Exponential equation (simple?)

In summary: Thanks for your question, I will try and find a link to help me out. In summary, I am struggling to find a link to help me understand how to find the velocity from a position function.
  • #1
1875
10
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


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:
  • #3


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.
 
  • #4


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
 
  • #5


Am I right in thinking
a) 300 km/hr
b) 475 km/hr2
 
  • #6


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
 
  • #7


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?
 
  • #8


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
 
  • #9


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.
 

What is an exponential equation?

An exponential equation is a mathematical expression that involves a base number raised to a variable power. The general form of an exponential equation is y = ab^x, where a is the initial value, b is the base, and x is the exponent.

How do you solve an exponential equation?

To solve an exponential equation, you can use logarithms. Take the logarithm of both sides of the equation and use logarithm rules to simplify. Then, solve for the variable. Alternatively, you can use trial and error or graphing methods to approximate the solution.

What are some real-life applications of exponential equations?

Exponential equations are used to model various real-life situations, such as population growth, compound interest, radioactive decay, and chemical reactions. They are also commonly used in fields like economics, biology, and physics.

What is the difference between a simple and a compound exponential equation?

In a simple exponential equation, the variable appears only in the exponent, while in a compound exponential equation, the variable appears in both the base and the exponent. For example, y = 2^x is a simple exponential equation, while y = 2x is a compound exponential equation.

What are some common mistakes people make when solving exponential equations?

Some common mistakes people make when solving exponential equations include forgetting to take the logarithm of both sides, using incorrect logarithm rules, and forgetting to check for extraneous solutions. It is also important to remember to use the correct base when using logarithms to solve an exponential equation.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
699
  • Differential Equations
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
405
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
917
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
449
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
867
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
747
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top