Question

Write an exponential function to model earthquake intensity as a function of a Richter Scale number. How can

you use your function to compare the intensity of the 1811 New Madrid and the 1906 San Francisco
earthquakes?

Answer 1

1. The exponential function to model earthquake intensity as a function of a Richer Scale number is f(x)=10^x (to the power of x)

2. To compare the intensity of the 1811 New Madrid earthquake and the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the function can be used to find the ratio of f(x) for x=8.1 to f(x) for x=7.8

3. The 1811 New Madrid earthquake was about two times the intensity of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Explanation: