Exponential and Logarithmic Equations Project
Exponential and logarithmic functions and equations have myriad applications in the social and physical sciences. This individual project gives you the opportunity to investigate the mathematics and implications of one such application in a much deeper way than we have time in class.
Task:
Work as individuals or groups of two
Write a math paper to present, about an application of exponential or logarithmic functions of your choice from the list given below.
Resources: be sure to keep citation information for materials
Requirements:
Your own essential question regarding the application
Background information about the context
Clear explanation of how and why exponential / logarithmic functions are used in the application
Solutions to at least two example problems
Analysis of the implications of the mathematics work in the context being explored
Written exploration of the essential question reflecting independent, critical thinking
Analysis of multiple perspectives, disciplines, points of view
Additional questions for the audience to consider
Possible topics:
Exponential Growth and Decay
Compound interest estate taxes, etc.
Interest on loans IMF, World Bank & international debt relief
Human population growth impact of health care, immigration, war, etc.
Animal population growth rabbits in Australia, other non-native populations, etc.
Disease and epidemics AIDS, sexually-transmitted diseases, etc.
Bacterial growth food borne pathogens, etc.
Radioactive decay radioactive waste, Hanford, Chernobyl, etc.
Logarithmic Scales
Decibels noise pollution, hearing loss, etc.
pH acid rain, pollution, etc.
Richter scale earthquakes
Magnitude of stars
Relative pitch musical notes
Palermo Technical Impact Hazard Scale asteroids, etc.
Krumbein scale particle size in geology
Absorbance of light spectroscopy
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