If an initial quantity continuous grove or decays at an exponential rate or , then the final amount after a time is given by the following formula .

(a)

Find the function for continuous exponential decay representing the atmospheric pressure .

Atmospheric pressure at sea level psi.

Atmospheric pressure decreases continuously at rate of .

Altitude increases feet.

Substitute psi and in .

.

Function for exponential decay representing the atmospheric pressure .

(b)

Find approximate atmospheric pressure at the top of Mount Everest.

Substitute psi, , and in .

.

Atmospheric pressure at the top of mount Everest is psi.

(c)

Find how high an helicopter can fly up Mount Everest.

Helicopter can fly atmospheric pressure greater than psi.

Substitute psi, and in .

Apply logarithm on each side.

Helicopter can fly up Mount Everest at feet.

(a) Function for exponential decay representing the atmospheric pressure  .

(b) Atmospheric pressure at the top of mount Everest is psi.

(c) Helicopter can fly up Mount Everest at feet.