Question

How to tell linear exponential and exponential decay apart

Answer 1

Explanation:

A typical equation for exponential change looks like this:

y = a(r)^(n),

where a is the initial value, r is the common ratio and n is the number of periods.

To answer your question: If r > 0, you're dealing with exponential growth;

if r < 0, you're dealing with exponential decay.