Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Introduction to Exponential Functions
Problem 35
Textbook Question
Graph each function. See Example 2. ƒ(x) = 4^-x
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1
Identify the base of the exponential function: The function given is \( f(x) = 4^{-x} \). Here, the base is 4, and the exponent is \(-x\).
Understand the transformation: The negative sign in the exponent \(-x\) indicates a reflection of the graph of \( 4^x \) across the y-axis.
Determine key points: Calculate a few key points by substituting values for \( x \). For example, when \( x = 0 \), \( f(x) = 4^0 = 1 \). When \( x = 1 \), \( f(x) = 4^{-1} = \frac{1}{4} \). When \( x = -1 \), \( f(x) = 4^1 = 4 \).
Sketch the graph: Plot the key points on a coordinate plane and draw a smooth curve through them. The graph should approach the x-axis as \( x \) increases (since \( 4^{-x} \to 0 \) as \( x \to \infty \)) and rise steeply as \( x \) decreases.
Identify asymptotes and behavior: The horizontal asymptote of the graph is the x-axis (\( y = 0 \)), and the graph will never touch or cross this line.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions are mathematical expressions in the form f(x) = a^x, where 'a' is a positive constant and 'x' is the variable. These functions exhibit rapid growth or decay depending on the base 'a'. In the case of f(x) = 4^-x, the negative exponent indicates that the function will decay as 'x' increases, leading to a graph that approaches the x-axis but never touches it.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques involve plotting points on a coordinate plane to visualize the behavior of a function. For exponential functions, key points can be calculated by substituting values for 'x' and finding corresponding 'f(x)' values. Understanding how to identify intercepts, asymptotes, and the general shape of the graph is crucial for accurately representing the function.
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Graphs and Coordinates - Example
Asymptotes
An asymptote is a line that a graph approaches but never touches. For the function f(x) = 4^-x, the horizontal asymptote is the x-axis (y=0), indicating that as 'x' approaches infinity, f(x) approaches 0. Recognizing asymptotic behavior helps in understanding the long-term trends of the function and aids in sketching the graph accurately.
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