Explore the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer
Compare multiplying and adding growth for bacteria, savings, radioactive decay and viral videos, with a log scale option. Works on phones and computers.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer?
Compare multiplying and adding growth for bacteria, savings, radioactive decay and viral videos, with a log scale option. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Compound interest, population growth, epidemics, radioactive dating, depreciation and computer memory growth all follow exponential patterns.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Exponential change multiplies by the same factor every step.
Linear change adds the same amount every step, so exponentials eventually overtake it.
The doubling time (growth) or half-life (decay) stays the same however large the amount gets.
Choose Bacteria and read the doubling time.
Set the change to -50 percent and find the half-life.
Switch to the log scale and see the exponential straighten out.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Math learners
Algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus students, teachers preparing demonstrations, and self-learners who want to see the maths move.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Set the change to -50 percent and find the half-life. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is the difference between exponential and linear growth?
Linear growth adds a fixed amount each step. Exponential growth multiplies by a fixed factor, so it speeds up.
How do you find the doubling time?
Doubling time = ln 2 ÷ ln (growth factor).
Is the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer free to use?
Yes. The Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Math group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 5 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer?
1. In the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer, use the controls to change Story, Starting amount, Change each step, Number of steps, Graph scale. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer, pick an option such as Bacteria, Savings account, Radioactive decay, Viral video to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Choose Bacteria and read the doubling time. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Exponential change multiplies by the same factor every step.
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Try the Exponential Growth & Decay Explorer now
Compare multiplying and adding growth for bacteria, savings, radioactive decay and viral. Free to use.
Try it free