SAT Exponential Functions and Equations

Exponential functions model growth and decay by a constant multiplier per period. The multiplier is 1 plus the rate, not the rate itself — writing 0.08 where 1.08 belongs is the single most common error on this skill.

Practise this skill freeHow the SAT is structured
MathAdvanced Math113 questions
The trap on this skill

Using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1.

How this skill behaves

What 113 questions on it look like

88% of these questions can appear in the harder second module. On a section-adaptive test that matters: this is a skill that keeps mattering after a strong first module, not one you leave behind.

Not one question in this skill is rated hard. What makes it cost marks is speed and carelessness, not difficulty.

medium88%
easy12%

Difficulty mix across the 113 questions in this skill.

From the bank

Three real exponential functions and equations questions

Each one explains the credited answer and why every other option fails.

Advanced Math · medium

For a repeated-growth calculation involving sample count in gallery final mirror planting packing list, the starting value is 280, and the value increases by 3% per week. What expression models the value after t weeks?

  1. A280(0.03)^t
  2. B280 + 1.03t
  3. C280(1.03)^tcorrect
  4. D1.03(280)^t
Why C is correct — and why the others are not

An increase of 3% means multiplying by 1.03 each hour, starting from 280. The final step answers the prompt as it applies to Exponential functions and equations. A final check is matching the final number to the quantity described in words.

A. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

B. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

D. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

Advanced Math · easy

A plant count associated with festival lower planter shelving estimate is 620 at t = 0 and is multiplied by the same growth factor after each 7% increase. Which expression gives the count after t intervals?

  1. A620(0.07)^t
  2. B620 + 1.07t
  3. C1.07(620)^t
  4. D620(1.07)^tcorrect
Why D is correct — and why the others are not

An increase of 7% means multiplying by 1.07 each hour, starting from 620. The calculation or reading check points back to Exponential functions and equations. A final check is simplifying only after the equivalent structure is preserved.

A. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

B. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

C. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

Advanced Math · medium

A colony count associated with library morning podium pricing worksheet is 720 at t = 0 and is multiplied by the same growth factor after each 5% increase. Which expression gives the count after t intervals?

  1. A720(0.05)^t
  2. B720 + 1.05t
  3. C1.05(720)^t
  4. D720(1.05)^tcorrect
Why D is correct — and why the others are not

An increase of 5% means multiplying by 1.05 each hour, starting from 720. The key support is the way the item treats Exponential functions and equations. A final check is simplifying only after the equivalent structure is preserved.

A. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

B. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

C. This value results from using the percent rate as the whole multiplier instead of adding it to 1

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FAQ

Exponential Functions and Equations questions

How do I write an exponential growth model?

Start value times (1 + rate) raised to the number of periods. For decay, (1 − rate).

How is exponential different from linear growth?

Linear adds the same amount each period; exponential multiplies by the same factor each period.
Last reviewed 2026-08-28. Format and scoring facts sourced to College Board. Question counts describe the PrepScore bank, not the exam.
Same domain
Quadratic Functions and Equations135 questionsNonlinear Equations in One Variable127 questionsEquivalent Expressions120 questionsPolynomial / Rational Expressions112 questions

Practise exponential functions and equations until the trap stops working.

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