Exponential Function: Understanding and Solving Problems

In summary, an exponential function is a function that has the form f(x)=ax, where a is the ratio between entries. To find the missing values, divide between entries to find the ratio, then average them to get the average ratio, and use this average ratio to find the missing values. Additionally, plotting the raw data on semilog graph paper and measuring the slope of the curve of best fit can help in finding the equation needed. However, ultimately the original poster should attempt to work the problem themselves instead of relying solely on others for the solution.
  • #1
schan11
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Help! exponential function

Please look at the attachment for the question!

Thank you for your help
 

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  • #2


An exponential function is a function f(x)=ax, where a is the ratio between entries. Since you have a bunch of data, divide between entries to find the ratio, a. Then average them to get the average ratio, and use this average ratio to find the missing values.
 
  • #3


Harrisonized said:
An exponential function is a function f(x)=ax, where a is the ratio between entries. Since you have a bunch of data, divide between entries to find the ratio, a. Then average them to get the average ratio, and use this average ratio to find the missing values.

But how do you work out the function?
 
  • #4


Let's take the first two entries as an example.

On day 21/5, we have 3 cases of H1N1. On day 22/5, we have 7 cases of H1N1.

What's 7/3? 2.333.

On day 22/5, we have 7 cases of H1N1. On day 23/5, we have 12 cases of H1N1.

What's 12/7? 1.714.

Hopefully by now you've noticed that these are the values in the third column.
 
  • #5


schan11 said:
Please look at the attachment for the question!
It might be instructive to plot the raw data on semilog graph paper. (Search on google, and print out a sheet of it.) The curve of best fit should be a straight line. Measure its slope. From this you can work out the equation you seek. This should support the figures in the right-most column of your data. This exercise amounts to graphically taking an average of the numbers in the right column, and, if it hadn't already been done, would save calculating those numbers.
 
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  • #6


Even after several responses, there is no attempt at all by the original poster to work the problem himself. Thread closed.
 

FAQ: Exponential Function: Understanding and Solving Problems

1. What is an exponential function?

An exponential function is a mathematical function in the form of f(x) = a^x, where a is a constant and x is the variable. This means that the value of the function increases or decreases at a constant rate as x increases, resulting in a curved graph.

2. How do you solve exponential functions?

To solve an exponential function, you can use logarithms or graphing techniques. If using logarithms, you take the logarithm of both sides of the equation and then solve for x. If using graphing techniques, you plot points on a graph and use the points to create a line of best fit that represents the exponential function.

3. What are the applications of exponential functions?

Exponential functions are commonly used in various fields such as finance, biology, and physics. In finance, they are used to model compound interest and growth of investments. In biology, they can be used to model population growth. In physics, they are used to model radioactive decay and other natural phenomena.

4. How do you graph an exponential function?

To graph an exponential function, you can use the points method or the transformations method. The points method involves choosing values for x and solving for the corresponding values of y. The transformations method involves applying transformations such as horizontal and vertical shifts, reflections, and stretches to the parent function y = a^x.

5. What is the difference between exponential and linear functions?

The main difference between exponential and linear functions is that exponential functions have a variable in the exponent while linear functions have a variable raised to the first power. This results in exponential functions having a curved graph while linear functions have a straight line graph. Additionally, exponential functions have a constant rate of change while linear functions have a constant slope.

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