Math Problem Statement

Graph the exponential function: g(x) = (1/3)(3)^x. Plot five points on the graph of the function.

Solution

The problem involves graphing the exponential function:

g(x)=13(3)xg(x) = \frac{1}{3} (3)^x

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Simplify the Function: The function simplifies to: g(x)=133x=3x1g(x) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3^x = 3^{x - 1} This is an exponential function with a base of 33, shifted by x1x - 1.

  2. Choose xx-values and Calculate g(x)g(x): To graph the function, compute g(x)g(x) for five points:

    • x=2x = -2: g(2)=1332=1319=127g(-2) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3^{-2} = \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{9} = \frac{1}{27}
    • x=1x = -1: g(1)=1331=1313=19g(-1) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3^{-1} = \frac{1}{3} \cdot \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1}{9}
    • x=0x = 0: g(0)=1330=131=13g(0) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3^0 = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 1 = \frac{1}{3}
    • x=1x = 1: g(1)=1331=133=1g(1) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3^1 = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3 = 1
    • x=2x = 2: g(2)=1332=139=3g(2) = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 3^2 = \frac{1}{3} \cdot 9 = 3
  3. Plot the Points: The points to plot on the graph are: (2,127),(1,19),(0,13),(1,1),(2,3)(-2, \frac{1}{27}), \, (-1, \frac{1}{9}), \, (0, \frac{1}{3}), \, (1, 1), \, (2, 3)

  4. Graph Behavior:

    • For xx \to -\infty, g(x)0g(x) \to 0 (the graph approaches the horizontal asymptote y=0y = 0).
    • For xx \to \infty, g(x)g(x) \to \infty (the graph increases exponentially).

Would you like a plot of the graph or additional clarification?


Related Questions:

  1. How does the base of an exponential function affect its growth or decay?
  2. What is the effect of the coefficient 13\frac{1}{3} in the function g(x)=13(3)xg(x) = \frac{1}{3} (3)^x?
  3. How would the graph change if the base were 13\frac{1}{3} instead of 33?
  4. What is the domain and range of the function g(x)=13(3)xg(x) = \frac{1}{3}(3)^x?
  5. How can transformations (shifts, stretches) affect exponential graphs?

Tip:

When graphing exponential functions, calculate and plot a few key points around x=0x = 0 to capture the graph's behavior. These functions often include asymptotes and rapid growth/decay depending on the base.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Graphing
Algebra

Formulas

g(x) = (1/3)(3)^x

Theorems

Properties of exponential growth and decay

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11