Math Problem Statement

Graph the exponential function: f(x) = -3(3/5)^x. Plot five points on the graph of the function, and also draw the asymptote.

Solution

The problem requires graphing the exponential function:

f(x)=3(35)xf(x) = -3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^x

Step 1: Analyze the function

  1. Base: The base of the exponential function is 35\frac{3}{5}, which is less than 1, so this is a decaying exponential function.
  2. Negative sign: The negative multiplier 3-3 means the function is reflected over the x-axis.
  3. Asymptote: The horizontal asymptote is y=0y = 0, since the function approaches 0 as xx \to \infty.

Step 2: Plot points

We calculate a few points by substituting xx values into f(x)f(x):

  1. For x=0x = 0: f(0)=3(35)0=3(1)=3f(0) = -3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^0 = -3(1) = -3 So, (0,3)(0, -3) is a point.

  2. For x=1x = 1: f(1)=3(35)1=3×35=951.8f(1) = -3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^1 = -3 \times \frac{3}{5} = -\frac{9}{5} \approx -1.8 So, (1,1.8)(1, -1.8) is a point.

  3. For x=1x = -1: f(1)=3(35)1=3×53=5f(-1) = -3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^{-1} = -3 \times \frac{5}{3} = -5 So, (1,5)(-1, -5) is a point.

  4. For x=2x = 2: f(2)=3(35)2=3×925=27251.08f(2) = -3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^2 = -3 \times \frac{9}{25} = -\frac{27}{25} \approx -1.08 So, (2,1.08)(2, -1.08) is a point.

  5. For x=2x = -2: f(2)=3(35)2=3×2598.33f(-2) = -3 \left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^{-2} = -3 \times \frac{25}{9} \approx -8.33 So, (2,8.33)(-2, -8.33) is a point.

Step 3: Draw the graph

  1. Plot the five points:
    • (0,3)(0, -3)
    • (1,1.8)(1, -1.8)
    • (1,5)(-1, -5)
    • (2,1.08)(2, -1.08)
    • (2,8.33)(-2, -8.33)
  2. Draw a smooth curve through the points, decaying towards the asymptote y=0y = 0 as xx \to \infty.
  3. Indicate the horizontal asymptote at y=0y = 0.

Would you like me to generate a visual graph for this? Let me know!


Relative questions:

  1. What does the negative sign in front of the function indicate for the graph?
  2. Why does the function decay rather than grow?
  3. How does changing the base of the exponential function affect the graph?
  4. What happens to the graph if the multiplier changes from 3-3 to a positive 3?
  5. How would you determine the domain and range of this function?

Tip: Always calculate key points near x=0x = 0 for clarity when graphing exponential functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Graphing
Asymptotes
Reflections
Function Analysis

Formulas

Exponential function: f(x) = a(b)^x
Reflection over the x-axis: Negative multiplier (-a)

Theorems

Exponential decay (base b where 0 < b < 1)
Asymptotic behavior of exponential functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12