Lesson Objective

1. Recognize the five most common types of models involving exponential or logarithmic functions.
2. Use exponential growth and decay functions to model and solve real-life problems.
3. Use Gaussian functions to model and solve real-life problems.
4. Use logistic growth functions to model and solve real-life problems.
5. Use logarithmic functions to model and solve real-life problems.

How do you use exponents and logarithms to model a variety of situtations?

Exponential growth
Exponential decay
Gaussian model
Logistic growth

HSA-LE.A.4: For exponential models, express as a logarithm the solution to a·b^(ct)=d where a, c, and d are numbers and the base b is 2, 10, or e; evaluate the logarithm using technology.

Use Khan Academy Resource

Students will be introduced to the five most common types of mathematical models involving exponential functions and logarithmic functions and these models will be explored using real life applications, such as population growth, carbon dating, and SAT scores

Exponential decay models are used in carbon dating. Exponential decay can estimate the age of a piece of ancient charcoal.

Some students may make the assumption that the data presented is linear, make sure that they graph data to find if it is linear, exponential, or logarithmic.

Have your advance learners work on problems involving Sound Intensity.

Common Assessments

Pre-Calculus with Limits Resources