Superlesson
Project 10-2
Algebra
Chapter 10
Functions and Structure of Algebra
Growth and decay are two areas of science that depend on mathematics to make sense. Let's explore some additional functions!
Part A, Exponential Functions
1. Open the Median income Web site.
a. Make a chart showing the Age of the Householder and the Median Income at ages 24, 34, 44, 54, and 64.
b. Predict if the shape of a graph made with this information would be linear or exponential.
c. Graph the information from above.
d. Is your graph linear or exponential? Explain.
Part B, Exponents and Logarithms
3. Open the Richter scale Web site.
a. Explain why this is a logarithmic function.
b. Graph this function on your graphing calculator. Don't forget to change the scale of your graph. What do you notice?
Part C, Making Connections
4. Continue to use the information at the Richter scale site. Explain why an earthquake of Magnitude 8 is 100,000,000 times stronger than an earthquake of Magnitude 1.
5. Would the principle paid on the monthly payment of a home mortgage
be an example of linear or exponential growth? Explain.