Is this curve quadratic or exponential?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of a specific curve, questioning whether it is quadratic or exponential. Participants explore this topic in the context of data representation, particularly related to infectious disease modeling and reporting uncertainties.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the curve appears quadratic or exponential based on visual representation.
  • Another participant suggests that a quadratic model might be more accurate due to the presence of many unknowns in case reporting.
  • A different viewpoint asserts that the curve looks exponential, emphasizing that natural phenomena tend to exhibit exponential behavior, particularly in the context of infectious diseases.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of data reflecting the true nature of the curve, with factors such as delayed reporting and vaccination efforts potentially influencing the appearance of the curve.
  • A reference to a paper is provided, which discusses the conditions under which a quadratic model may emerge from the data.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on whether the curve is quadratic or exponential, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainties regarding the data's accuracy, the influence of external factors on the curve's appearance, and the potential for different models to fit the data under varying conditions.

Point Conception
Gold Member
Messages
1,151
Reaction score
1,824
TL;DR
Covid cases in Thailand June 1 to July 24
Does this curve look quadratic or exponential
Screenshot_2021-07-24-08-21-42-56.jpg
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Screenshot_2021-07-20-08-09-06-35.jpg

I got this from orange bar graph with dy/dt =ky. But with so many unknowns in cases reporting maybe a quadratic curve would be more accurate ?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970, jedishrfu, jim mcnamara and 1 other person
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Point Conception and Delta2

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
907
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K