Math Problem Statement

The figure shows the graph of y = b^x and the graph of y = c^x on the same rectangular coordinate system, where b and c are positive constants. If a horizontal line L cuts the y-axis, the graph of y = b^x and the graph of y = c^x at A, B, and C respectively, which of the following are true? I. b > c II. b + c > 2 III. AB/AC = log_c(b).

Solution

Let’s solve the problem step by step based on the image provided.


Problem Breakdown:

The figure shows graphs of y=bxy = b^x and y=cxy = c^x on a coordinate system, where bb and cc are positive constants. A horizontal line LL intersects both graphs, producing points A,B,A, B, and CC. We are tasked to determine which statements about bb and cc are true:

Statements:

  1. b>cb > c
  2. b+c>2b + c > 2
  3. ABAC=logcb\frac{AB}{AC} = \log_c b

Solution:


Step 1: Analyze Statement I

  • y=bxy = b^x grows faster than y=cxy = c^x (i.e., it is above y=cxy = c^x for x>0x > 0), indicating that b>cb > c.
  • Conclusion: Statement II is true.

Step 2: Analyze Statement II

  • bb and cc are positive constants, and we know b>cb > c. Since b>1b > 1 (for an exponential graph that grows), and c>0c > 0, it follows that b+c>2b + c > 2.
  • Conclusion: Statement IIII is true.

Step 3: Analyze Statement III

  • ABAB and ACAC are distances on the yy-axis, given as: AB=kb0=k1,AC=kc0=k1AB = k - b^0 = k - 1, \quad AC = k - c^0 = k - 1 where kk is the value of the horizontal line LL.

  • Therefore: ABAC=k1k1=1\frac{AB}{AC} = \frac{k - 1}{k - 1} = 1

  • The given equation ABAC=logcb\frac{AB}{AC} = \log_c b implies: logcb=1\log_c b = 1 This is incorrect because logcb1\log_c b \neq 1 unless b=cb = c, which contradicts b>cb > c.

  • Conclusion: Statement IIIIII is false.


Final Answer:

The correct option is A. I and II only.


Would you like a further breakdown of any step? Here are some related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. How can we verify b+c>2b + c > 2 with different values of bb and cc?
  2. Why does y=bxy = b^x grow faster than y=cxy = c^x when b>cb > c?
  3. How does the logarithmic equation logcb\log_c b relate to this problem geometrically?
  4. What happens if b=cb = c? Would the statements still hold true?
  5. How can we generalize this problem for any exponential functions y=axy = a^x and y=dxy = d^x?

Tip: For exponential functions y=axy = a^x, the base aa determines the growth rate. A higher base means faster growth for x>0x > 0.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Logarithms
Inequalities

Formulas

y = b^x
y = c^x
log_c(b)

Theorems

Properties of exponential functions
Logarithmic relationships

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12