Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Doubling time is the period required for a quantity undergoing exponential growth to double in size. It is commonly used in contexts where the growth rate is constant.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Doubling time can be calculated using the formula $T_d = \frac{\ln(2)}{k}$, where $k$ is the growth rate.
In problems involving exponential growth, doubling time helps predict future values of growing quantities.
The natural logarithm base $e$ and $\log(2)$ are key constants used in calculating doubling time.
Doubling time is inversely proportional to the growth rate; as the growth rate increases, doubling time decreases.
Applications of integration can be utilized to derive expressions and solve problems involving exponential growth and doubling times.
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Related terms
Exponential Growth: A process where a quantity increases at a constant percentage rate over equal increments of time.
$e$ (Euler's Number): A mathematical constant approximately equal to 2.71828, which serves as the base for natural logarithms.
$\log$ Function: The logarithm function, often used to solve equations involving exponential functions by transforming multiplicative relationships into additive ones.