Math Problem Statement

Questions 1 through 3 refer to the following. A wind turbine uses the power of wind to generate electricity. The blades of the turbine make a noise that can be heard at a distance from the turbine. At a distance of d = 0 meters from the turbine, the noise level is 105 decibels. At a distance of d = 100 meters from the turbine, the noise level is 49 decibels. The noise level can be modeled by the function S given by S(d) ab, where S(d) is the noise level, in decibels, at a distance of d meters from the turbine.

Solution

To address the questions related to the given problem:

Part 1: Understanding the Noise Level Function

The noise level S(d)S(d) is described as S(d)=abdS(d) = a \cdot b^d, where:

  • S(d)S(d) represents the noise level (in decibels) at distance dd meters.
  • aa and bb are constants that define the relationship between the noise level and the distance.

We know:

  • At d=0d = 0, S(0)=105S(0) = 105.
  • At d=100d = 100, S(100)=49S(100) = 49.

These two data points allow us to calculate the constants aa and bb.


Step 1: Solving for aa

When d=0d = 0, S(0)=ab0=a1=aS(0) = a \cdot b^0 = a \cdot 1 = a.
Thus, a=105a = 105.

Step 2: Solving for bb

Using the second data point, S(100)=49S(100) = 49: 49=105b100.49 = 105 \cdot b^{100}. Divide both sides by 105105: b100=49105=715.b^{100} = \frac{49}{105} = \frac{7}{15}. To solve for bb, take the 100th root: b=(715)1100.b = \left(\frac{7}{15}\right)^{\frac{1}{100}}.


Part 2: Writing the General Form of S(d)S(d)

Substituting a=105a = 105 and b=(715)1100b = \left(\frac{7}{15}\right)^{\frac{1}{100}}, the noise level function is: S(d)=105((715)1100)d.S(d) = 105 \cdot \left(\left(\frac{7}{15}\right)^{\frac{1}{100}}\right)^d. Simplify: S(d)=105(715)d100.S(d) = 105 \cdot \left(\frac{7}{15}\right)^{\frac{d}{100}}.


Ready for Your Questions

Let me know if you'd like a step-by-step explanation or have specific questions! Here are five relative follow-up questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How does the constant aa relate to the noise level at the source of the turbine?
  2. Why does the value of bb decrease as distance dd increases?
  3. How does the function S(d)S(d) illustrate the inverse relationship between distance and noise?
  4. Could the function S(d)S(d) be used to estimate the noise level at 200 meters? How?
  5. How would the noise level change if the turbine blades became quieter, altering the initial decibel reading?

Tip: When working with exponential decay models, identifying the constants accurately ensures the function closely represents real-world behavior.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Decay
Modeling with Exponential Functions
Algebraic Manipulation

Formulas

S(d) = a * b^d
b = (S(d)/a)^(1/d)

Theorems

Exponential Function Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12