Math Problem Statement

The curve y = (k)A^x passes through the points (2, 50) and (-1, 1/5). Enter k A.

Solution

To find the value of kk and AA, we need to use the given points and the equation of the curve, y=kAxy = kA^x.

The points provided are:

  1. (2, 50)
  2. (-1, 1/5)

Step 1: Plug the first point (2, 50) into the equation

From the equation y=kAxy = kA^x, substituting x=2x = 2 and y=50y = 50 gives us: 50=kA250 = kA^2 This equation will be useful later.

Step 2: Plug the second point (-1, 1/5) into the equation

Substitute x=1x = -1 and y=15y = \frac{1}{5} into the equation y=kAxy = kA^x: 15=kA1\frac{1}{5} = kA^{-1} This simplifies to: 15=kA\frac{1}{5} = \frac{k}{A} This is the second equation we will use.

Step 3: Solve the system of equations

We now have two equations:

  1. 50=kA250 = kA^2
  2. 15=kA\frac{1}{5} = \frac{k}{A}

From the second equation, we can express kk as: k=A5k = \frac{A}{5}

Step 4: Substitute k=A5k = \frac{A}{5} into the first equation

Substitute this expression for kk into the first equation: 50=(A5)A250 = \left( \frac{A}{5} \right) A^2 Simplify: 50=A3550 = \frac{A^3}{5} Multiply both sides by 5: 250=A3250 = A^3 Take the cube root of both sides: A=2503A = \sqrt[3]{250}

Step 5: Calculate AA

Calculating the cube root of 250: A6.3A \approx 6.3

Step 6: Find kk

Now that we know A6.3A \approx 6.3, substitute this value back into k=A5k = \frac{A}{5}: k=6.35=1.26k = \frac{6.3}{5} = 1.26

Thus, the values are:

  • k1.26k \approx 1.26
  • A6.3A \approx 6.3

Would you like to explore more on this topic or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do exponential growth and decay models use similar equations?
  2. What are other methods to solve for constants in equations with multiple points?
  3. How does the shape of the curve change when kk or AA varies?
  4. What happens when AA is a negative value in this type of equation?
  5. How can logarithmic transformations help in solving such equations?

Tip: Always verify the units of kk and AA to ensure they match the context of the problem when dealing with real-world applications!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Systems of Equations
Cube Root

Formulas

y = kA^x
k = A/5
A^3 = 250

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12