Math Problem Statement

Suppose the function f(x) = 2 × 3x − 3.15x describes a physical situation that makes sense only for whole numbers between 0 and 15. For what value of x does f reach a maximum, and what is that maximum value? (Suggestion: We suggest beginning with a table starting at 0 with a table increment of 1 and then panning further down the table. Round your answer for the maximum value to two decimal places.)

Solution

We are given the function:

f(x)=2×3x3.15xf(x) = 2 \times 3^x - 3.15^x

where xx can only take whole numbers between 0 and 15. Our task is to determine for which value of xx the function reaches its maximum value, and to compute that maximum.

To solve this, we can:

  1. Compute the value of the function for each xx from 0 to 15.
  2. Identify the xx that gives the maximum value of f(x)f(x).

Let's calculate the values for f(x)f(x).The function f(x)=2×3x3.15xf(x) = 2 \times 3^x - 3.15^x reaches its maximum value when x=13x = 13. The maximum value of the function is approximately 182312.20182312.20.

Would you like more details or explanations on this result?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. What happens to the function as xx approaches 15 or higher?
  2. How does changing the base of the exponent affect the behavior of f(x)f(x)?
  3. Can the function have other local maxima within a different range of xx?
  4. How would the function behave if the coefficients were altered (e.g., instead of 2 and 3.15)?
  5. What physical scenario could this function represent?

Tip: When dealing with exponential functions, slight changes in the base can drastically affect the function's growth.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Maximization
Discrete Analysis

Formulas

f(x) = 2 × 3^x − 3.15^x

Theorems

None

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12