Exponential Decay

Learn and apply exponential decay using equations, examples, and interpretation.

Lesson 4 of 53 parts Practice Flashcards

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Decay Factor

Objective: Explain and use decay factor in an Algebra 1 problem.

Exponential decay multiplies by a constant factor between zero and one each equal period. No, the removed amount usually shrinks.

Worked examples

Try itExample 1.1: A quantity starts at 544 and halves each period. What remains after 5 periods?Show answer

17. Halve the initial amount once per period. The answer is 17.

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Objective: Explain and use decay factor in an Algebra 1 problem.

Exponential decay multiplies by a constant factor between zero and one each equal period. No, the removed amount usually shrinks.

Worked examples

Try itExample 1.1: A quantity starts at 544 and halves each period. What remains after 5 periods?Show answer

17. Halve the initial amount once per period. The answer is 17.

Objective: Explain and use half-life model in an Algebra 1 problem.

If a quantity halves every period, its expected value after t periods is a(1/2)^t. One quarter of the starting amount.

Worked examples

Try itExample 2.1: A quantity starts at 6912 and halves each period. What remains after 8 periods?Show answer

27. Halve the initial amount once per period. The answer is 27.

Objective: Explain and use percent decrease in an Algebra 1 problem.

A decrease of r per period corresponds to multiplication by 1−r, where 0<r<1. 0.75.

Worked examples

Try itExample 3.1: A quantity starts at 75776 and halves each period. What remains after 11 periods?Show answer

37. Halve the initial amount once per period. The answer is 37.

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