Math Problem Statement

What are the features of the function f(x) = 2(1/3)^x - 3 graphed below?

Solution

The function given is:

f(x)=2(13)x3f(x) = 2 \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^x - 3

This is an exponential decay function. Let's break down its features.

1. Function Type:

The function is exponential, specifically an exponential decay function, because the base 13\frac{1}{3} is less than 1, which causes the graph to decrease as xx increases.

2. Asymptote:

  • The horizontal asymptote occurs where the function tends to as xx \to \infty.
  • From the equation, you can see the graph is shifted down by 3 units, so the horizontal asymptote is at y=3y = -3.

3. Range:

The range of the function is all values above the asymptote. Since the function never touches y=3y = -3, the range is (3,)(-3, \infty).

4. Domain:

  • The domain of an exponential function like this one is all real numbers, (,)(-\infty, \infty), because the function is defined for any xx.

5. End Behavior:

  • Left-side behavior: As xx \to -\infty, the function grows large, moving upward toward \infty.
  • Right-side behavior: As xx \to \infty, the function approaches the asymptote y=3y = -3 from above but never reaches it.

Now let's fill in the blanks for your answer form:

  1. The function f(x)f(x) is an exponential function with a horizontal asymptote of -3.
  2. The range of the function is (3,)(-3, \infty), and it is decreasing on its domain of (,)(-\infty, \infty).
  3. The end behavior on the left side is as xx \to -\infty, f(x)f(x) \to \infty.
  4. The end behavior on the right side is as xx \to \infty, f(x)3f(x) \to -3.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on the topic:

  1. How does the base of an exponential function affect its growth or decay?
  2. What transformations are applied to the parent function y=2(13)xy = 2 \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^x?
  3. What are the key differences between exponential growth and decay functions?
  4. How do vertical shifts impact the range of a function?
  5. How can you determine the end behavior of any exponential function?

Tip: Always check the horizontal asymptote and the transformations applied to the basic exponential function to understand the behavior of the graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Decay
Asymptotes
Range and Domain
End Behavior

Formulas

Exponential function: f(x) = ab^x
Asymptote: Horizontal shift of exponential functions

Theorems

Exponential Decay Theorem
Properties of Exponential Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12