Functions & Applications (MCF3M) · Exponential Functions

Exponential growth and decay

Evaluate an exponential growth/decay model A = A0(1 +- p/100)^t for a whole-number result. Unlimited questions, five difficulty levels, and a full worked solution every time — free.

Practice this skill Curriculum: MCF3M-EF1

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Right now the number of bacteria in a petri dish is 500. It grows by 10% every year. About how many will there be after 1 year?

A = 500(1 + 10100)1

Answer: 550

See one solved, step by step

Right now the number of bacteria in a petri dish is 400. It grows by 8% every year. About how many will there be after 3 years?

A = 400(1 + 8100)3
📘 Worked solution
1Growth factor: 1 + 0.08 = 1.08growing by 8% means the new amount is (1 + 8/100) times the old amount.
2A = 400 · 1.083 = 503.88Apply that factor once per year — that's why it's raised to the power 3.
3~ 504Round to the nearest whole number — you can't have part of one.

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