Question

Just a quick question:
I'm doing a math problem regarding exponential decay, where the number of acres in a rainforest starts at 800 square miles, and decreases by 20%. Because it's decreasing, would that mean that the equation would be $800(0.2)^x$?

Answer 1

You need to subtract the rate of decay from 1.

The equation would be 800(1-0.2)^x = 800(0.80)^x