What is exponential decay?

What is exponential decay?

Note:

Exponential functions often involve the rate of increase or decrease of something. When it's a rate of decrease, you have an exponential decay function! Check out these kinds of exponential functions in this tutorial!

Keywords:

  • Definition
  • Exponential Function
  • Exponential
  • Function
  • Exponent
  • Exponential Decay
  • Decay Factor
  • Decay Rate
  • Exponential Decay Function
  • Decay

Background Tutorials

  • Use a pair of perpendicular number lines, called axes, to define a coordinate system, with the intersection of the lines (the origin) arranged to coincide with the 0 on each line and a given point in the plane located by using an ordered pair of numbers, called its coordinates. Understand that the first number indicates how far to travel from the origin in the direction of one axis, and the second number indicates how far to travel in the direction of the second axis, with the convention that the names of the two axes and the coordinates correspond (e.g., x-axis and x-coordinate, y-axis and y-coordinate).

      • What is the X-Axis?What is the X-Axis?

      What is the X-Axis?

      To graph a function or plot an ordered pair, you need to use a coordinate plane, so you should learn all about it! In this tutorial, you'll learn about the x-axis and see where it's located in the coordinate plane.

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

  • Know and apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent numerical expressions.

      • What are Exponents?What are Exponents?

      What are Exponents?

      Did you know that another word for 'exponent' is 'power'? To learn the meaning of these words and to see some special cases involving exponents, check out this tutorial!

  • Use the properties of exponents to transform expressions for exponential functions.

      • What's an Exponential Function?What's an Exponential Function?

      What's an Exponential Function?

      Looking at an equation with a variable in the exponent? You have an exponential function! Learn about exponential functions in this tutorial.

  • Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters.

      • What's a Compound Inequality?What's a Compound Inequality?

      What's a Compound Inequality?

      Wondering what a compound inequality is? Then check out this tutorial! You'll learn the definition for a compound inequality and also see how it can be written in set builder notation. Take a look!

  • Understand that a function from one set (called the domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each element of the domain exactly one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain, then f(x) denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x. The graph of f is the graph of the equation y = f(x).

      • What is Function Notation?What is Function Notation?

      What is Function Notation?

      Every see 'f(x)' in your math? That's function notation! It's a way to indicate that an equation is a function. Learn about function notation by watching this tutorial.

  • Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential functions.

      • What is Exponential Growth?What is Exponential Growth?

      What is Exponential Growth?

      Exponential functions often involve the rate of increase or decrease of something. When it's a rate of increase, you have an exponential growth function! Check out these kinds of exponential functions in this tutorial!

Further Exploration

  • Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. Include equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.

      • How Do You Solve a Word Problem with Exponential Decay?How Do You Solve a Word Problem with Exponential Decay?

      How Do You Solve a Word Problem with Exponential Decay?

      If something decreases in value at a constant rate, you may have exponential decay on your hands. In this tutorial, learn how to turn a word problem into an exponential decay function. Then, solve the function and get the answer!

  • Use the properties of exponents to interpret expressions for exponential functions.

      • What is Exponential Growth?What is Exponential Growth?

      What is Exponential Growth?

      Exponential functions often involve the rate of increase or decrease of something. When it's a rate of increase, you have an exponential growth function! Check out these kinds of exponential functions in this tutorial!