Math Problem Statement

Functions f and g are graphed in the xy-plane, where f(x) = 3(2)^x and g(x) = 3(2)^x - 6. If (0, a) is the y-intercept of function f and (0, b) is the y-intercept of function g, then what is the value of a - b?

Solution

To solve this problem, let’s analyze the given functions and determine the yy-intercepts of each function.

Step 1: Find aa (the yy-intercept of f(x)f(x))

The function f(x)=3(2)xf(x) = 3(2)^x. The yy-intercept occurs when x=0x = 0.

f(0)=3(2)0=31=3f(0) = 3(2)^0 = 3 \cdot 1 = 3

Thus, a=3a = 3.

Step 2: Find bb (the yy-intercept of g(x)g(x))

The function g(x)=3(2)x6g(x) = 3(2)^x - 6. Similarly, the yy-intercept occurs when x=0x = 0.

g(0)=3(2)06=316=36=3g(0) = 3(2)^0 - 6 = 3 \cdot 1 - 6 = 3 - 6 = -3

Thus, b=3b = -3.

Step 3: Calculate aba - b

Now that we know a=3a = 3 and b=3b = -3, we can find aba - b:

ab=3(3)=3+3=6a - b = 3 - (-3) = 3 + 3 = 6

Final Answer

The value of aba - b is 6.


Would you like further details on any part of this solution? Here are some additional related questions to consider:

  1. How would the result change if f(x)f(x) or g(x)g(x) had different constants?
  2. What is the significance of the base of the exponential function in f(x)f(x) and g(x)g(x)?
  3. How would we find the yy-intercepts if f(x)f(x) and g(x)g(x) were linear functions?
  4. What does shifting the function f(x)f(x) by a constant do to its yy-intercept?
  5. How could we calculate the difference between the intercepts if the functions were trigonometric?

Tip: When finding the yy-intercept of a function, set x=0x = 0 and evaluate the function at that point.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Intercepts

Formulas

f(x) = a(b)^x
y-intercept when x = 0

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12