6
advanced-math

A startup's monthly active users grow according to U(t)=500e0.15tU(t) = 500e^{0.15t} where tt is months. When will users reach 10,000?

A

About 20 months

B

About 10 months

C

About 67 months

D

About 15 months

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the correct answer. Solve for tt when U(t)=10000U(t) = 10000.

  1. Equation: 10000=500e0.15t10000 = 500e^{0.15t}.
  2. Divide: 20=e0.15t20 = e^{0.15t}.
  3. Natural log: ln(20)=0.15t\ln(20) = 0.15t.
  4. Solve: t=ln(20)0.15=2.9960.1519.9720t = \frac{\ln(20)}{0.15} = \frac{2.996}{0.15} \approx 19.97 \approx 20 months.

💡 Strategic Tip: Always isolate the exponential term before taking logarithm.

Choice B is incorrect because this only gives about 4,480 users. Choice C is incorrect because this assumes growth rate of 0.015, not 0.15. Choice D is incorrect because this gives about 4,945 users.