with a little practice, which you evidently have, you can just read it from the equation, since b^0 = 1 for any nonzero b.
But, when the function is a little more complicated, you may have to plug in t=0 and evaluate a more involved expression. Read about Newton's law of cooling, or logistical growth.
Find the initial amount given an exponential function.
Given the equation y = 24(0.77)^t, what is the initial amount?
To find the initial amount, I need to replace t with 0.
When I do that, I get y = 24(0.77)^0 which is y = 24(1), so y = 24
In doing other problems, that first number, where the 24 is, is always the initial amount that you start with. So I'm wondering why do I need to go through this work when the answer is just 24? Why can't I just look at the equation and say the initial amount is 24?
Is there an example where the initial value would not be what that first number would be?
Thank you.
1 answer