EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION
A function f of the form
f x a ,
x
a 0 and a 1,
is called an exponential function
with base a. Its domain is (–∞, ∞).
EXAMPLE 1 Evaluating Exponential Functions
a. Let f x 3 . Find f 4 .
x2
b. Let g x 2 10 . Find g 2 .
x
x
1 3
c. Let h x . Find h .
9 2
d. Let F(x) = x
4. Find F(3.2).
EXAMPLE 1 Evaluating Exponential Functions
Solution
a. f 4 3 4 2
3 9 2
1 1
b. g 2 2 10 2
2
2
2 0.02
10 100
3
3 1
3 3
9
1 2
2
c. h 9 27
2
2 9
d. F(3.2) = 43.2 ≈ 84.44850629
RULES OF EXPONENTS
Let a, b, x, and y be real numbers
with a > 0 and b > 0. Then
a a a x y
a
y
a ,
x y x xy
,
x
a x y a 1,
0
y
a ,
a
x
x 1 1
a x .
ab a b , a
x x x a
Graphing an Exponential Function with
EXAMPLE 2
Base a > 1 – Exponential Growth
Graph the exponential function f x 3 .
x
Solution
Make a table of values.
Plot the points and draw a smooth curve.
Graphing an Exponential Function with
EXAMPLE 2
Base a>1
Solution continued
This graph is typical for exponential functions
when a > 1.
Graphing an Exponential Function with
EXAMPLE 3
Base 0 < a < 1 – Exponential Decay
x
1
Sketch the graph of y .
2
Solution
Make a table of values.
Plot the points and draw a smooth curve.
Graphing an Exponential Function with
EXAMPLE 3
Base 0 < a < 1
Solution continued
As x increases
in the positive
direction, y
decreases
towards 0.
Let f (x) = ax, a > 0, a ≠ 1.
1. The domain of f (x) = ax is (–∞, ∞).
2. The range of f (x) = ax is (0, ∞); the
entire graph lies above the x-axis.
3. For a > 1, Exponential Growth
(i) f is an increasing function, so the
graph rises to the right.
(ii) as x → ∞, y → ∞.
(iii) as x → –∞, y → 0.
4. For 0 < a < 1, - Exponential Decay
(i) f is a decreasing function, so the
graph falls to the right.
(ii) as x → – ∞, y → ∞.
(iii) as x → ∞, y → 0.
5. The graph of f (x) = ax has no x-
intercepts, so it never crosses the x-axis.
No value of x will cause f (x) = ax to
equal 0.
6. The graph of it is a smooth and
continuous curve, and it passes through
the points
7. The x-axis is a horizontal asymptote for
every exponential function of the form
f (x) = ax.
Definition
Transformation – the process of moving a
figure from the starting position to some
ending position without changing its size
and shape.
Reflection – a transformation that produces
a new figure, which is a mirror image of
the original figure.
Definition
Translation – a shift or movement in a
figure’s location without changing its
shape.
Glide Reflection – a combination of a
reflection and a translation (glide).
Example 1
Reflect each figure across the given axis.
a. b.
Solution to Example 1
a. b.
d.
c. .
d.
c.
d.
Example 2
Translate each shape in the direction
indicated by the arrow.
a. b.
Solution to Example 2
a. b.
Example 3
Translate each figure as indicated.
a.Translate the triangle 4 units to
the left and 3 units up.
b. Translate the parallelogram
3 units to the right and 2 units
down
Solution to Example 3
a.
b.
Example 4
Perform a glide reflection on:
a.triangle MNP by translating the
triangle 3 units to the right and 2 units
up, and then reflecting about the y-
axis
b. the isosceles trapezoid LOVE by
translating the figure 2 units to the left
and 3 units up, followed by a reflection
about the x-axis.
TRANSFORMATIONS ON EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTION f (x) = ax
Effect on Equation
Transformation Equation
y = ax+b Shift the graph of y =
Horizontal ax, |b| units
Shift (i) left if b > 0.
(ii) right if b < 0.
Sketching Graphs
Solution continued
b. f x 3x1
Domain: (–∞, ∞)
Range: (0, ∞)
Horizontal
Asymptote: y = 0
Vertical y = ax + b Shift the graph
Shift of y = ax, |b|
units
(i) up if b > 0.
(ii) down if b <
0.
Sketching Graphs
Solution
a. f x 3x 4
Domain: (–∞, ∞)
Range: (–4, ∞)
Horizontal
Asymptote: y = –4
Sketching Graphs
Solution continued
d. f x 3 2
x
Domain: (–∞, ∞)
Range: (–∞, 2)
Horizontal
Asymptote: y = 2
TRANSFORMATIONS ON EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTION f (x) = ax
Transformation Equation Effect on
Equation
Reflection y = –ax Reflect the graph
of y = ax in the x-
axis.
y = a–x Reflect the graph
of y = ax in the
y-axis.
Sketching Graphs
Solution continued
c. f x 3 x
Domain: (–∞, ∞)
Range: (–∞, 0)
Horizontal
Asymptote: y = 0
THE NATURAL EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION
The exponential function
f x e x
with base e is so prevalent in the
sciences that it is often referred to as
the exponential function or the natural
exponential function.
EXAMPLE 6 Sketching a Graph
Use transformations to sketch the graph of
Solution
Start with the
graph of y = ex.
EXAMPLE 6 Sketching a Graph
Use transformations to sketch the graph of
Solution coninued
Shift the graph of
y = ex one unit
right.
EXAMPLE 6 Sketching a Graph
Use transformations to sketch the graph of
Solution continued
Shift the graph of
y = ex – 1 two units
up.
SEATWORK:
SECTION 4.3
Logarithmic Functions
1 Define logarithmic functions.
2 Inverse Functions
3 Evaluate logarithms.
4 Rules of Logarithms
5 Find the domains of logarithmic functions.
6 Graph logarithmic functions.
7 Use logarithms to evaluate exponential equations.
DEFINITION OF THE
LOGARITHMIC FUNCTION
For x > 0, a > 0, and a ≠ 1,
y loga x if and only if xa . y
The function f (x) = loga x, is called the
logarithmic function with base a.
The logarithmic function is the inverse
function of the exponential function.
Inverse Functions
Certain pairs of one-to-one functions
“undo” one another. For example, if
x 5
f ( x ) 8 x 5 and g ( x ) ,
8
then
(85) 5
f (10) 8(10) 5 85 g (85) 10
8
Inverse Functions
Starting with 10, we “applied” function
and then “applied” function g to the
result, which returned the number 10.
Inverse Functions
As further examples, check that
f (3) 29 and g (29) 3,
f ( 5) 35 and g ( 35) 5,
3 3
g (2) and g 2,
8 8
Inverse Functions
In particular, for this pair of functions,
f ( g (2)) 2 and g ( f (2)) 2.
In fact, for any value of x,
f ( g ( x )) x and g ( f ( x )) x,
or ( f g )( x ) x and (g f )( x ) x.
Because of this property, g is called the
inverse of .
Inverse Function
Let be a one-to-one function. Then g
is the inverse function of if
(f g )( x ) x for every x in the
domain of g,
and
(g f )( x ) x for every x in the
domain of .
Converting from Exponential to
EXAMPLE 1
Logarithmic Form
Write each exponential equation in logarithmic
form. 4
a. 4 64
3 1 1 c. a 2
7
b.
2 16
Solution
a. 4 64 log 4 64 3
3
4
1 1 1
b. log1 2 4
2 16 16
c. a 2 7 log a 7 2
Converting from Logarithmic Form to
EXAMPLE 2
Exponential Form
Write each logarithmic equation in exponential
form.
a. log 3 243 5 b. log 2 5 x c. log a N x
Solution
a. log3 243 5 243 3 5
b. log 2 5 x 5 2 x
c. log a N x N a x
EXAMPLE 3 Evaluating Logarithms
Find the value of each of the following
logarithms.
a. log 5 25 b. log 2 16 c. log1 3 9
1
d. log 7 7 e. log 6 1 f. log 4
2
Solution
a. log5 25 y 25 5 or 5 5
y 2 y
y2
b. log 2 16 y 16 2 or 2 2
y 4 y
y4
EXAMPLE 3 Evaluating Logarithms
Solution continued
y
1
c. log1 3 9 y 9 or 32 3 y y 2
3
d. log 7 7 y 7 7 y or 71 7 y y 1
e. log 6 1 y 1 6 or 6 6
y 0 y
y0
1 1 1 1
f. log 4 y 4 or 2 2
y 2y
y
2 2 2
EXAMPLE 4 Using the Definition of Logarithm
Solve each equation.
1
a. log 5 x 3 b. log 3 y
27
c. log z 1000 3 d. log 2 x 2 6 x 10 1
Solution
a. log 5 x 3
x 53
1 1
x 3
5 125
EXAMPLE 4 Using the Definition of Logarithm
Solution continued
1
b. log 3 y c. log z 1000 3
27
1 1000 z 3
3 y
27 10 3 z 3
3
3 3 y
10 z
3 y
EXAMPLE 4 Using the Definition of Logarithm
Solution continued
d. log 2 x 6 x 10 1
2
x 6 x 10 2 2
2 1
x 6x 8 0
2
x 2 x 4 0
x 2 0 or x 4 0
x 2 or x 4
Rules of Logarithms
Rules of Logarithms with Base a
If M, N, and a are positive real numbers with a ≠ 1, and x is
any real number, then
1. loga(a) = 1 2. loga(1) = 0
a loga ( N ) N
These relationships are
3. loga (ax) =x used to solve exponential
or logarithmic equations
4.
5. loga(MN) = loga(M) + loga(N)
6. loga(M/N) = loga(M) – loga(N)
7. loga(Mx) = x · loga(M) 8. loga(1/N) = – loga(N)
COMMON LOGARITHMS
The logarithm with base 10 is called the
common logarithm and is denoted by
omitting the base: log x = log10 x. Thus,
y = log x if and only if x = 10 y.
Applying the basic properties of logarithms
1. log 10 = 1
2. log 1 = 0
3. log 10x = x
4. 10 x
log x
NATURAL LOGARITHMS
The logarithm with base e is called the
natural logarithm and is denoted by ln x.
That is, ln x = loge x. Thus,
y = ln x if and only if x = e y.
Applying the basic properties of logarithms
1. ln e = 1
2. ln 1 = 0
3. log ex = x
4. e x
ln x
DOMAIN OF LOGARITHMIC
FUNCTION
Domain of y = loga x is (0, ∞)
Range of y = loga x is (–∞, ∞)
Logarithms of 0 and negative numbers
are not defined.
EXAMPLE 5 Finding the Domain
Find the domain of f x log3 2 x
Solution
Domain of a logarithmic function must be
positive, that is,
2 x 0
2x
The domain of f is (–∞, 2).
EXAMPLE 6 Sketching a Graph
Sketch the graph of y = log3 x.
Solution by plotting points (Method 1)
Make a table of values.
EXAMPLE 6 Sketching a Graph
Solution continued
Plot the
ordered pairs
and connect
with a smooth
curve to
obtain the
graph of
y = log3 x.
EXAMPLE 6 Sketching a Graph
Solution by using the inverse function (Method 2)
Graph y = f (x) = 3x.
Reflect the graph of
y = 3x in the line
y = x to obtain the
graph of
y = f –1(x) = log3 x.
65
GRAPHS OF LOGARITHMIC
FUNCTIONS
PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTIAL AND
LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
Exponential Function Logarithmic Function
f (x) = ax f (x) = loga x
1. Domain (–∞, ∞) Domain (0, ∞)
Range (0, ∞) Range (–∞, ∞)
2. y-intercept is 1 x-intercept is 1
No x-intercept No y-intercept
3. x-axis (y = 0) is the y-axis (x = 0) is the
horizontal asymptote vertical asymptote
PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTIAL AND
LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
Exponential Function Logarithmic Function
f (x) = ax f (x) = loga x
4. The graph is a The graph is a
continuous smooth continuous smooth
curve that passes curve that passes
through the points through the points
1 1 (1, 0), and
1, , (0, 1), and , 1 ,
a a
(1, a). (a, 1).
PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTIAL AND
LOGARITHMIC FUNCTIONS
Exponential Function Logarithmic Function
f (x) = ax f (x) = loga x
5. Is one-to-one , that Is one-to-one, that is,
is, au = av if and logau = logav
only if u = v. if and only if u = v.
6. Increasing if a > 1 Increasing if a > 1
Decreasing if 0 < a < 1 Decreasing if 0 < a < 1
EXAMPLE 7 Using Transformations
Start with the graph of f (x) = log3 x and use
transformations to sketch the graph of each
function.
a. f x log 3 x 2 b. f x log 3 x 1
c. f x log 3 x d. f x log 3 x
State the domain and range and the vertical
asymptote for the graph of each function.
EXAMPLE 7 Using Transformations
Solution
a. f x log3 x 2
Shift up 2
Domain (0, ∞)
Range (–∞, ∞)
Vertical
asymptote x = 0
EXAMPLE 7 Using Transformations
Solution continued
b. f x log3 x 1
Shift right 1
Domain (1, ∞)
Range (–∞, ∞)
Vertical
asymptote x = 1
EXAMPLE 7 Using Transformations
Solution continued
c. f x log3 x
Reflect graph
of y = log3 x in
the x-axis
Domain (0, ∞)
Range (–∞, ∞)
Vertical
asymptote x = 0
EXAMPLE 7 Using Transformations
Solution continued
d. f x log3 x
Reflect graph
of y = log3 x in
the y-axis
Domain (∞, 0)
Range (–∞, ∞)
Vertical
asymptote x = 0
EXAMPLE 8 Using Transformations to Sketch a Graph
Sketch the graph of y 2 log x 2 .
Solution
Start with the graph Step 1:
of f (x) = log x. Replacing x with
x – 2 shifts the
graph two units
right.
EXAMPLE 8 Using Transformations to Sketch a Graph
Solution continued
Step 2: Multiplying Step 3: Adding 2
by 1 reflects the graph shifts the graph
in the x-axis. two units
up.
Rules of Logarithms
Rules of Logarithms with Base a
If M, N, and a are positive real numbers with a ≠ 1, and x is
any real number, then
1. loga(a) = 1 2. loga(1) = 0
3. loga(ax) = x 4. a loga ( N ) N
5. loga(MN) = loga(M) + loga(N)
6. loga(M/N) = loga(M) – loga(N)
7. loga(Mx) = x · loga(M) 8. loga(1/N) = – loga(N)
Using Rules of Logarithms to Evaluate
EXAMPLE 1
Expressions
Given that log 5 z = 3 and log 5 y = 2, evaluate
each expression.
a. log5 yz b. log 5 125y 7
d. log 5 z1/30 y 5
z
c. log 5
y
Solution
a. log 5 yz log 5 y log 5 z
23
5
Using Rules of Logarithms to Evaluate
EXAMPLE 1
Expressions
Solution continued
b. log 5 125 y 7 log 5 125 log 5 y 7
log 5 53 7 log 5 y
3 7 2 17
1/2
z z 1
c. log 5 log 5 log 5 z log 5 y
y y 2
1 1
3 2
2 2
Using Rules of Logarithms to Evaluate
EXAMPLE 1
Expressions
Solution continued
d. log 5 z1/30 y 5 log 5 z1/30 log 5 y 5
1
log 5 z 5 log 5 y
30
1
3 5 2
30
0.1 10
10.1
EXAMPLE 2 Writing Expressions In Expanded Form
Write each expression in expanded form.
x x 1
2 3
a. log 2 3 2 5
b. ln x y z
2 x 1
4
Solution
x x 1
2 3
log 2 x x 1 log 2 2 x 1
2 3 4
a. log 2
2 x 1
4
log 2 x log 2 x 1 log 2 2 x 1
2 3 4
2log 2 x 3log 2 x 1 4log 2 2 x 1
EXAMPLE 2 Writing Expressions In Expanded Form
Solution continued
b. ln x y z ln x y z
3 2 5 3
2 5 1/2
ln x y z
1 3 2 5
2
ln x 3 ln y 2 ln z 5
1
2
1
3ln x 2ln y 5ln z
2
3 5
ln x ln y ln z
2 2
EXAMPLE 3 Writing Expressions in Condensed Form
Write each expression in condensed form.
a. log3x log 4 y
b. 2ln x ln x 2 1
1
2
c. 2log 2 5 log 2 9 log 2 75
d. ln x ln x 1 ln x 1
1
2
3
EXAMPLE 3 Writing Expressions in Condensed Form
Solution
3x
a. log3 x log 4 y log
4y
b. 2 ln x ln x 1 ln x ln x 1
1 2 2 2 1/2
2
ln x 2 x 2 1
EXAMPLE 3 Writing Expressions in Condensed Form
Solution continued
c. 2log 2 5 log 2 9 log 2 75
log 2 5 log 2 9 log 2 75
2
log 2 25 9 log 2 75
25 9
log 2
75
log 2 3
EXAMPLE 3 Writing Expressions in Condensed Form
Solution continued
d. ln x ln x 1 ln x 2 1
1
3
ln x x 1 ln x 1
1
2
3
1 x x 1
ln 2
3 x 1
x x 1
ln 3
x2 1
CHANGE-OF-BASE FORMULA
Let a, b, and x be positive real numbers
with a ≠ 1 and b ≠ 1. Then logb x can be
converted to a different base as follows:
log a x log x ln x
log b x
log a b log b ln b
(base a) (base 10) (base e)
Using a Change of Base to Compute
EXAMPLE 4
Logarithms
Compute log513 by changing to a. common
logarithms and b. natural logarithms.
Solution
log13
a. log 5 13
log 5
1.59369
ln 13
b. log 5 13
ln 5
1.59369
EXAMPLE 9 Evaluating the Natural Logarithm
Evaluate each expression.
4 1
a. ln e b. ln 2.5 c. ln 3
e
Solution
a. ln e 4
4
1 2.5
b. ln 2.5 ln e 2.5
e
c. ln 3 1.0986123 Use a calculator.
EXAMPLE 10 Doubling Your Money
a. How long will it take to double your money if it
earns 6.5% compounded continuously?
b. At what rate of return, compounded continuously,
would your money double in 5 years?
Solution
a. If P is the original
amount invested,
A = 2P.
It will take 11 years
to double your
money.
EXAMPLE 10 Doubling Your Money
Solution continued
b. Your investment will double
in 5 years at the rate of
13.86%.
Solving Exponential Or
Logarithmic Equations
To solve an exponential or logarithmic equation,
change the given equation into one of the following
forms, where a and b are real numbers, a > 0 and
a ≠ 1, and follow the guidelines.
1.ax = b
Solve by taking logarithms on both sides.
2. Loga x = b
Solve by changing to exponential form ab = x.
SOLVING AN EXPONENTIAL
EQUATION
Solve 7x = 12. Give the solution to the
nearest thousandth.
Solution
While any appropriate base b can be used, the best
practical base is base 10 or base e. We choose
base e (natural) logarithms here.
SOLVING AN EXPONENTIAL
EQUATION
Solve 7x = 12. Give the solution to the
nearest thousandth.
Solution x
7 12
In 7 In 12
x
Property of logarithms
xIn 7 In 12 Power of logarithms
In 12
x Divide by In 7.
In 7
x 1.277 Use a calculator.
The solution set is {1.277}.
SOLVING AN EXPONENTIAL
EQUATION
Solve 32x – 1 = .4x+2 . Give the solution to the
nearest thousandth.
Solution
32 x 1 .4 x 2
Take natural
2 x 1 x 2 logarithms on both
In 3 In .4 sides.
(2 x 1) In 3 ( x 2) In .4 Property power
2 x In 3 In 3 x In .4 2 In .4 Distributive property
SOLVING AN EXPONENTIAL
EQUATION
Solve 32x – 1 =.4x+2 . Give the solution to the
nearest thousandth.
Solution
2 x In 3 x In .4 2 In .4 In 3 Write the terms
with x on one side
x(2 In 3 In .4) 2 In .4 In 3 Factor out x.
2 In .4 3
x Divide by
2 In 3 .4 2 In 3 – In .4.
In .42 In 3
x Power property
In 32 In .4
SOLVING AN EXPONENTIAL
EQUATION
Solve 32x – 1 =.4x+2 . Give the solution to the
nearest thousandth.
Solution
In .16 In 3
x Apply the
In 9 In .4 exponents.
In .48
This is exact. x Product property;
9 Quotient property
In
.4
x .236 This is approximate.
The solution set is { –.236}.
SOLVING BASE e EXPONENTIAL
EQUATIONS
Solve the equation. Give solutions to the nearest
thousandth.
x2
a. e 200
Solution x2
e 200
x2 Take natural logarithms
In e In 200 on both sides.
x2
x In 200
2
In e = x2
SOLVING BASE e EXPONENTIAL
EQUATIONS
Solve the equation. Give solutions to the nearest
thousandth.
x2
a. e 200 Remember
both roots.
Solution
x In 200 Square root property
x 2.302 Use a calculator.
The solution set is { 2.302}.
SOLVING BASE e EXPONENTIAL
EQUATIONS
Solve the equation. Give solutions to the nearest
thousandth.
b. e 2 x 1 e 4 x 3e
Solution
2 x 1 4 x
e e 3e
2 x 1
e 3e am an am n
2 x am
e 3 Divide by e; n a m n .
a
2 x
In e In 3 Take natural logarithms
on both sides.
2 x In e In 3 Power property
SOLVING BASE e EXPONENTIAL
EQUATIONS
Solve the equation. Give solutions to the nearest
thousandth.
2 x 1 4 x
b. e e 3e
Solution
2 x In 3 In e = 1
1
x In 3 Multiply by – ½
2
x .549
The solution set is {–.549}.
SOLVING A LOGARITHMIC
EQUATION
Solve log(x + 6) – log(x + 2) = log x.
Solution
log( x 6) log( x 2) log x
x6
log log x Quotient property
x2
x6
x Property of
x2 logarithms
x 6 x( x 2)
SOLVING A LOGARITHMIC
EQUATION
Solve log(x + 6) – log(x + 2) = log x.
Solution
x 6 x 2x
2
Distributive property
x x 60
2
Standard form
( x 3)( x 2) 0 Factor.
x 3 or x2 Zero-factor property
The proposed negative solution (x = – 3) is not in
the domain of the log x in the original equation, so
the only valid solution is the positive number 2,
giving the solution set {2}.
SOLVING A LOGARITHMIC
EQUATION
Solve log(3x + 2) + log(x – 1 ) = 1. Give the
exact value(s) of the solution(s).
Solution
log(3 x 2) log( x 1) 1
log(3 x 2) log( x 1) log10 Substitute.
log[(3 x 2)( x 1)] log10 Product property
(3 x 2)( x 1) 10 Property of
logarithms
SOLVING A LOGARITMIC
EQUATION
Solve log(3x + 2) + log(x – 1 ) = 1. Give the
exact value(s) of the solution(s).
Solution
3 x x 2 10
2
Multiply.
3 x 2 x 12 0 Subtract 10.
1 1 144
x Quadratic formula
6
SOLVING A LOGARITMIC
EQUATION
Solve log(3x + 2) + log(x – 1 ) = 1. Give the
exact value(s) of the solution(s).
Solution
1 145
The number 6 is negative, so x – 1 is
negative. Therefore, log(x – 1) is not defined
and this proposed solution must be discarded.
1 145
Since 6 > 1, both 3x + 2 and x – 1 are
positive and the solution set is 1 145 .
6
NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING
Newton’s Law of Cooling states that
T Ts T0 Ts e ,
kt
where T is the temperature of the object at
time t, Ts is the surrounding temperature,
and T0 is the value of T at t = 0.
EXAMPLE 11 McDonald’s Hot Coffee
The local McDonald’s franchise has discovered
that when coffee is poured from a
coffeemaker whose contents are 180ºF into a
noninsulated pot, after 1 minute, the coffee
cools to 165ºF if the room temperature is 72ºF.
How long should the employees wait before
pouring the coffee from this noninsulated pot
into cups to deliver it to customers at 125ºF?
EXAMPLE 11 McDonald’s Hot Coffee
Solution
Use Newton’s Law of Cooling with T0 = 180
and Ts = 72 to obtain
T 72 180 72 e kt
kt
T 72 108e
We have T = 165 and t = 1.
k 93
165 72 108e ln k
108
93 k
e k 0.1495317
108
EXAMPLE 11 McDonald’s Hot Coffee
Solution continued
Substitute this value for k.
0.1495317t
T 72 108e
Solve for t when T = 125.
0.1495317 t
125 72 108e 1 53
125 72 t ln
e 0.1495317 t 0.1495317 108
108 t 4.76
53
ln 0.1495317t The employee should
108 wait about 5 minutes.
GROWTH AND DECAY MODEL
A A0e rt
A is the quantity after time t.
A0 is the initial (original) quantity (when t = 0).
r is the growth or decay rate per period.
t is the time elapsed from t = 0.
EXAMPLE 12 Chemical Toxins in a Lake
A chemical spill deposits 60,000 cubic meters
of soluble toxic waste into a large lake. If 20%
of the waste is removed every year, how many
years will it take to reduce the toxin to 1000
cubic meters?
Solution
In the equation A = A0ert, we need to find A0, r,
and the time when A = 1000.
EXAMPLE 12 Chemical Toxins in a Lake
Solution continued
1. Find A0. Initially (t = 0), we are given
A0 = 60,000. So
A 60,000e rt
2. Find r. When t = 1 year, the amount of toxin
will be 80% of its initial value, or
EXAMPLE 12 Chemical Toxins in a Lake
Solution continued
2. continued So
EXAMPLE 12 Chemical Toxins in a Lake
Solution continued
3. Find t when A = 1000.
It will take approximately 18 years to reduce
toxin to 1000 m3.