Math Problem Statement

What are the features of the function f(x) = 2(1/2)^x - 5?

Solution

The two images you provided relate to an exponential function f(x)=2(12)x5f(x) = 2 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^x - 5, and the task asks for identifying its features. Let's break it down based on the graph and the information on the screen:

Function Analysis

The function is: f(x)=2(12)x5f(x) = 2 \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^x - 5

This is an exponential decay function because the base of the exponent, 12\frac{1}{2}, is between 0 and 1.

Key Features:

  1. Type of function: This is an exponential function.
  2. Asymptote: There is a horizontal asymptote at y=5y = -5. This is due to the "-5" added to the exponential part, which shifts the graph downwards by 5 units.
  3. Range: The range of the function is (5,)(-5, \infty), meaning it never touches or goes below y=5y = -5.
  4. Domain: The domain is all real numbers, i.e., (,)(-\infty, \infty), as exponential functions are defined for all xx.
  5. End Behavior:
    • As xx \to -\infty, yy \to \infty.
    • As xx \to \infty, y5y \to -5, because the exponential decays towards 0, but the shift by -5 causes it to approach y=5y = -5.

Filling the Gaps in the Answer

Using the graph and the features, here’s how the answer should be filled in:

  • The function f(x)f(x) is an exponential function with a horizontal asymptote of y=5y = -5.
  • The range of the function is (5,)(-5, \infty), and it is decreasing on its domain of (,)(-\infty, \infty).
  • The end behavior on the LEFT side is as xx \to -\infty, yy \to \infty.
  • The end behavior on the RIGHT side is as xx \to \infty, y5y \to -5.

Would you like any further clarification on these features?

Questions to Consider:

  1. What effect does changing the base of the exponent have on the graph?
  2. How does the vertical shift (-5 in this case) influence the function's range and asymptote?
  3. Why does the function decrease instead of increase as xx \to \infty?
  4. How would the graph change if the base was greater than 1 instead of 12\frac{1}{2}?
  5. What is the significance of the horizontal asymptote in real-world contexts?

Tip:

Exponential decay functions have bases between 0 and 1, causing them to decrease as xx increases, while the horizontal asymptote determines the lowest value the function approaches but never reaches.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Graphing Functions
Asymptotes
Range and Domain

Formulas

f(x) = 2(1/2)^x - 5

Theorems

Exponential Decay Function Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11