Chapter 0: Problem 25
Sketch a graph of the given function. $$f(x)=3 e^{-2 x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \(f(x)=3e^{-2x}\) shows exponential decay as x increases, and exponential growth as x decreases. The function approaches the line \(y=0\) as a horizontal asymptote.
Step by step solution
01
Identify critical values and behavior
For \(f(x)=3e^{-2x}\), the coefficient '3' is positive which means the function is upward. The negative sign in the exponent \( -2x \) indicates the graph of the function is reflected across the y-axis. Exponential growth occurs as x decreases.
02
Calculate the value of the function at several points
Calculate the value of the function at several points, for example, at \(x=-1, 0, 1\). For \(x=-1\), \(f(x)=3e^{2*1}=3*7.39=22.17\). For \(x=0\), \(f(x)=3e^{-2*0}=3*0=3\). For \(x=1\), \(f(x)=3e^{-2*1}=3*0.368=1.1.
03
Plot the points on a graph
Plot these points (-1, 22.17), (0, 3) and (1, 1.1) on a graph. Connect the points with a smooth curve.
04
Understand the behavior of the function
The graph of the function should show exponential decay as x increases and exponential growth as x decreases. The function approaches \(y=0\) as \(x \to \infty\), which is a horizontal asymptote.
05
Sketch the full graph
By combining all data points together with the curve's behavior, complete sketching the graph of the given function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Decay
Exponential decay describes a process where the quantity decreases rapidly at first and then slowly over time. In the context of the function provided, \( f(x) = 3e^{-2x} \), the exponential decay behavior is determined by the negative exponent.
When you see an exponent with a negative value, such as \(-2x\), it indicates exponential decay. The "\( e \)" in the function represents Euler's number, which is approximately 2.718. Here are some key points to understand this concept better:
When you see an exponent with a negative value, such as \(-2x\), it indicates exponential decay. The "\( e \)" in the function represents Euler's number, which is approximately 2.718. Here are some key points to understand this concept better:
- The rate of decay is controlled by the exponent. A more negative value results in a steeper curve, indicating quicker decay.
- The base of the exponential function, which is \( e \), remains constant, and the coefficient "3" affects the initial value when \( x = 0 \).
- As \( x \) increases, the value of \( e^{-2x} \) becomes increasingly smaller, leading \( f(x) \) to decrease rapidly at first.
Horizontal Asymptote
A horizontal asymptote is a horizontal line that the graph of a function approaches but never touches as \( x \) tends towards infinity. For the function \( f(x) = 3e^{-2x} \), there is a horizontal asymptote at \( y = 0 \). This is because exponential functions of the form \( e^{kx} \) approach zero as \( x \) gets very large when \( k \) is negative.
Key characteristics of the horizontal asymptote in this function:
Key characteristics of the horizontal asymptote in this function:
- As \( x \to \infty \), the value of \( e^{-2x} \) approaches zero, making the entire function \( f(x) \) approach zero as well.
- The horizontal asymptote does not limit how low the function can go at extreme negative \( x \) because it specifically refers to behavior at large positive \( x \).
- This asymptotic behavior helps in predicting the end behavior of the graph, indicating the function will flatten out as it moves right along the x-axis.
Graph Sketching
Graph sketching is a visual representation of a mathematical function, focusing on its key characteristics such as shape, intercepts, and asymptotes. When sketching the graph of \( f(x) = 3e^{-2x} \), it is important to use the information we know about exponential decay and the horizontal asymptote to draw a precise curve.
To effectively sketch this function's graph, follow these steps:
To effectively sketch this function's graph, follow these steps:
- Plot Key Points: Calculate and plot key points such as \((-1, 22.17)\), \((0, 3)\), and \((1, 1.1)\). These values were derived by substituting \( x \) values into the function and computing \( f(x) \).
- Connect the Points: Connect these points smoothly to reflect the exponential decay, making sure the curve flattens as it moves right to reflect the horizontal asymptote at \( y = 0 \).
- Indicate Asymptotic Behavior: Mark the horizontal asymptote on the graph to show that, as \( x \) increases positively, the graph gets closer to \( y = 0 \) without ever crossing it.