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Lesson: Solving Real-World Problems Involving Exponential Functions

In this lesson, we will learn about tackling real-world problems that are described by exponential functions. Also, we will learn how to systematically find their solution sets in certain cases.

Worksheet: Solving Real-World Problems Involving Exponential Functions • 16 Questions

Q1:

A new antibiotic is being tested in a laboratory. A population of bacteria treated with the antibiotic decreases by one-third every hour. The initial population was 240 bacteria. Write an equation to find , the number of bacteria left after hours.

Q2:

A start-up company noticed that the number of those who use its product doubles every month. This month, they had users. Assuming this trend continues, write an equation that can be used to calculate , the number of users in months’ time.

Q3:

The number of people infected with a virus is increasing at a rate of 17% a year. In the last year, people were infected with the virus.

Write an equation that can be used to calculate , the number of people expected to be infected with the virus in the next months.

How many people would be expected to catch the virus in the next seven months? Give your answer to the nearest one hundred people.

Q4:

The number of people visiting a museum is decreasing by 3% a year. This year, there were visitors. Assuming the decline continues, write an equation that can be used to find , the number of visitors there will be in years’ time.

Q5:

A poorly performing fund is losing 10% of its value every week. Today, the value of investing in the fund is .

Write an equation that can be used to calculate , the value, in dollars, of an investment days ago.

What was the value of an investment 10 days ago? Give your answer to the nearest dollar.

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