I assume you're talking about growth and decay.
The decay factor is just a fancy shmancy algebraic word for rate.
In growth and decay your basic equation looks like y=ab^x, where "a" is your initial amount, "x" is the time, "b" is your growth or decay factor, and "y" is your ending amount.
In growth, your rate (b) is greater than 1. An exponent with a base greater than one will always yield a graph that increases.
In decay, your rate (b) is less than 1 but greater than 0. An exponent with a base less than one but greater than 0, will always yield a graph that is decreasing.
Your decay factor is basically the rate at which your graph is decreasing. :)
The decay factor is just a fancy shmancy algebraic word for rate.
In growth and decay your basic equation looks like y=ab^x, where "a" is your initial amount, "x" is the time, "b" is your growth or decay factor, and "y" is your ending amount.
In growth, your rate (b) is greater than 1. An exponent with a base greater than one will always yield a graph that increases.
In decay, your rate (b) is less than 1 but greater than 0. An exponent with a base less than one but greater than 0, will always yield a graph that is decreasing.
Your decay factor is basically the rate at which your graph is decreasing. :)