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Advanced MathEasy–MediumRecognising exponential decay from a description

Advanced Math practice question

A cup of tea's temperature above room temperature falls by 10% every minute. Which type of function best models the temperature difference over time?

  1. A. A decreasing exponential functionCorrect
  2. B. A decreasing linear function
  3. C. An increasing exponential function
  4. D. A quadratic function

Answer: A. A decreasing exponential function

Losing a fixed percentage each minute multiplies by 0.9 repeatedly: exponential decay.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. A decreasing linear function
Linear decay would lose a fixed number of degrees each minute.
C. An increasing exponential function
The difference is falling.
D. A quadratic function
No squared relationship.

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