In this module you will solve differential equations that model exponential growth and decay. The applications you will study arise in the fields of finance, thermodynamics and electronics. The differential equation , which describes a quantity that changes at a rate proportional to itself, is the model for continuously compounded interest, cooling liquids, and charge on a capacitor.

Lesson Index:

21.1 - Continuously Compounded Interest

21.2 - Newton's Law of Cooling

21.3 - Charge on a Capacitor

After completing this module, you should be able to do the following:

• Use the Equation Solver feature of the TI-83
• Find doubling times for continuously compounded interest
• Find future values for investments that earn interest
• Solve problems involving cooling liquids
• Solve a differential equation to determine the charge on a capacitor
• Find the half-life of the charge on a capacitor