Math Problem Statement

If all the graphs above have equations with form y = ab^x, which graph has the largest value for b? Which graph has the smallest value for b? Which graph has the largest value for a?

Solution

To analyze the graphs based on the form y=abxy = ab^x, let's go through each question.

  1. Which graph has the largest value for bb?

    • In the equation y=abxy = ab^x, the parameter bb determines the growth or decay rate. If b>1b > 1, the function grows exponentially, while if 0<b<10 < b < 1, the function decays. Observing the graph, the green curve GG grows the fastest as xx increases, indicating that it has the largest value of bb (greater than 1).
  2. Which graph has the smallest value for bb?

    • The smallest value for bb would correspond to the function that decays the most rapidly. The blue curve BB is decreasing sharply as xx increases, indicating a bb value close to 0 but positive (between 0 and 1).
  3. Which graph has the largest value for aa?

    • The parameter aa in y=abxy = ab^x represents the initial value when x=0x = 0. Observing where each graph crosses the yy-axis, the black curve KK has the highest yy-intercept, indicating that it has the largest value of aa.

Summary of Answers:

  • Largest value of bb: Green curve GG.
  • Smallest value of bb: Blue curve BB.
  • Largest value of aa: Black curve KK.

Would you like further clarification on any of these points?


Here are some follow-up questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What effect would a negative exponent have on the growth or decay of these functions?
  2. How would the graph change if aa were negative?
  3. What happens to the graph as bb approaches 1?
  4. How would a graph look if bb were exactly equal to 1?
  5. Can two different functions y=abxy = ab^x and y=cdxy = cd^x intersect more than once?

Tip: Remember that in exponential functions, bb controls the direction and rate of growth or decay, while aa influences the starting value at x=0x = 0.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Growth and Decay
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

y = ab^x

Theorems

Exponential Growth and Decay

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12