Exponential equation (simple?)

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The discussion focuses on solving an exponential equation defined by x = Ae^kt, with initial conditions provided. The first part involves finding constants A and k using the given values of x at t = 0 and t = 2. The second part addresses calculating x when t = 1.5 and determining the time required for x to decay to 0.01. Additionally, a related problem about a plane's descent is introduced, requiring differentiation to find initial velocity, acceleration, and the time when velocity reaches zero. The conversation highlights the necessity of calculus for solving these types of problems.
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exponential equation (simple??)

x = Ae ^ kt

initally (at t = 0) x = 0.2 and when t = 2 then x = 1.5

a) Find A and k

b) Find x when t = 1.5

c) How long will it take x to decay to x = 0.01

Really struggling, any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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1875 said:
x = Ae ^ kt

initally (at t = 0) x = 0.2 and when t = 2 then x = 1.5

a) Find A and k

b) Find x when t = 1.5

c) How long will it take x to decay to x = 0.01

Really struggling, any help would be greatly appreciated.

a) Plug in t=0 and x = 0.2 into the equation.
You get:
0.2 = A*e^0 or A=0.2
(this is like any exponential growth or decay function, at A = the initial value)
plug t = 2 into the equation and you get 0.2e^0.2k=1.5
ln|1.5/0.2|= 0.2k solve for k

b) plug t=1.5 in the equation above x(t) = 0.2e^kt (with whatever you solved for k)

c) same as b but put x = 0.01 in for x and solve for t
 
Last edited:


1875 said:
x = Ae ^ kt

initally (at t = 0) x = 0.2 and when t = 2 then x = 1.5

a) Find A and k

b) Find x when t = 1.5

c) How long will it take x to decay to x = 0.01

Really struggling, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi and welcome to PF.
Let's try a). When t=0 and x=0.2, can you write up the equation "x = Ae ^ kt"?
This should give you A.
 


Thank you, I completely understand it now, just would'nt click at first. I wonder while your online if you could help with;


at time t = 0 and position s = 0 a plane starts its descent into an airfield. From this point, the distance s in km as a function of time t in hours is given by;
s = 300 + 400t - 200t^3

determine
a) the inital velocity (km/hrs)
b) the acceleration after 1/2 hr
c) the time to when the velocity is zero and the distance traveled in that time

deadline tomorrow, pressure on
 


Am I right in thinking
a) 300 km/hr
b) 475 km/hr2
 


1875 said:
Thank you, I completely understand it now, just would'nt click at first. I wonder while your online if you could help with;


at time t = 0 and position s = 0 a plane starts its descent into an airfield. From this point, the distance s in km as a function of time t in hours is given by;
s = 300 + 400t - 200t^3

determine
a) the inital velocity (km/hrs)
b) the acceleration after 1/2 hr
c) the time to when the velocity is zero and the distance traveled in that time

deadline tomorrow, pressure on

First derivative is velocity so take that and plug in t=0
2nd derivative is acceleration, so take that and plug in t=0.5
 


Rebooter said:
First derivative is velocity so take that and plug in t=0
2nd derivative is acceleration, so take that and plug in t=0.5

I think I am OK on those parts its more the last question that I am having difficulty with;

the time to when the velocity is zero and the distance traveled in that time?
 


1875 said:
I think I am OK on those parts its more the last question that I am having difficulty with;

the time to when the velocity is zero and the distance traveled in that time?

Set the first derivative ds/dt = 0 = 400-600t^2 solve for t

Plug t into the first equation and solve for s
 


Rebooter said:
Set the first derivative ds/dt = 0 = 400-600t^2 solve for t

Plug t into the first equation and solve for s

for t I got

t = -400/600^2

Thanks again for your help, one last thing, I am just wondering how you came to this equation of 0 = 400 - 600t^2
 
  • #10


1875 said:
for t I got

t = -400/600^2

Thanks again for your help, one last thing, I am just wondering how you came to this equation of 0 = 400 - 600t^2

basic differentiation rules?
 
  • #11


Rebooter said:
basic differentiation rules?

I must apologise I am unaware of these rules and still struggling greatly on the last question.
 
  • #12


If you are not taking a Calculus course, why are you even attempting a problem involving finding the velocity from a position function? That requires Calculus.
 
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