Question
upstudy study bank question image url

Which is an exponential decay function? \( f(x)=\frac{3}{4}\left(\frac{7}{4}\right)^{x} \) \( f(x)=\frac{2}{3}\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{-x} \) \( f(x)=\frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} \) \( f(x)=\frac{1}{3}\left(-\frac{9}{2}\right)^{x} \)

Ask by Bowman Bush. in the United States
Jan 27,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

\( f(x)=\frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} \) is an exponential decay function.

Solution

An exponential decay function has the general form: \[ f(x) = a \cdot b^x \] where: - \( a \) is a constant. - \( 0 < b < 1 \) ensures that the function decreases as \( x \) increases. Let's analyze each function: 1. **\( f(x) = \frac{3}{4}\left(\frac{7}{4}\right)^x \)** - **Base:** \( \frac{7}{4} > 1 \) - **Conclusion:** This function represents exponential growth, not decay. 2. **\( f(x) = \frac{2}{3}\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{-x} \)** - **Rewriting the base:** \( \left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{-x} = \left(\frac{5}{4}\right)^x \) - **Base:** \( \frac{5}{4} > 1 \) - **Conclusion:** This function represents exponential growth, not decay. 3. **\( f(x) = \frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} \)** - **Rewriting the base:** \( \left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} = \left(\frac{7}{8}\right)^x \) - **Base:** \( \frac{7}{8} < 1 \) - **Conclusion:** This is an **exponential decay** function. 4. **\( f(x) = \frac{1}{3}\left(-\frac{9}{2}\right)^x \)** - **Base:** Negative base (\( -\frac{9}{2} \)) can cause oscillations and is not typical for standard exponential decay functions. - **Conclusion:** This does not represent a standard exponential decay function. **Therefore, the exponential decay function among the given options is:** \[ f(x) = \frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} \] **Final Answer:** \( f(x)=\frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} \) is an exponential decay function.

Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Bonus Knowledge

Exponential decay functions are typically of the form \( f(x) = a \cdot b^{-x} \), where \( 0 < b < 1 \). In this case, the second and third functions fit the bill because they contain a base raised to a negative exponent, which indicates decay. Specifically, \( f(x)=\frac{2}{3}\left(\frac{4}{5}\right)^{-x} \) and \( f(x)=\frac{3}{2}\left(\frac{8}{7}\right)^{-x} \) both represent exponential decay. These functions can model real-world scenarios such as radioactive decay or population decline, where quantities decrease over time. The key is that their bases are fractions less than one, exemplifying how they decay progressively. Using these functions can help predict the behavior of diminishing resources or populations over time, making the calculations essential for fields like environmental science or finance!

Related Questions

Latest Pre Calculus Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy