time to match the variables in exponential equations
Construct exponential models in the form B(t) = initial × growth_factor^(t/period)
Interpret fractional exponents when time intervals don't align with whole periods
What You'll Practice
1
Building exponential growth models from word problems about populations
2
Converting weeks to years and other time unit conversions
3
Calculating future values using exponential equations with fractional exponents
4
Rounding decimal answers to whole numbers for discrete quantities
Why This Matters
Understanding growth and decay factors is essential for modeling real-world situations like population growth, compound interest, radioactive decay, and medication dosage. This exponential thinking appears throughout advanced math, science, finance, and helps you make informed decisions about investments and loans.
Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:
This Unit Includes
1 Video lesson
Practice exercises
Skills
Exponential Growth
Growth Factor
Exponential Models
Unit Conversion
Exponents
Word Problems
Population Modeling
OH Curriculum Aligned
