# Exponential Growth Formula

Exponential growth occurs when the growth rate of the value of a mathematical function is proportional to the function’s current value, resulting in its growth with time being an exponential function.

Formula of Exponential Growth

$\large P(t)=P_{0}e^{rt}$

Where:
t = time (number of periods)
P(t) = the amount of some quantity at time t
$P_{0}$ = initial amount at time t = 0
r = the growth rate

Solved Examples

Question 1: Suppose that the population of a certain country grows at an annual rate of 4 %. If the current population is 5 million, what will the population be in 15 years?

Solution:

Given
$P_{0}$ = 5
r = 0.04
t=15 years

Exponential growth,

$\large P(t)=P_{0}e^{rt}$

$P(15)$ = 5 $\times e^{0.04 \times 15}$
$P(15)$ = 9.11059 million

The population in 15 years is 9.11059 million

#### Practise This Question

Regarding assertion and reason, choose the correct option
Assertion [A]: Plant breeding is quite similar in application to animal breeding.
Reason [R]: Both plant and animal breeding aim to bring desirable qualities in one plant or animal to make them a better source of food.