A water-quality monitor recorded the concentration index at several times , in hours, after a treatment began.
An exponential model of the form , where , , and are constants and , fits the data exactly. Which choice gives the value of predicted by the model when ?
For a table that may represent a shifted exponential model, do not rely only on ratios of the listed -values, because a vertical shift can hide the exponential pattern. When the -values are equally spaced, examine the consecutive differences in . If those differences have a constant ratio, that ratio is the exponential base for each equal step in the exponent. Then use two data points to determine the remaining constants before making the requested prediction.
Hints
Compare consecutive changes
Find the change in from one row to the next. Then compare those changes rather than comparing the -values directly.
Use the model's structure
Because increases by in each row, the exponent increases by . In a shifted exponential model, consecutive changes are multiplied by the base .
Account for the vertical shift
After finding , use two data points to write two equations involving and . Then evaluate the resulting model at .
Desmos Guide
Use algebra first
Algebra is faster here because the doubling pattern in the consecutive changes identifies the base. Desmos can verify the resulting model.
Enter the data and model
Enter the table values in a Desmos table. Then graph . The curve passes through all four data points.
Evaluate at the requested input
Enter on a new expression line. Desmos displays a decimal approximation for the predicted value; compare that approximation with the answer choices.
Step-by-step Explanation
Find the exponential growth factor
For consecutive rows, the changes in are , , and . These changes double each time increases by .
For a model of the form , the changes over equal increases in are multiplied by . Therefore, .
Determine the constants
Using the first two data points gives
Subtracting the first equation from the second gives . Then .
So the model is .
Evaluate the model at
Substitute :
This is choice B.