Question

what does it mean for a function to exhibit exponential decay? a quantity decreases by a consistent percentage over equal time intervals, resulting in a rapid decrease. a quantity remains constant over time intervals. a quantity fluctuates randomly over time intervals. a quantity increases by a consistent percentage over equal time intervals.

Explanation:

Exponential decay is defined as a process where a quantity decreases by a consistent percentage over equal time intervals, leading to a rapid decrease. The first option matches this definition: "A quantity decreases by a consistent percentage over equal time intervals, resulting in a rapid decrease." The second option describes a constant quantity (not decay), the third is random fluctuation (not exponential), and the fourth is exponential growth (increase, not decay).

Answer:

A. A quantity decreases by a consistent percentage over equal time intervals, resulting in a rapid decrease.