8.

5 EXPONENTIAL
GROWTH FUNCTIONS

OBJECTIVE:
To write and use models for exponential growth.
8.5 Exponential Growth Functions.
• 
When a quantity is affected by a power we say it is growing exponentially. In some
cases, the quantities are also affected by percents of increase. When he have this
combination of percents and powers, we have an exponential growth.

Exponential growth models can be expressed mathematically using the following

function:

Where “C” is known as the initial amount, “t” is the time period for the growth,
“r” is the growth rate (usually expressed as a percent) and “1+r” is known as the
growth factor.
8.5 Exponential Growth Functions.

Guided Practice #1: apply the exponential growth model to the following
situations.
1. You deposit $1000 in an account that pays 8% anual interest compounded
yearly. What is the account balance after 8 years? After 12 years?
8.5 Exponential Growth Functions.

2. A population of 20 rabbits is released into a wild-life región. The population

triples each year for 5 years. What is the population of rabbits after the 5 years?

3. A newly hatched Channel catfish typically weighs about 0.3 grams. During the
first weeks of life, its growth is approximately exponential, increasing by about
10% each day. Find the weight of the catfish after the 6 weeks.
 HOMEWORK:
Exercises 6 to 16
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