Evaluating an exponential function that models a real-world situation

[Drakkith]

Homework Statement

Suppose that the velocity v(t) (in m/s) of a sky diver falling near the Earth's surface is given by the following exponential function, where time is measured in seconds.

v(t) = 55 (1-e^-0.18(t))

Find the initial velocity of the sky diver and the velocity after 6 seconds.
Round your answers to the nearest whole number as necessary.

Homework Equations

None.

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't know what e is, so I can't even attempt this. And it's an online course with no book, just an online program we have to use for everything. It doesn't tell me what e is either.

 

[Dick]

Homework Statement

Suppose that the velocity v(t) (in m/s) of a sky diver falling near the Earth's surface is given by the following exponential function, where time is measured in seconds.

v(t) = 55 (1-e^-0.18(t))

Find the initial velocity of the sky diver and the velocity after 6 seconds.
Round your answers to the nearest whole number as necessary.

Homework Equations

None.

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't know what e is, so I can't even attempt this. And it's an online course with no book, just an online program we have to use for everything. It doesn't tell me what e is either.

e is Euler's number. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_(mathematical_constant)

 

[Drakkith]

e is Euler's number. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_(mathematical_constant)

Thanks. I couldn't even find e in the 'dictionary' part of the program. You'd think they'd give it to you if you have to use it...

 

[Dick]

Thanks. I couldn't even find e in the 'dictionary' part of the program. You'd think they'd give it to you if you have to use it...

Yes, they probably should. Though it's kind of standard.

 

[SteamKing]

You run into e a lot, especially in connection with natural logs.

d/dx (e^x) = e^x

Integral (e^x) dx = e^x + C

e^(i*pi) + 1 = 0, which relates e, pi, i, 0, and 1 in a single formula [i = SQRT (-1)]