Functions Modeling Change: A Preparation for Calculus, 5th Edition

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1118583191
ISBN 13: 978-1-11858-319-7

Chapter 4 - Exponential Functions - 4.2 Comparing Exponential and Linear Functions - Exercises and Problems for Section 4.2 - Exercises and Problems - Page 155: 22

Answer

$ f(x)=4.9497\cdot\left(1.4142\right)^x $

Work Step by Step

The graph shows that the points $(1,7),(3,14)$ and $(5,28)$ lie on the curve of $f(x)$. If the graph of the function is exponential, then the ratios of successive values of $f(x)$ will be a constant. $$ \begin{aligned} & \frac{f(3)}{f(1)}=\frac{14}{7}=2 \\ & \frac{f(5)}{f(3)}=\frac{28}{14}=2. \end{aligned} $$ Clearly, the function is an exponential function. We now proceed to find an expression of the exponential function of the form, $f(x) = ab^x$. $$ \begin{aligned} \frac{f(3)}{f(1)} & =\frac{14}{7} \\ \frac{a b^3}{a b^1} & =2\\ b^2& = 2\\ b= \sqrt{2}\approx 1.4142 \end{aligned} $$ We determine $a$: $$ \begin{aligned} ab^{1}& =7\\ a & =\frac{7}{b} \\ a & ==\frac{7}{\sqrt 2}\approx \frac{7}{1.4142}=4.9497 \end{aligned} $$ It follows that $$ f(x)=4.9497\cdot\left(1.4142\right)^x $$
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