Finding the Growth Rate $k$

If you know two data points, you can solve for $k$:

1. Substitute known values
2. Divide by $A_0$
3. Take natural log of both sides
4. Solve for $k$

Exponential Decay Model

Same formula, but $k < 0$ (negative):

$A(t) = A_0 e^{-kt}$

where $k > 0$ represents the decay rate.

Half-Life Formula

The half-life is the time it takes for half the substance to decay.

$A(t) = A_0\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{t/h}$

where $h$ is the half-life.

Relationship to $k$: $h = \frac{\ln(2)}{k}$

Compound Interest Models

Compound Interest (n times per year)

$A = P\left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{nt}$

where:

• $P$ = principal (initial investment)
• $r$ = annual interest rate (as decimal)
• $n$ = number of times compounded per year
• $t$ = time in years

Continuous Compounding

$A = Pe^{rt}$

This is the limit as $n \to \infty$ (compounding infinitely often).

Doubling Time

The time it takes for a quantity to double:

$2A_0 = A_0e^{kt}$ $2 = e^{kt}$ $\ln(2) = kt$ $t = \frac{\ln(2)}{k}$

Doubling time: $t_d = \frac{\ln(2)}{k} \approx \frac{0.693}{k}$

Population Growth Models

Unlimited Growth (Malthusian)

$P(t) = P_0e^{kt}$

Assumes unlimited resources (not realistic long-term).

Logistic Growth

$P(t) = \frac{L}{1 + Ce^{-kt}}$

where:

• $L$ = carrying capacity (maximum sustainable population)
• $C$ = constant based on initial conditions
• $k$ = growth rate

The population approaches $L$ as $t \to \infty$.

Newton's Law of Cooling

Temperature of an object over time:

$T(t) = T_s + (T_0 - T_s)e^{-kt}$

where:

• $T(t)$ = temperature at time $t$
• $T_s$ = surrounding (ambient) temperature
• $T_0$ = initial temperature
• $k$ = cooling rate constant

Logarithmic Models

Some phenomena grow logarithmically:

$y = a + b\ln(x)$

Examples:

• Earthquake intensity (Richter scale)
• Sound intensity (decibels)
• pH scale (acidity)

Richter Scale

Earthquake magnitude: $M = \log\left(\frac{I}{I_0}\right)$

where $I$ is intensity and $I_0$ is reference intensity.

An increase of 1 on the Richter scale means 10 times more intense!

Solving Applied Problems

General Strategy:

1. Identify the type of model needed
2. Write the equation with known values
3. Solve for the unknown (often $k$ first, then answer the question)
4. Check if the answer makes sense in context