# Math Help - Exponential function

1. ## Exponential function

The spread of head lice at a particular school was traced back to a sports trip to a neighbouring school. The spread amongst the students at the school could be modelled by the exponential functionL(t) = 4e^(8t - t^2)k (^ - square) , where t represents the number of weeks after the sports trip, and k is the rate of growth

2. Originally Posted by Snowboarder
The spread of head lice at a particular school was traced back to a sports trip to a neighbouring school. The spread amongst the students at the school could be modelled by the exponential functionL(t) = 4e^(8t - t^2)k (^ - square) , where t represents the number of weeks after the sports trip, and k is the rate of growth

In the equation $y=Ce^{kt}$ $...C$ is always the initial value...since when t=0 $y=Ce^{0k}=C$

3. oki here is another one:

After 2 weeks, it was found that 56 students had become infected.
Calculate the rate of growth, k (to 4 dp).

4. Originally Posted by Snowboarder
oki here is another one:

After 2 weeks, it was found that 56 students had become infected.
Calculate the rate of growth, k (to 4 dp).
1. Do yourself and do us a favour: If you have a new problem please start a new thread. Otherwise no member of the forum can see that you need some help.

2. Plug in t = 2 into the given equation of the function:

$L(t) = 4e^{(8t-t^2) \cdot k}~\buildrel {t = 2} \over \longrightarrow~ L(2)=56= 4e^{(16-4) \cdot k}$

$56 = 4e^{12k}~\iff~14=e^{12k}~\iff~\ln(14)=12k$ ... $\iff~ \boxed{k=\frac1{12} \ln(14) \approx 0.21992 \approx 22\%}$

5. thank you earboth .

Does anybody know when the outbreak was at its worst?
When the outbreak was effectively over. Include any assumptions.

6. Originally Posted by Snowboarder
thank you earboth .

Does anybody know when the outbreak was at its worst?
1. Calculate the first derivative. Since you have to use the chainrule one of the factor is (8-2t). This is the only factor which can become zero.
Therefore you'll get t = 4 if you calculate L'(t) = 0.

When the outbreak was effectively over. Include any assumptions.
You have first to define a state called "outbreak is over". Assume the outbreak has passed if only one person is actually infected:

$1 = 4e^{(8t-t^2) \cdot \frac{\ln(14)}{12}}$

I haven't the time yet to do the necessary calculatations in detail but you get $t \approx -0.72267~ or~ t\approx 8.72267$

The first value (measured in weeks!) gives the start of the infection and the second value marks the actual end of the infection.