Overview
In this end-of-unit project, you demonstrate your ability to explain how the parameters of an exponential relate to a data set or situation being modeled as well as to find an exponential function to model a given data set or situation.
As you have learned, exponential functions have many different applications in the real-world. They can be used to model situations and make predictions. In this project, you will get the opportunity to research one of these real-world applications.
Use the Internet to do a bit of research and find a specific situation where an exponential function can be used to make a prediction. Look for something that strikes you as unusual or particularly interesting.
Once you have completed your research, open a word processing document, and write a report that includes a description of the situation and why you chose it. Then, answer the following questions:
- How do the parameters of an exponential relate to the data set or situation being modeled?
- How closely does an exponential function model the situation?
- Will it model the situation forever or does it have limitations?
Next, use desmos.com to plot some of the data you found and find a regression model. How close is your model to the one you found in your research? What is the function (equation) of your graph?