You’ll need to have Slide 4: Exponential Model for MA of Modeling Covid Spread (Desmos) open on your computer.

Change the values of k, then a, then b to find three promising exponential models.
Graph each one and label your values on the graphs below. growth rate (r) can be calculated from the base:   $$\displaystyle \textit{base} = (1 + \textit{rate})$$

Exponential Model 1

A Desmos scatter plot showing the exponential growth of covid infections in MA

a =
b =
k =

1 What is the initial value (# infections as of June 9th) of this model?
2 What is the growth rate of this model?
3 What is the y-intercept (and horizontal asymptote) of this model?
4 For what range of dates is this model most accurate?
5 For what range of dates is this model least accurate?

Exponential Model 2

A Desmos scatter plot showing the exponential growth of covid infections in MA

a =
b =
k =

6 What is the initial value (# infections as of June 9th) of this model?
7 What is the growth rate of this model?
8 What is the y-intercept (and horizontal asymptote) of this model?
9 For what range of dates is this model most accurate?
10 For what range of dates is this model least accurate?

Exponential Model 3

A Desmos scatter plot showing the exponential growth of covid infections in MA

a =
b =
k =

11 What is the initial value (# infections as of June 9th) of this model?
12 What is the growth rate of this model?
13 What is the y-intercept (and horizontal asymptote) of this model?
14 For what range of dates is this model most accurate?
15 For what range of dates is this model least accurate?

Selecting a Model

16 Choose the model that you think best fits the data, and write it in function notation below:

exponential(x) = a(b)x  + k

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