Pre-Calculus Unit 3

9.2 Arithmetic Sequences

1. Sequence
Is a function from the whole numbers to the real numbers.
This means that you will substitute in a whole number and get any real number as an output.
The graph will be individual points, not a continuous connected line or curve.

2. Arithmetic sequence
Sequence in which each term after the first 𝑎1 , is equal to the sum of the preceding term and the
common difference 𝑑; 𝑑 has to be the same for the sequence to be arithmetic

3. Finding the Next Term

to find the next term in an arithmetic sequence, first find the common difference, then add the
common difference to the next term

4. Find the next three terms.

a. −12, −1,10, . .. b. 𝑟 − 4, 𝑟 − 1, 𝑟 + 2, …

5. The nth term of an Arithmetic Sequence

With a given term 𝑎𝑘 and common difference 𝑑 is given by 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎0 + 𝑑𝑛 or 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑘 + (𝑛 − 𝑘)𝑑

6. Find the 41st term in the sequence 11,4, −3, . .. . Then write the equation of the sequence.

7. Find the first term in the sequence for which 𝑎44 = 229 and 𝑑 = 8. Then write the equation of the
sequence.

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9.3 Geometric Sequences

1. Geometric Sequence
A geometric sequence is a sequence in which each term after the first, 𝑎1 , is the product of the
preceding term and the common ratio 𝑟.

2. Common Ratio, r
the common ratio of a geometric sequence can be found by dividing any term by the preceding term
3. Finding the Next Term
to find the next term in a geometric sequence, find the common ratio, then multiply the last term by
the common ratio

4. Find the next three terms in the geometric sequence 27,135,675, . .. .

5. Find the next three terms in the geometric sequence 18,54,162, . .. .

6. The nth Term in a Geometric Sequence

With first term a1 and common ration r is given by the following formula 𝑔𝑛 = 𝑔0 𝑟 𝑛 or 𝑔𝑛 = 𝑔𝑘 𝑟 𝑛−𝑘 .
1 1
7. Find the 14th term in the geometric sequence 1, 3 , 9 , . .. . Also write an equation for 𝑔𝑛 .

8. Find 𝑔8 in the geometric sequence given 𝑔1 = 12 and 𝑟 = 2. Also write an expression for 𝑔𝑛 .

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 3.1 Exponential Functions and Their Graphs

1. Evaluate to the nearest ten thousandth.

a. 5 2 b. 0.4 

2. Exponential Function
Has the form y = a x , where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, and x is any real number.
1
Ex. 2 x ,3 x , ( ) x
2

3. Graph and compare the graphs of y = 2 x and y = 2 − x.

1
4. Graph each and describe the transformation of the parent graph y = ( ) x .
2
1 𝑥 1 𝑥 1 𝑥
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = (2) b. 𝑔(𝑥) = (2) + 1 c. ℎ(𝑥) = (2) − 2

1 𝑥 1 −𝑥 1 𝑥+2
d. 𝑔(𝑥) = 3 (2) e. ℎ(𝑥) = (2) f. 𝑔(𝑥) = (2)

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 1 𝑥−3 1 𝑥
g. ℎ(𝑥) = (2) h. ℎ(𝑥) = − (2)

5. The Natural Base e

An irrational number, symbolized by the letter e, appears as the base in many applied exponential
functions. This irrational number is approximately equal to 2.72. More accurately, 𝑒 = 2.71828 …
The number e is called the natural base. The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑒 𝑥 is called the natural exponential
function.

6. Evaluate.
a. e b. e 3 c. e −2

7. Write in logarithmic form.

a. e − x = 5 b. e 2 = 6 x

8. Write in exponential form.

a. ln e = 1 b. ln 5.2 = x

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9. Formulas for Compound Interest
After t years, the balance A in an account with principal P and annual interest rate r (expressed as a
decimal) is given by the following formulas.
𝑟
For n compounding’s per year: 𝐴 = (1 + 𝑛)𝑛𝑡
For continuous compounding: 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡

10. The total invested is $1750 with an annual interest rate of 2% that is compounded yearly. How much is in the
account in 7 years?

11. The original amount invested is $2121 with an annual interest rate of 9% that is compounded quarterly. How
much is in the account after 8 years?

12. Suppose your community has 4512 students this year. The student population is growing 2.5% each year.
What will the population be in 15 years?

13. Technetium-99 has a half-life of 6 hours. Suppose a lab has 80 mg of technetium-99. How much technetium-
99 is left after 24 hours?

14. The half-life of iodine-131 is 8 days. Suppose you start with a 50-millicuries sample of iodine-131. How
much iodine-131 is left after one half-life? After two half-lives?

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3.2 Logarithmic Functions and Their Graphs

1. Definition of a Logarithmic Function

The logarithmic function y = loga x, where a>0 and a  1, is the inverse of the exponential function
y = ay.

2. Write in exponential form.

1
a. log5 125 = 3 b. log = −3 c. log 100 = 2
1000

3. Write in logarithmic form.

1
a. 8 3 = 512 b. 33 = 27 c. 5 −3 =
125

4. Evaluate each expression.

1 1
a. log 2 16 b. log 2 c. log 3
32 81

5. Inverse Properties of Logarithms

For 𝑏 > 0,
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑏 𝑥 = 𝑥 The logarithm with base b of b raised to a power equals that power.
𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑥 = 𝑥 b raised to the logarithm with base b of a number equals that number.

6. Evaluate each.
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 4𝑥 b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 78 c. 3𝑙𝑜𝑔317 d. 32𝑙𝑜𝑔3 17 e. 43+log4 𝑏

7. Graph each.
a. y = log 2 x b. y = log5 x c. y = log x

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8. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥, use transformations to graph each of the following.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 1) b. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 − 2) c. ℎ(𝑥) = 1 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥

1
d. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (−𝑥) e. 𝑔(𝑥) = 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 f. 𝑔(𝑥) = −2𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥

9. Find the domain of each logarithmic function.

a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (𝑥 + 4) b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (𝑥 − 6) c. 𝑓(𝑥) = log (2 − 𝑥)

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 10. Natural Logarithms
The natural log function is the inverse of y = e x . Denoted ln x , understood base e.
All properties of logarithms also hold for natural logarithms.

Evaluate each.

a. 𝑒 .2 b. 𝑒 ln 𝑦 c. ln 𝑒 −4𝑥 d. ln 𝑒 45 e. 𝑒 3 ln 𝑦

11. Graph 𝑦 = ln 𝑥.

12. Graph each.

1
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = ln (−𝑥) b. 𝑔(𝑥) = − 2 𝑙𝑛𝑥 c. 𝑓(𝑥) = ln(𝑥 + 2) − 3

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3.3 Properties of Logarithms

1. Change of Base Formula

Let a, b, an x be positive real numbers such that 𝑎 ≠ 1 and 𝑏 ≠ 1. Then 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑥 can be converted to a
different base using any of the following formulas.
Base b Base 10 Base e
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑥 ln 𝑥
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑥 = ln 𝑎
𝑏 10

2. Properties of Logarithms
Suppose m and n are positive numbers, b is a positive number other than 1, and p is any real number.
Then the following properties hold.
Product Property: logb mn = logb m + logb n
m
Quotient Property: log b = log b m − log b n
n
Power Property: logb m = p logb m
p

Property of Equality: If logb m = logb n, then m = n.

3. Evaluate each with the change-of-base formula. Round your result to three decimal places.
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 13 b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 17

4. Rewrite the logarithm as a multiple of (a) a common logarithm and (b) a natural logarithm.
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑥 b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔1 𝑥
3

5. Use the properties of logarithms to write the expression as a sum, difference, and/or constant multiple of
logarithms. (Assume all variables are positive.)
64 𝑒2
a. 𝑙𝑜𝑔9 9𝑥 b. 𝑙𝑜𝑔4 ( 𝑦 ) c. 𝑙𝑛 ( 5 )

𝑥2𝑦
d. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 𝑥 3 e. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏 ( 𝑧 2 ) f. 𝑙𝑜𝑔√100𝑥

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 6. Write the expression as the logarithm of a single quantity.
a. ln 𝑥 + ln 2 b. log(2𝑥 + 5) − log 𝑥 c. log 𝑥 + 3 log 𝑦

1 1
d. 2 ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑦 e. 4 ln 𝑥 + 7 ln 𝑥 − 3 ln 𝑥 f. 2 (𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑦) − 2𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (𝑥 + 1)

1
g. 3 [2 ln(𝑥 + 5) − ln 𝑥 − ln(𝑥 2 − 4)]

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3.4 Part I Solving Exponential Equations
Solve each exponential equation.
1 1−𝑥
1. 6𝑥−2 = 63𝑥−4 2. 8𝑥−1 = (4) 3. 45−𝑥 = 128

1 1−2𝑥
4. 3𝑥−1 = (√3)𝑥+1 5. 125𝑥−1 = (5) 6. 82𝑥−2 = 42−𝑥

7. 10𝑥 = 3.91 8. 𝑒 𝑥 = 5.7 9. 5𝑥 = 17

10. 7𝑥+2 = 410 11. 23−𝑥 = 5𝑥−1 12. 3𝑥+2 = 4𝑥−7

13. 5𝑒 𝑥 = 23 14. 𝑒 5𝑥−3 − 2 = 10,476 15. 𝑒 2𝑥 − 3𝑒 𝑥 + 2 = 0

16. 𝑒 2𝑥 − 2𝑒 𝑥 − 3 = 0 17. 𝑒 4𝑥 + 5𝑒 2𝑥 − 24 = 0 18. 𝑒 4𝑥 − 3𝑒 2𝑥 − 18 = 0

19. 32𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 2 = 0 20. 22𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 12 = 0

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3.4 Solving Exponential equations Worksheet
I. Solve each equation using logarithms. Round solutions to the nearest hundredth.
1. 5𝑥−1 = 2𝑥 2. 32𝑥 = 7𝑥−1

3. 6𝑥−2 = 4𝑥 4. 12𝑥−4 = 3𝑥−2

3
5. √4𝑥−1 = 6𝑥−2

II. Solve each exponential.

1. 𝑒 2𝑥 + 6𝑒 𝑥 − 16 = 0 2. 𝑒 2𝑥 − 7𝑒 𝑥 − 8 = 0 3. 32𝑥 − 8 ∙ 3𝑥 − 20 = 0

4. 32𝑥 − 7 ∙ 3𝑥 − 18 = 0

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3.4 Part II Solving Logarithmic Equations
I. Solve each logarithmic equation.
1. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑥 = 4 2. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 4) = 3 3. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 4) = −3

4. 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 (4𝑥 − 1) = 1 5. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 − 5) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 + 3) = 2

6. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 2) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 − 5) = 3 7. 2𝑙𝑜𝑔3 (𝑥 + 4) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 9 + 2

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8. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 − 6) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 − 4) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 = 2 9. 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥 2−𝑙𝑜𝑔4 𝑥 + 6 = 0 10. 𝑙𝑜𝑔3 𝑥 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 − 2) = 1

II. Solve equations involving natural logarithms.

11. ln 𝑥 = 2 12. 5 ln(2𝑥) = 20 13. 6 + 2 ln 𝑥 = 5

14. ln √𝑥 + 3 = 1 15. ln(𝑥 + 1) − ln(𝑥 − 2) = ln 𝑥

Solve by using graphing calculator.

16. ln 𝑥 + ln(𝑥 2 + 4) = 10 17. 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 5) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 (𝑥 + 4)
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Notes on Determining if a function is a Linear or Exponential Function

We will look more closely at these connections today.

Arithmetic Sequences and Linear Functions Geometric Sequences and Exponential Functions

Arithmetic Sequences Linear Functions Geometric Sequences Exponential Functions

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 + 𝑚𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎0 + 𝑑𝑛 𝑔𝑛 = 𝑔0 𝑟 𝑛 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 or 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑟 𝑥
Slope-Intercept Form
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥𝑖 ) 𝑔𝑛 = 𝑔𝑘 𝑟 (𝑛−𝑘) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦𝑖 𝑟 (𝑥−𝑥𝑖)
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑘 + 𝑑(𝑛 − 𝑘)
Point-Slope Form

It is important to recognize and understand the similarities and differences between linear and exponential
functions.

Linear Functions vs. Exponential Functions

Linear Functions Exponential Functions

𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 + 𝑚𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥

Over equal-length input-value intervals, the Over equal-length input-value intervals, the
output values change at a constant rate. output values change proportionately.

The change (𝑚) in 𝑦 is based on addition. The change (𝑏) in 𝑦 is based on multiplication.

If you have two points, you can write the equation of a linear function, exponential function,
arithmetic sequence, or a geometric sequence.

Example 1: Selected values of several functions are given in the table below. For each table, determine if the
function could be linear, exponential, or neither. Give a reason for your answer.

a) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) b) 𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) c) 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) d) 𝑥 𝑘(𝑥)

0 7 1 0 0 1 5 80
3 5 2 1 2 2 10 40
6 3 3 4 4 4 15 20
9 1 4 9 6 8 20 10
12 −1 5 16 8 16 25 5

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Example 2: A wild rumor is spreading that Mr. Passwater won 3rd place in the World’s Strongest Man Contest
(Mr. Passwater definitely probably didn’t start the rumor). The number of people that have heard the rumor can
be modeled using a geometric sequence, where the 43 people had heard the rumor on day 3 and 140 people
have heard the rumor on day 6. According to the model, how many people, to the nearest whole number, have
heard the rumor by day 10?

Example 3: A large theater has rows of seats where the number of seats in each row can be modeled by an
arithmetic sequence. If the fifth row has 31 seats and the eleventh row has 49 seats, determine how many seats
there are in the twenty-fifth row.

Sometimes data from an exponential function does not display a proportional growth pattern. This is due to a
vertical translation of the function.

However, if we can add/subtract a constant from the output values (𝑦) to reveal a proportional growth pattern,
then the initial function was also exponential.

Example 4: Selected values from several exponential functions are given in the tables below. For each, find
the constant value that can be added/subtracted to the output values to reveal a proportional growth pattern.
Then, write an equation to model the function.
a) 𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) b) 𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) c) 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥)

0 7 0 2 0 63

1 13 1 10 1 31

2 25 2 34 2 15

3 49 3 106 3 7

4 97 4 322 4 3

Notes on Competing Function Model Validation (using Residuals)

Throughout this course, we will have many opportunities to work with and create models based on a given data
set. Three particularly important examples of this are linear, quadratic, and exponential models. Because
these three types of models occur frequently in the real world, there is a heightened focus on them in AP
Precalculus.

On the AP Exam, students will be expected to determine which model is most appropriate given a set of data.
There are a few strategies and methods that we can use to determine whether a linear, quadratic, or exponential
model is most appropriate for a given data set.

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 Comparing Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Models

Type of Model Example Graph/Data Example Data Table Important Features

𝑥 𝑦
0 1
2 2.6 Use a linear model when the data
Linear reveals a relatively constant rate of
4 5 change.
6 6.4
8 8.7

𝑥 𝑦 Use a quadratic model when the

0 9 rates of change are
2 3.95 increasing/decreasing at a relatively
Quadratic constant rate.
4 2.1
6 4.2 Data generally follows a “u”-shaped
8 8.8 pattern (or upside-down).

𝑥 𝑦 Use an exponential model when the

0 0.5 output values are roughly
2 1 proportional.
Exponential
4 1.9 Each successive output is
6 4.2 approximately the result of repeated
8 8.8 multiplication.

Example 1: Selected values from several functions are given in the tables below. Sketch the scatterplot for
each table. Then determine if a linear, quadratic, or exponential model is most appropriate.
a) b) 𝑥 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)

0 11 −1 2

2 8.2 1.5 5.5

4 5 4 10.5

6 2.3 6.5 5.75

8 −1 9 2.25

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c) d) 𝑥 𝑘(𝑥)
𝑥 ℎ(𝑥)

1 10 −2 2

3 5.2 1 3

5 2.4 4 4.5

7 1.3 7 6.75

9 0.7 10 10.25

Residuals
When we create a model, we can use our model to predict values for the dependent variable (output)
given an independent variable (input).
When using a model, it is important to remember this is only a PREDICTED value.
If we use the input value from a known data point to find a predicted output using our model, the
difference between the actual output and our predicted output is called a residual.
Residual = Actual Output Value – Predicted Output Value

t 0 1 2 3 4
W(t) 3.2 4.2 5.1 5.8 6.4

Example 2: The weight of newborn babies can be modeled by a linear function for the first four months after
birth. Selected values for the weight 𝑊(𝑡) , in kilograms, of a particular newborn baby are given in the table
above, where
𝑡 represents the number of months since birth.
a) Use the regression capabilities on your calculator to find a linear model of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥 for the
weight (in kg) of this particular baby 𝑥 months after birth.

b) Use the model found in part a to predict the weight (in kg) of this baby 2.5 months after birth.

c) The actual weight of this baby 2.5 months after birth was 5.5 kilograms. What is the residual for this
weight? Did our model underestimate or overestimate the weight of this baby 2.5 months after birth?

Using a Residual Plot to Check the Appropriateness of a Model

A residual plot shows all the residuals for a set of data and can be used to help determine if a model is
appropriate for a given set of data.

If a model for a given set of data is appropriate, the residual plot should appear without pattern.
If we can see a clear pattern in a residual plot, then the model used for the regression was not appropriate!

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Example 3: An exponential regression was used to model a data set. The residual plot for the exponential
regression model is shown above. Which of the following is the best conclusion about the appropriateness of
the exponential regression model based on the corresponding residual plot?
(A) The exponential model is not appropriate because the residuals show no pattern.
(B) The exponential model is not appropriate because the residuals show a pattern.
(C) The exponential model is appropriate because the residuals show no pattern.
(D) The exponential model is appropriate because the residuals show a pattern.

Example 4: A group of AP Precalculus students used a set of data to create linear, quadratic, and exponential
regression models. After creating the three models, the students created a residual plot for each model type (see
above). Based on the three residual plots above, which model was most appropriate for the data? Give a reason
for your answer based on the residual plots above.

Example 5: Mr. Passwater hopes to make it into the Guiness Book of World Records by painting the world’s
biggest mural on the sides of several downtown buildings. His mural will consist of many painted circles of
various sizes, where each circle is painted a different color. He wants to create a model to determine how much
paint is needed (in quarts) for a circle of radius 𝑟 (in feet).

a) Should Mr. Passwater use a linear, quadratic, or exponential model in this situation? Explain your
reasoning.

b) After creating his model, Mr. Passwater uses it to purchase different special paint colors to use on his mural.
In this situation do you think it is more appropriate for the model to underestimate or overestimate the actual
amount of paint needed? Give a reason for your answer.

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Notes on Solving Inequalities Involving Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
Previously, we solved inequalities of polynomial and rational functions. To do this, we first found any
𝑥-coordinates where the functions had zeros, holes, or vertical asymptotes. Then, we used a sign chart to
determine intervals where the function was positive and negative.
We can solve inequalities involving exponentials and logarithms in the same way when a linear inequality isn’t
created.
For Exponential Inequalities,
For 𝑏 > 1, if given 𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 then 𝑥 < 𝑦. And 𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 then 𝑥 > 𝑦.

For 0 < 𝑏 < 1, if given 𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 then 𝑥 > 𝑦. And 𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 then 𝑥 < 𝑦.

Solve each inequality.

1. 3𝑥−1 > 9 2. 22𝑥+3 ≤ 32 3. 𝑒 3𝑥−1 < 𝑒 −𝑥

1 𝑥+2
4. ( ) < 42𝑥 5. 1 − 4(2)𝑥−3 ≤ −31
4

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For Logarithmic Inequalities,
• When only a log on one side, convert to an exponential to solve: log 𝑏 (𝑥) > 𝑐 then 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑐 (exponential
moves to the right)
• When there are logs on both sides, condense if needed then:
For 𝑏 > 1, if log 𝑏 𝑥 > log 𝑏 𝑦, then 𝑥 > 𝑦.

For 0 < 𝑏 < 1, log 𝑏 𝑥 > log 𝑏 𝑦, then 𝑥 < 𝑦.

*But you must take into account the domain restrictions when finding the final interval for the solution.
**May want to use a number line to show overlapping pieces to get final interval for the solution.

Solve each inequality.

6. log 3 (𝑥 + 3) > 3 7. log 5 (3𝑥 − 4) < 2 8. log 1 (𝑥 + 3) ≥ log 1 (2𝑥 − 5)
3 3

9. log 4 (4𝑥 − 3) ≤ log 4 (2𝑥 + 5) 10. log 1 (𝑥 + 9) > log 1 (3𝑥 + 7)

2 2

11. 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 7) − 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑥 + 3) > 0 12. log 5 𝑥 + log 5 (𝑥 + 4) > 1

13. Let 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑛(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 5) and let ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑙𝑛(𝑥 + 4). What are all values of 𝑥 for which 𝑔(𝑥) < ℎ(𝑥)?

20
21
22
Notes on Modeling Exponential and Logarithmic Functions from Data
Part I on Exponential Models
An exponential model can be constructed if we are given either

1. The common ratio and the initial value , or

2. Two input-output pairs (we can find the initial value and the base/common ratio with these two pairs)

Example 1: For 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 30minutes, the number of fans inside a large sports stadium can be modeled by the
exponential function 𝐹(𝑡) = 𝑎(𝑏)𝑡 where 𝐹 represents the number of fans inside the stadium t minutes after
the doors open. There are 47 people in the stadium 2minutes after the doors open, and there are 2602 fans
inside the stadium 20 minutes after the doors open.
Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the
expression for 𝐹(𝑡).

Using the TI-84 to Create an Exponential Regression Model

Enter data in L1 and L2 Select 0: ExpReg Enter L1, L2 and Y1 Get regression equation

𝑥 3 8

𝑔(𝑥) 21.54 3.62

Example 2: Selected values of the exponential function 𝑔 are shown in the table above, where 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 .

(a) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants a and b in the
expression for 𝑔(𝑥).

(b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

23
 The Natural Base: 𝒆

𝑒 ≈ 2.718

The natural number 𝑒 is often used as the base in exponential

functions that model contextual scenarios.

Example 3: The number of bacteria B in a particular culture can be modeled by the exponential function
𝐵(𝑡) = 17𝑒 0.31𝑡 , where 𝑡 is measured in hours.
(a) Let 𝐴(𝑡) = 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑒 𝑡 be an equivalent expression for 𝐵(𝑡). Find the value of 𝑎.

(b) Find the average rate of change of 𝐵(𝑡) over the interval from 𝑡 = 1 to 𝑡 = 7 hours.

(c) Find the value of t when the number of bacteria in the particular culture is 1000.

Example 4: After 50 deer were introduced to a large wooded area, the population of deer in the wooded area
can be modeled by the exponential function 𝐷(𝑡) = 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏 𝑡 , where t represents the number of years since deer
were first introduced to the wooded area. The population of deer increases by 13% each year.
(a) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏, and use these values to write an expression for 𝐷(𝑡).

(b) According to the model found in part (a), what is the population of deer in the large wooded area after 6
years?

(c) Find the time 𝑡, when the population of deer in the wooded area is expected to reach 5000?

(d) Find an equivalent expression for 𝐷(𝑡) where t is measured in months (instead of years).

24
Part II on Logarithmic Models

The average salary for a church pastor across the US increases as the size of the church increases. The graph
above shows the average pastor salaries for various church sizes.
We can clearly see a pattern in the data, but the models we have used previously are not appropriate for this
data. The grow above displays a large rate of change initially, but as the church size increases, we see the rate
of change gradually decrease. The data above appears to be logarithmic.
Just as we have seen with other types of functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, …), many real-world
scenarios follow a logarithmic pattern. Outside the salary data in the graph above, logarithmic patterns are
found in the way we measure earthquakes, sound, acidity, and many other contexts. As a result, we have a need
to create logarithmic models for these types of data.

Logarithmic Function Models

For a given set of data, if the input-values appear to change proportionally over equal-length
output-value intervals, then a logarithmic model is appropriate.
A logarithmic function model has the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 or 𝑦 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥, where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are
constants and 𝑏 ≠ 0.

𝑥 𝐿(𝑥)
2 3
5 7

Example 1: Selected values of the logarithmic function 𝐿 are given in the table above, where 𝐿(𝑥) = 𝑎 +
𝑏 ln 𝑥.
a) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the
expression for 𝐿(𝑥).

b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

25
 Church Size 75 120 250 300 450 650 900 1500 2500 5000
Avg. Salary
42 58 70 79 88 95 110 125 138 175
(in 1000’s of dollars)

Example 2: The table above gives the data from the graph at the beginning of the notes related church size and
average salaries for pastors in the United States.

a) Use the regression capabilities of your graphing calculator to find a logarithmic function model for the data
above of the form 𝑆(𝑝) = 𝑎 + 𝑏 ln 𝑝, where 𝑝 represents the church size and 𝑆 is the average pastor salary in
thousands of dollars.

b) Using the model found in part a, what is the predicted annual salary, in thousands of dollars, for a pastor
whose church size is 500 people?
Example 3: The most common, and preferred, method to measure sound intensity levels is in decibels (dB).
The sound intensity level 𝛽 (in decibels) of a sound having intensity I (in watts per meter squared) is modeled
by the function
𝛽(𝐼) = 𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝐼),
where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants.
The sounds of noisy traffic has intensity 1 × 10−5 watts per meter squared and corresponds to 70 decibels. A
loud concert has intensity of 1 and corresponds to 120 decibels.
a) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the
expression for 𝛽(𝐼).
Fun Fact
The word decibel comes from two pieces:
1. deci- refers to the fact that the level of sound
found is multiplied by 10 as part of the formula.
2. -bel references Alexander Graham Bell, the
b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏. inventor of the telephone and the person
decibels are named after.

c) The human eardrum can burst when sounds reach an intensity level of 1 × 104 watts per meter squared.
According to the model found above, what is the predicted number of decibels required to burst a human
eardrum?

26
Worksheet on Exponential and Logarithmic Models

Part I on Exponential Models

𝑡
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
(years since 2006)
𝐷(𝑡)
590 511 455 384 339 295 275
(deaths in thousands)

1. The number of worldwide deaths of children under five years old due to malaria has been decreasing in
recent years. The table above gives the yearly number of death (in thousands) for children under five years old
due to malaria for several years since 2006.
a) Use the data in the table to create an exponential function model of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 , where 𝑦 represents
the number of deaths (in thousands) 𝑥 years since 2006.

b) Based on the exponential regression model found in part a, approximately how many children under five
years old are predicted to die from malaria in the year 2030?

𝑚
0 6 15 18 24 30 39
(months since Jan. 2009)
𝑉(𝑚)
25 20.5 13.5 10 5.5 2.6 1.7
(daily visitors in millions)

2. Before Facebook, we (old people) had MySpace, the first social networking site that reached a global
audience. At its peak in 2008, MySpace was averaging over 100 million daily visitors. However, as Facebook
rose in popularity, MySpace became less and less popular. The table shows the number of daily visitors to
MySpace (in millions)
𝑚 months since January 2009.
a) Use the data in the table to create an exponential regression model of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 , where 𝑦
represents the number of daily visitors to Myspace (in millions) x months since January 2009.

b) Based on the model found in part a, when did the number of daily visitors to MySpace first drop below one
million visitors?

c) Let 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑡 be an equivalent form of the model found in part a, where 𝑡 represents the number of years
since January 2009. Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

27
3. After an alien spacecraft lands in the middle of Times Square in New York City, video of the event starts
spreading rapidly across news sites and social media sites. The number of people in the world that have seen
video of the alien landing can be modeled by the exponential function 𝑦 = 1391(1.07)𝑚 , where 𝑚 is the
number of minutes since the videos were first posted online and 0 ≤ 𝑚 ≤ 3.
a) According to this model, how many minutes will it take for the video to be seen by one million total people?

b) Let 𝑦 = 1391(𝑏)𝑠 be an equivalent form of the exponential model 𝑦 = 1391(1.07)𝑚 , where s represents
the number of seconds since the videos were first posted online. Find the value of 𝑏.

c) What is an appropriate domain for the model found in part b?

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
1 6
4 33
6 107
7 191
9 613

4. The table above gives values for a function 𝑓 at selected values of 𝑥.

a) Find the equation of the exponential regression 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 to model these data.

b) What is the value of 𝑓(5) predicted by the exponential function model found in part a?

5. After Mr. Passwater finally relents and agrees to make a TikTok account, where he only posts videos of him
telling math jokes. As you can imagine, the number of people that follow his account rapidly grows! The
number of followers for Mr. Passwater’s TikTok account is modeled by the function F . The number of
followers is expected to increase by 31.4% each week. At time 𝑡 = 0 days, Mr. Passwater had 100 followers.
a) If 𝑡 is measured in days, what is an expression for 𝐹(𝑡)? (Note: There are seven days in a week)

b) The most popular account on TikTok has 156 million followers. According to the model found in part a,
how many days will it take for Mr. Passwater to have the most followers on TikTok?

28
6. The number of bacteria found in a petri dish can be modeled by the function 𝐵(𝑡) = 𝑘𝑒 𝑡 , where 𝑘 is a
constant and 𝑡 is measured in hours. At time 𝑡 = 2.5, there were 5,100 bacteria in the petri dish. According to
this model, when will the number of bacteria in the petri dish reach 1 million?

7. Mr. Passwater decides to buy a brand new 2024 MINI Cooper convertible for $39,645. The value of his car
is expected to depreciate (decrease) by 17% each year for the first five years. Let 𝑉 represent the value of Mr.
Passwater’s MINI Cooper at time 𝑡 years after purchase.
a) Write an expression for 𝑉(𝑡) where 𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑡 .

b) Let 𝑉(𝑚) = 𝑎𝑘 𝑚 be an equivalent expression for 𝑉(𝑚) where 𝑚 is the number of months after purchase.
Find the value of 𝑘.

𝑥 1 7
𝑓(𝑥) 3.4 9.1

8. Selected values of the exponential function 𝑓 are shown in the table above, where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 .
a) Use the given data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the
expression for 𝑓(𝑥).

b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

Part II on Logarithmic Models

𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)
1 2
6 10

1. Selected values of the logarithmic function 𝑓 are given in the table above, where 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 + 𝑏 ln 𝑥.
a) Use the data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the expression
for 𝑓(𝑥).

b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

29
 𝑥 𝑔(𝑥)
3 11
10 14.5

2. Selected values of the logarithmic function 𝑔 are given in the table above, where 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎 + 𝑏 ln 𝑥.
a) Use the data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the expression
for 𝑔(𝑥).

b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

𝑥 ℎ(𝑥)
1 −2
16 3

3. Selected values of the logarithmic function ℎ are given in the table above, where ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑎 + 𝑏 log 4 𝑥.
a) Use the data to write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the expression
for ℎ(𝑥).

b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

Days 1 3 4 7 9 10 14 16 20 30
No. of Downloads
2 100 137 177 200 210 240 253 273 310
(in thousands)

4. After Mr. Passwater drops his latest diss track, it begins to get downloaded rapidly. The number of
downloads(in thousands) 𝑡 days after his diss track drops can be modeled by the logarithmic function 𝐷(𝑡).
The table above shows the total number of downloads at selected values of 𝑡.

a) Use the regression capabilities on your graphing calculator to find a logarithmic function model 𝐷(𝑡) = 𝑎 +
𝑏 ln 𝑡 , where 𝐷 represents the total number of downloads, in thousands, 𝑡 days after Mr. Passwater drops his
diss track.

b) Using the model found in part a, how many days will it take for Mr. Passwater to reach 500,000 total
downloads?

30
5. The most common method to measure the magnitude is the Richter scale, developed by Charles Richter in
1935. The Richter scale gives output values (magnitude of the earthquake) based on the maximum ground
displacement measured by a seismograph that is a given distance away from the epicenter of the earthquake.
However, the Richter scale modeled based on data specific to Southern California and is not always a reliable
way to measure earthquakes. Several improved models have been introduced since 1935, including the Lillie
Empirical Formula. If a seismograph is positioned 200 km away from the epicenter of an earthquake, the Lillie
Empirical Formula can be modeled by
𝑀𝐿 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥,
where x represents the maximum ground displacement measured by the seismograph measured in microns
(𝜇𝑚).
For a seismograph positioned 200 km away from the epicenter, an earthquake of magnitude 𝑀𝐿 = 5.2 will
create a maximum ground displacement of 21𝜇𝑚, and an earthquake of magnitude 𝑀𝐿 = 6.1 will create a
maximum displacement of 180𝜇𝑚.
a) Write two equations that can be used to find the values for constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 in the expression for M L .

b) Find the values of 𝑎 and 𝑏.

c) The largest recorded earthquake in history was the Great Chilean Earthquake on May 22, 1960. This
earthquake had a magnitude of 𝑀𝐿 = 9.5! Using the model found in part b, what was the maximum ground
displacement , in microns, measured by a seismograph positioned 200 km from the epicenter?

31
Notes on Semi-Log Plots

One useful purpose for logarithms is when dealing with exponential data. Exponential data can be very
challenging to display graphically because the values may start out very small, but they grow quickly. It is
difficult to create a display that effectively shows the smaller values along with the extremely large values
together.

Semi-Log Plots
In a semi-log plot, one of the axes is logarithmically scaled. In AP Precalculus, we will only be scaling
the vertical (𝑦) axis.
With a semi-log plot where the 𝑦-axis logarithmically scaled, exponential functions will appear linear.

The two graphs displayed above displaying the population of English Americans in the (current) United States
from 1620 – 1820, where 𝑡 = 0 represents the year 1620.
The graph on the left shows the population using a normal scale on the vertical axis.
The graph on the right is a semi-log plot where the vertical axis has been logarithmically scaled.

Example 1: Use the features of the semi-log plot above to justify why an exponential model is appropriate for
the population of English Americans in the (current) United States from 1620 – 1820.

Example 2: After Mr. Passwater tells another one of his hilarious math jokes, it begins to spread around the
school. The number of people 𝑃 that have heard the joke after 𝑡 minutes is graphed on the semi-log plot above
where the vertical axis has been logarithmically scaled. Which of the following functions could be a model for
𝑃?
(A) 𝑃(𝑡) = 2 + 2𝑡 (B) 𝑃(𝑡) = 2 + 2𝑡 (C) 𝑃(𝑡) = 2 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔2 𝑡 (D) 𝑃(𝑡) = 2(2)𝑡

32
 Important Note About Semi-log Plots
When we “logarithmically scale” the vertical axis for a semi-log plot, we are NOT changing the actual
𝑦-values of the data!
To “logarithmically scale” the vertical axis means that equally-spaced values on the 𝑦-axis are
proportional, whereas equally-spaced values on the 𝑥-axis are linear.

𝑥 1 2 3 4 5

𝑓(𝑥) 40 60 90 135 203

Example 3: The table above gives selected values for the function 𝑓. Which of the following graphs could
represent these data in a semi-log plot, where the vertical axis is logarithmically scaled?

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

33
Example 4: Plot the following points on the same coordinate plane above.
𝐀(0, 200) 𝐁(1, 25) 𝐂(2, 7) 𝐃(3.2, 800) 𝐄(4.6, 1.5)

As we have seen, if we graph an exponential function on a semi-log plot, the graph will appear linear. In these
cases, we can create a linear model for the graph on the semi-log plot.
Linear Models for a Semi-log Plot
Given the exponential model 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 , the corresponding linear model for the semi-log plot is given
by
𝑦 = (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑏)𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑎,
where𝑛 > 0 and 𝑛 ≠ 1.
Note #1: The slope of our linear function is 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑏 and the 𝑦-intercept is 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑎.
Note #2: The base 𝑛 corresponds to the base used for the scaling of the vertical axis.

Example 5: The semi-log plot above corresponds to the data table for Example 3.
a) Write an equation for the linear model for the semi-log plot of the form 𝑦 = (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑏)𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑎.

b) Using the linear model from part a, write the equation of the exponential model 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 for this data.

34
Worksheet on Semi-Log Plots

1. Plot the following points on the same coordinate plane above.

𝐀(0, 5) 𝐁(1, 300) 𝐂(2, 20) 𝐃(3, 150) 𝐄(4, 100)

2. Plot the following points on the same coordinate plane above.

𝐀(10, 2000) 𝐁(22, 250) 𝐂(30, 1) 𝐃(38, 17) 𝐄(46, 5000)

35
 𝑥 10 20 30 40 50

𝑔(𝑥) 30 90 270 810 2430

3. The table above gives selected values for the function 𝑔. Which of the following graphs could represent
these data in a semi-log plot, where the vertical axis is logarithmically scaled?

Directions: The points A, B, and C are plotted on the semi-log plot above, where the vertical axis has been
logarithmically scaled. Use the semi-log plot above to answer the following questions.
4. The coordinates of point A are most likely…
(A) (1, 2.3) (B) (1,120 ) (C) (1, 300 ) (D) (1, 320 ) (E) (10, 300 )

5. The coordinates of point B are most likely…

(A) ( 2, 1.5) (B) ( 2, 14 ) (C) ( 2, 50 ) (D) ( 2, 54 ) (E) (100, 50 )

6. The coordinates of point C are most likely…

(A) ( 4, 10.5) (B) ( 4, 15 ) (C) ( 4, 16.6 ) (D) ( 4, 66 ) (E) (10000, 16.6 )
36
7. The function 𝑓 is graphed on the semi-log plot above where the vertical axis has been logarithmically scaled.
Which of the following functions could be a model for 𝑓?
1 𝑥 1 𝑥
(A) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2000 − 1000𝑥 (B) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2000 − (2) (C) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2000 (2) (D) 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
2000(2)

8. The function 𝑓 is graphed on the semi-log plot above where the vertical axis has been logarithmically scaled.
Write an equation for the linear model for the semi-log plot of the form 𝑦 = (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑏)𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑎.

9. The semi-log plot above corresponds to the data table for the function 𝑔 in question 3.
a) Write an equation for the linear model for the semi-log plot of the form 𝑦 = (𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑏)𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑛 𝑎.

b) Using the linear model from part a, write the equation of the exponential model 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 for this data.

37
10. A group of students in Mr. Passwater’s class graphed a set of data consisting of the six points shown on the
semi-log plot above, where the vertical axis is logarithmically scaled. Then, they used the data to create an
exponential regression model of the form function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 , where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are constants.
Which of the following is most likely to be the residual plot from their model?

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

38
Worksheet on Determining if Linear or Exponential and on Model Validation using Residuals

Part I on Determining if Linear or Exponential

Directions: Selected values of several functions are given in the table below. For each table, determine if the
function could be linear, exponential, or neither. Give a reason for your answer.

1. 2. 3. 4.
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑘(𝑥)
1 1 −1 10 100 1 −9
0
2
2 2 2 0 20 50 6 −2

4 8 3 2 30 25 11 5

6 32 4 5 40 12.5 16 12

8 128 5 9 50 6.25 21 19

5. Immediately following the AP Precalculus Exam, memes are created and shared online. The number of
people that have seen the meme can be modeled using a geometric sequence, where one hour after the
Exam ends is hour 1. At hour 3, a total of 2500 people had seen the meme, and 20,000 people had seen
the meme by hour 6. Using this model, how many people will have seen the meme by hour 10?

6. Across the United States, there are approximately 45,000 flights each day. In a certain simulation, the
total number of flights that have begun across the United States n hours since midnight on a given day
can be modeled using an arithmetic sequence, where 12:00AM is represented by n = 0 . The total
number of flights that had begun by 5AM that day was 11,750, and by 11AM there had been a total of
22,250 flights that had begun. Based on the simulation, how many total flights had begun across the
United States by 6PM that day?

7. Since being adopted as the national symbol for the United States in 1782, the bald eagle population has
experienced large fluctuations. By the early 1960’s, the bald eagle nearly became extinct. In 1963,
there were only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the US. The population of bald eagles can be
modeled using a geometric sequence where 1963 represents year 0. In 2019 (year 56), there were a total
of 71,400 nesting pairs of bald eagles across the US. Based on this model, how many nesting pairs of
bald eagles were in the US in 2000?

39
Directions: Selected values from several exponential functions are given in the tables below. For each, find
the constant value that can be added/subtracted to the output values to reveal a proportional growth pattern.
Then, write an equation to model the function.
8. 9. 10.
𝑥 𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) 𝑥 𝑘(𝑥)

0 0 0 34 0 −4

1 2 1 18 1 −7

2 8 2 10 2 −13

3 26 3 6 3 −25

4 80 4 4 4 −49

Part II on Model Validation

Directions: Selected values from several functions are given in the tables below. Sketch the scatterplot for
each table. Then determine if a linear, quadratic, or exponential model is most appropriate.

1. 2. 𝑥 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥)

0 2 −2 0.5

3 4 0 1

5 5.5 2 2

6 5.75 5 5.6

9 8.25 7 11.3

3. 4. 𝑥 𝑘(𝑥)
𝑥 ℎ(𝑥)

1 9 −1 10

3 7.1 2 8

5 1 4 6.5

7 7.2 7 5.1

9 9.1 10 4.1

40
5. A quadratic regression was used to model a data set. The residual plot for the model is above. Which of the
following statements about the appropriateness of the model is correct?
(A) A quadratic regression model is appropriate because the residuals do not show a linear pattern.
(B) A quadratic regression model is appropriate because the residuals show a quadratic pattern.
(C) A quadratic regression model is not appropriate because the residuals do not show a linear pattern.
(D) A quadratic regression model is not appropriate because the residuals show a quadratic pattern.

Years Since 1950 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Total World Population

2.5 3.02 3.7 4.44 5.32 6.15 6.99 7.84
(in billions)

6. Over the years 1950 – 2020, the total world population can be modeled by a linear function. Selected values
for the total world population 𝑃 , in billions, are given in the table above, where 𝑡 represents the number of
years since 1950.
a) Use the regression capabilities on your calculator to find a linear model of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎 + 𝑏𝑥 for the
world population (in billions) 𝑥 years since 1950.

b) According to the model found in part a, what was the world population in 1979, the year Mr. Passwater was
born?

c) What is the residual of the total world population for the year 1990? Did our model underestimate or
overestimate the total world population for the year1990?

7. A regression model was created for the data in the graph above (left). The residual plot for the model is
given above (right). Which of the following statements about the regression model is best?
(A) A quadratic regression model was used and the model is appropriate.
(B) A quadratic regression model was used and the model is not appropriate.
(C) An exponential regression model was used and the model is appropriate.
(D) An exponential regression model was used and the model is not appropriate.

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8. Mr. Passwater used a set of data to create a quadratic regression model. The residual plot for his model is
shown above. Based on the residual plot above, which of the following conclusions is correct?
(A) The residual plot has no apparent pattern, so the quadratic model was appropriate.
(B) The residual plot has no apparent pattern, so the quadratic model was not appropriate.
(A) The residual plot displays a pattern, so the quadratic model was appropriate.
(A) The residual plot displays a pattern, so the quadratic model was not appropriate.

9. A set of data was used to create a linear, a quadratic, and an exponential regression model. The residual
plots for the three models are shown above. Based on the three residual plots, which of the following could be
an appropriate model for the data?
(A) 𝑦 = 3 + 2𝑥 (B) 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3 (C) 𝑦 = 3(2)𝑥 (D) 𝑦 = 3 + 2 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥

10. Mr. Passwater loves to invest his money in mutual funds. Over the past twenty years, he has closely
tracked how his account grows and noticed that each year his account grows by approximately 10.4%. If Mr.
Passwater wants to find a function that models the amount of money in his account over time, should he use a
linear, quadratic, or exponential model? Give a reason for your answer.

11. After Mr. Passwater creates his model from question 10, he uses the model to create a residual plot in order
to check the appropriateness of his model. If his model was appropriate, what should he expect to see when
looking at the residual plot?

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