Understanding the Exponential Factor

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 140 views

The Total Cost of a Water Bill: Understanding the Function C(t)

In this discussion, we will explore the function $C(t) = 3(0.24)^t$ , which represents the total cost of a water bill dependent on the amount of time $t$ in hours that the water runs. This function is a classic example of an exponential function, where the cost of the water bill increases exponentially with time. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of the function $C(t)$ , its components, and how it can be used to calculate the total cost of a water bill.

The function $C(t)$ represents the total cost of a water bill, where $t$ is the amount of time in hours that the water runs. In other words, if the water runs for $t$ hours, the total cost of the water bill will be given by the function $C(t)$ . This function takes into account the cost of water per hour, which is a fixed rate, and the time for which the water is running.

The function $C(t)$ consists of two main components:

Base Cost: The base cost is the fixed rate at which the water is charged per hour. In this case, the base cost is $3.
Exponential Factor: The exponential factor is the rate at which the cost of the water bill increases with time. In this case, the exponential factor is $0.24^t$ .

Understanding the Exponential Factor

The exponential factor $0.24^t$ represents the rate at which the cost of the water bill increases with time. This factor is raised to the power of $t$ , which means that the cost of the water bill increases exponentially with time. The value of $0.24$ represents the rate at which the cost of the water bill increases per hour.

Calculating the Total Cost of a Water Bill

To calculate the total cost of a water bill, we can use the function $C(t) = 3(0.24)^t$ . For example, if the water runs for 5 hours, the total cost of the water bill will be:

C(5) = 3(0.24)^5

Using a calculator, we can evaluate this expression to get:

C(5) = 3(0.24)^5 \approx 0.138

Therefore, the total cost of the water bill for 5 hours of running water is approximately $0.138.

Graphing the Function C(t)

To visualize the function $C(t)$ , we can graph it using a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system. The graph of the function $C(t)$ will be an exponential curve that increases rapidly as the value of $t$ increases.

In conclusion, the function $C(t) = 3(0.24)^t$ represents the total cost of a water bill dependent on the amount of time $t$ in hours that the water runs. This function is a classic example of an exponential function, where the cost of the water bill increases exponentially with time. By understanding the components of the function $C(t)$ and how it can be used to calculate the total cost of a water bill, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the mathematics behind this function.

The function $C(t)$ has several applications in real-world scenarios, such as:

Water Utility Companies: Water utility companies can use the function $C(t)$ to calculate the total cost of a water bill for their customers.
Residential Water Users: Residential water users can use the function $C(t)$ to estimate the total cost of their water bill based on the amount of time they run their water.
Environmental Scientists: Environmental scientists can use the function $C(t)$ to model the impact of water usage on the environment.

While the function $C(t)$ is a useful tool for calculating the total cost of a water bill, it has several limitations, such as:

Assumes Constant Rate: The function $C(t)$ assumes a constant rate of water usage, which may not be the case in real-world scenarios.
Does Not Account for Other Costs: The function $C(t)$ only accounts for the cost of water and does not take into account other costs, such as treatment and distribution costs.

Future research directions for the function $C(t)$ include:

Developing More Accurate Models: Developing more accurate models that take into account the complexities of real-world water usage scenarios.
Investigating the Impact of Water Usage on the Environment: Investigating the impact of water usage on the environment and developing strategies to reduce water waste.

In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about the function $C(t) = 3(0.24)^t$ , which represents the total cost of a water bill dependent on the amount of time $t$ in hours that the water runs.

Q: What is the base cost of the function C(t)?

A: The base cost of the function $C(t)$ is $3, which represents the fixed rate at which the water is charged per hour.

Q: What is the exponential factor in the function C(t)?

A: The exponential factor in the function $C(t)$ is $0.24^t$ , which represents the rate at which the cost of the water bill increases with time.

Q: How does the function C(t) calculate the total cost of a water bill?

A: The function $C(t)$ calculates the total cost of a water bill by multiplying the base cost ($3) by the exponential factor ($0.24^t).

Q: What is the significance of the value 0.24 in the function C(t)?

A: The value 0.24 in the function $C(t)$ represents the rate at which the cost of the water bill increases per hour.

Q: Can the function C(t) be used to calculate the cost of water for different time periods?

A: Yes, the function $C(t)$ can be used to calculate the cost of water for different time periods by plugging in the corresponding values of $t$ .

Q: How does the function C(t) account for the cost of water treatment and distribution?

A: The function $C(t)$ only accounts for the cost of water and does not take into account other costs, such as treatment and distribution costs.

Q: Can the function C(t) be used to model the impact of water usage on the environment?

A: Yes, the function $C(t)$ can be used to model the impact of water usage on the environment by taking into account the complexities of real-world water usage scenarios.

Q: What are some of the limitations of the function C(t)?

A: Some of the limitations of the function $C(t)$ include:

Assumes constant rate of water usage
Does not account for other costs, such as treatment and distribution costs
Does not take into account the complexities of real-world water usage scenarios

Q: What are some potential applications of the function C(t)?

A: Some potential applications of the function $C(t)$ include:

Water utility companies
Residential water users
Environmental scientists

Q: Can the function C(t) be used to develop more accurate models of water usage?

A: Yes, the function $C(t)$ can be used to develop more accurate models of water usage by taking into account the complexities of real-world water usage scenarios.