LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

General Mathematics, Quarter 1, Week 7

Solving Problems Involving Exponential

Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Objective
Objectives:

After going through this LAS, you are expected to:

1. solve problems involving exponential functions, equations, and inequalities.

Lesson

Overview

You have learned in your previous modules the concepts of Exponential Functions,
Equations, and Inequalities. You may recall that anything that increases or decreases rapidly
is said to be exponential. In real-life situations, there are lots of scenarios that exemplify the
concept of exponent and exponential growth. Among the most common applications of
exponential functions in real-life situation are exponential growth and exponential decay,
which may be further exemplified through population growth, compound interest, value
depreciation, investments, etc.

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Vocabulary check
• Exponential Function – a function involving exponential expression which shows a
relationship between the independent variable x and dependent variable y or f(x). An
exponential function can be written as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , where b>0, b≠1, and x is any real
number.
o Examples: 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 , 𝑓(𝑥) = 5𝑥+2 , 𝑦 = 5𝑥−1
• Exponential Equation – an equation which involves exponential expression that can
be solved for all x values satisfying the equation.
o Examples: 64 = 8𝑥 , 43𝑥+2 = 64
• Exponential Inequality – an inequality which involves exponential expression that can
be solved for all x values satisfying the inequality.
o Examples: 22𝑥+3 > 23𝑥 , 25𝑥 > 58−5𝑥

Example 1 (Population Growth): The initial population in Brgy. Taft is 10,000 people.
Suppose that the population growth rate in the said barangay is at 10% per year. How many
people will be in Brgy. Taft after 5 years?

Solution: Example 1 is an example of a problem which represents an exponential function

since the population grows by the same percentage per year, with a constant rate
of 10% per year. Moreover, the population at the end of each year is equal to the
population at the beginning of the next year plus the growth rate of 10% or 0.10.
Let us visualize this:

Population at the end of Year 1: 10,000 + 0.10(10,000) = 11,000

*10,000 → the initial population as stated in the problem
*0.10(10,000) → the formula for computing the growth rate
*11,000 → the population at the end of the year 1 which also implies that this is the
population at the beginning of year 2.
*Continue this until we reach the 5th year, as asked in the problem.

Population at the end of Year 2: 11,000 + 0.10(11,000) = 12,100

Population at the end of Year 3: 12,100 + 0.10(12,100) = 13,310

Population at the end of Year 4: 13,310 + 0.10(13,310) = 14,641

Population at the end of Year 5: 14,641 + 0.10(14,641) = 16,105.10 = 16,105

*Round off the final answer since human population is always in whole number.

Based on the trend, the population in Brgy. Taft after 5 years would be 16,105. Applying the
concept of exponential function, we can solve this problem using the formula 𝑃(𝑡) =
10,000(1.10)𝑡 , where P is the total population and t is the number of years.

Let us try!

𝑃(𝑡) = 10,000(1.10)𝑡 = 10,000(1.10)5 = 16,105.10 = 16,105

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By using the exponential function, we got the same answer in an easier and more efficient
way! Now let us try another example on population growth rate.

Example 2 (Population Growth): A certain municipality in the province of Surigao del Norte
has an initial population of 34,500. Each year, the population increases at a rate of about
12%. If the population continues to increase at the same rate, what would be the population
in this municipality after 3 years?

Solution: Using the same procedure as with the first example, let us solve the problem.

Population at the end of Year 1: 34,500 + 0.12(34,500) = 38,640

Population at the end of Year 2: 38,640 + 0.12(38,640) = 43,276.8 (since this is not our final
answer yet, let us leave the decimal for accuracy)

Population at the end of Year 3: 43,276.8 + 0.12(43,276.8) = 48,470.016 = 48,470

After three years, the municipality will have a population of 48,470. Applying the concept of
exponential function, we can solve this problem using the formula 𝑃(𝑡) = 34,500(1.12)𝑡 ,
where P is the total population and t is the number of years.

𝑃(𝑡) = 34,500(1.12)𝑡 = 34,500(1.12)3 = 48,470.016 = 48,470

Instead of manually solving for the population per year based on the growth rate, we can use
this to determine the population in a certain area with a constant growth rate at any year!

Let us try another example, now using compound interest!

Example 3 (Compound Interest): Suppose that you invested an amount of P25,000.00 at a

bank offering 4% interest compounded annually. How much money will you have in the bank
at the end of five years?

Solution: The first thing you need to do is to analyze the problem and lay down the given
details. Based on the problem, the principal amount is P25,000. The interest rate
is 6% which will be compounded annually. The problem that you need to solve is
how much money will there be in five years.

Money at the end of Year 1: 25,000 + 0.04(25,000) = 26,000

Money at the end of Year 2: 26,000 + 0.04(26,000) = 27,040

Money at the end of Year 3: 27,040 + 0.04(27,040) = 28,121.60

Money at the end of Year 4: 28,121.60 + 0.04(28,121.60) = 29,246.464 (As this is not yet the
final answer, let us leave the decimals as it is for accuracy)

Money at the end of Year 5: 29246.464 + 0.06(29.246.464) = 30,416.32256 = 30,416.32

(Since this is already the final answer, we should now round off to the nearest hundredths or

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to two decimal places. This is a currency value and currencies are calculated to the
hundredths place.)

Therefore, after five years, from your principal amount of P25,000 invested with a rate of 4%
compounded annually, you will have P33,455.64.

Moreover, applying the concept of exponential function, we use the formula:

𝑟 𝑛𝑡
𝐴 = 𝑃 (1 + 𝑛) , where 𝐴 is the final amount, 𝑃 is the initial principal balance, 𝑟 is the interest
rate, 𝑛 is the number of times interest applied per time period, 𝑡 is the number of time
periods elapsed.

Let us try to solve our problem using this formula!

Given:
A =?
P = 25,000
r = 0.04
n = 1 (since the compounding is done annually or ONCE per year)
t=5

Solution:
0.04 1(5)
𝐴 = 25,000 (1 + ) = 25,000(1 + 0.04)5 = 25,000(1.04)5 = 30,416.32256 = 30,416.32
1

As expected, we got the same answer! Now, let us try another problem.

Example 4 (Compound Interest): How much of an initial investment would you need for it
to be worth at least PhP10,000, if it is compounded annually at 5% interest over 4 years?

𝑟 𝑛𝑡
Solution: We use the formula 𝐴 = 𝑃 (1 + 𝑛) presented in Example 3. In the problem, A is
PhP10,000 which is the amount four years after a specific amount or initial
investment P is compounded yearly at 5% interest.

𝑟 𝑛𝑡
𝐴 = 𝑃 (1 + )
𝑛
𝑟 𝑛𝑡
𝑃 (1 + ) = 𝐴
𝑛
For the right side of the equation to be at least PhP10,000, it needs to produce a value that
is greater than or equal to PhP10,000. Thus,

𝑟 𝑛𝑡
𝑃 (1 + ) ≥ 𝐴
𝑛

0.05 (1)(4)
𝑃 (1 + ) ≥ 10,000
1
4
𝑃(1 + 0.05) ≥ 10,000

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 10,000
𝑃≥
(1 + 0.05)4
𝑃 ≥ 8,227.02
The initial investment should be PhP8,227.02 for it to be worth at least PhP10,000 if
compounded annually at 5% at the end of 4 years.

Example 5 (Chemistry): A scientist is studying about a bacterium in a certain culture and

has found out that the number of this certain bacteria doubles every hour. Initially, there
were 30 bacteria present. Now, he wants to find out the number of bacteria which will be
present at the end of the 8th hour.

Solution: This problem is quite different from the previous examples. In this problem, the
growth rate is not explicitly given. However, after a thorough analysis, you will be
able to find out that the word “doubles” is how the bacterium grows. Since it
grows at a constant ratio 2, the growth is based on geometric progression.

Using the pattern in the previous examples, we can get the answer by manually finding the
number of bacteria at the end of each hour.

Number of bacteria at the end of the 1st hour: 30 x 2 = 60

Number of bacteria at the end of the 2nd hour: 60 x 2 = 120

Number of bacteria at the end of the 3rd hour: 120 x 2 = 240

Number of bacteria at the end of the 4th hour: 240 x 2 = 480

Number of bacteria at the end of the 5th hour: 480 x 2 = 960

Number of bacteria at the end of the 6th hour: 960 x 2 = 1920

Number of bacteria at the end of the 7th hour: 1920 x 2 = 3840

Number of bacteria at the end of the 8th hour: 3840 x 2 = 7680

At the end of the 8th hour, the 30 initial number of bacteria have doubled 8 times becoming
7,680.

Applying the concept of exponential function, we can create this formula:

𝑥 = 𝑦𝑧 𝑎 , where 𝑥 is the final number of bacteria, 𝑦 is the initial number of bacteria, 𝑧 is the
rate, and 𝑎 is the time.

Let us try!

𝑥 = 30(2)8 = 30(256) = 7680

We got the same answer as manually doing so!

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Example 6 (Exponential Decay): A scientist has found out that a radioactive substance
decays at a rate of 3.5% per hour. Suppose that the initial substance is 100%, what percent
of the substance will be left after 6 hours?

Solution: Since this is involving decay in exponential value, our rate takes the negative sign.
Let us try to compute this manually.

Percent of Substance at the end of the 1st hour: 100 + (-0.035)(100) = 96.5

Percent of Substance at the end of the 2nd hour: 96.5 + (-0.035)(96.5) = 93.1225

Percent of Substance at the end of the 3rd hour: 93.1225 + (-0.035)(93.1225) = 89.863213

Percent of Substance at the end of the 4th hour:

89.863213 + (-0.035)(89.863213) = 86.718001

Percent of Substance at the end of the 5th hour:

86.718001 + (-0.035)(89.863213) = 83.682871

Percent of Substance at the end of the 6th hour:

83.862871 + (-0.035)(83.682871) = 80.753971 = 80.75

Therefore, there will be 80.75% of the radioactive substance left from the initial 100% after 6
hours and a decaying rate of 3.5%.

Applying the concept of exponential function, we can use this formula:

𝐴 = 𝑃(1 + 𝑟)𝑛 , where 𝐴 is the final value, 𝑃 is the initial number, 𝑟 is the rate, and 𝑛 is the
time

Let us try this formula!

𝐴 = 𝑃(1 + 𝑟)𝑛 = 100[1 + (−0.035)]6 = 100(0.965)6 = 80.75397 = 80.75

We got the same answer!

Example 7 (Atmospheric Pressure): The atmospheric pressure decreases as you go

higher. It is a given fact that it decreases about 12% for every 1000m, which means this is
an example of exponential decay. At sea level, the pressure is about 1013 hPa. With this,
what is the atmospheric pressure when you are 3000m above sea level?

Solution: Let us try to compute this manually.

Atmospheric Pressure at sea level = 1013 hPa

Atmospheric Pressure at 1000m above sea level = 1013 + (-0.12)(1013) = 891.44

Atmospheric Pressure at 2000m above sea level = 891.44 + (-0.12)(891.44) = 784.4672

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Atmospheric Pressure at 3000m above sea level =
784.4672 + (-0.12) (784.4672) = 690.331136 = 690.33

This implies that at 3000m above sea level, the atmospheric pressure is 690.33.

Applying the concept of exponential function, we can create this formula:

𝐴 = 𝑃(1 + 𝑟)𝑛 , where A is the final value, P is the initial number, r is the rate, and n is the
distance (in km)

Let us try this formula!

𝐴 = 1013[1 + (−0.12)]3 = 1013(0.88)3 = 690.33

By using the concept of exponential function, we can efficiently answer problems like this
without going through the process manually.

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General Directions: Work on Activities 1-3 that follow. Do them on separate sheets of
paper.

Activity 1: ComCon
Directions: In the Venn diagram below, write the differences and the similarities among
Exponential Equation, Exponential Function, and Exponential Inequality.

Exponential
Equation

Exponential Exponential
Function Inequality

Activity 2: Your Time to Show!

Directions: Solve the problems below. The rubric that follows will be used in scoring your
work.
1. The population of ABC City in 2010 was estimated to be 25,000 people with an
annual rate of increase of 2.4%. Estimate the population in 2020 to the nearest whole
number.
2. Eric deposited PhP30,000 in a bank at a 5% interest rate. If the interest is
compounded annually, how much will he have after 5 years?
3. Suppose a culture of 300 bacteria is put in a petri dish and the culture doubles every
hour. Approximately, how many bacteria will there be after 9 hours?
4. How much money does John need to invest in order for it to be worth at least
PhP1,000,000 after 10 years of compounding annually at 12% interest?

8 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS7of10
 Working Towards Needs
Mastered
Dimension Mastery Improvement
3 points 2 points 1 point
Define the problem Demonstrates the Demonstrates the Begins to
ability to construct a ability to construct a demonstrate the
clear and insightful problem statement ability to construct a
problem statement with evidence of problem statement
with evidence of all most relevant with evidence of
relevant contextual contextual factors, most relevant
factors. and problem contextual factors,
statement is but problem
adequately detailed. statement is
superficial.
Identify Appropriate Identifies multiple Identifies multiple Identifies only a
Strategies approaches for approaches for single approach for
solving the problem solving the problem, solving the problem
that apply within a only some of which that does apply
specific context. apply within a within a specific
specific context. context.
Implement Solution Implements the Implements the Implements the
solution in a manner solution in a manner solution in a manner
that addresses that addresses that addresses the
thoroughly and multiple contextual problem statement
deeply multiple factors of the but ignores relevant
contextual factors on problem in a surface contextual factor.
the problem. manner.
Source: D.O 31 series of 2020

Activity 3: DIY Problem!

Directions: On the box, formulate your own problem involving exponential functions,
equations, or inequalities. Afterwards, solve the problem you have written.

9 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS7of10
Directions: Complete the 3-2-1 Chart about your discoveries in Solving Problems Involving
Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

10 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS7of10
SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS7of10 11
Activity 1: ConCom Activity 2: Your time to show!
Answers may vary 1. 31,691
2. PhP38,288.45
3. 153, 600
4. PhP 321,973. 24
Activity 3: DIY Problem Reflection
Answers may vary. Answers may vary.
Answer Key
Books:

Constantino, M., Lipardo, R., Jolo, J. 2020. General Mathematics: Solving Real-Life Problems involving
Equations and Inequalities. Cainta, Rizal: Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON.

Gallano-Mercado, Azenith A. 2020. General Mathematics Quarter 1 – Module 18: Solving Exponential Equations
and Inequalities. Cainta, Rizal: Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON.

—. 2020. General Mathematics Quarter 1 Module 17: Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities. Cainta,
Rizal: Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON.

Ibarrola, Dennis C. 2020. General Mathematics Quarter 1 – Module 20: Domain and Range of Exponential
Functions. Cainta, Rizal: Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON.

Oronce, Orlando A. 2016. General Mathematics: First Edition. Quezon City: Rex Book Store, Inc.

Online:

Pinoy Math Teacher. “Solving Problems Involving Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities| Field
Testing.” YouTube. YouTube, August 25, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9fMTCnXSdg.

General Mathematics – Grade 11

Learning Activities Sheets (LAS)
Quarter 1 – LAS 7: Solving Problems Involving Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities
Second Edition, 2022

Published by the Department of Education, Caraga Region

Schools Division Office of Surigao City
Schools Division Superintendent: Karen L. Galanida
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Laila F. Danaque

Development Team

Writer : Eric John M. Pajo

Editor : Roxan G. Laodenio
Evaluators : Noemi D. Lim, Contesa C. Demaraye, John Benedict B. Entrada
Layout Artists : Eric John M. Pajo, Roderick C. Estrella
Management Team : Karen L. Galanida
Laila F. Danaque
Carlo P. Tantoy
Elizabeth S. Larase
Noemi D. Lim

Printed in the Philippines by the Schools Division Office of Surigao City

Office Address : M. Ortiz Street, Barangay Washington
: Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Telephone : (086) 826-1268; (086) 826-3075; (086) 826-8931
E-mail Address : [email protected]

SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS7of10