Chapter 4: Problem 8
For the following exercises, identify whether the statement represents an exponential function. Explain. The height of a projectile at time \(t\) is represented by the function \(h(t)=-4.9 t^{2}+18 t+40\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is not exponential; it's quadratic.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Exponential Functions
An exponential function is typically in the form \( f(x) = a \, b^x \). Characteristics include a constant base \( b \) raised to a variable exponent \( x \).
02
Analyzing the Given Function
Look at the function \( h(t) = -4.9t^2 + 18t + 40 \). Identify the components: it involves \( t^2 \), which indicates a quadratic term, and additional terms with \( t \) and a constant.
03
Comparing with Exponential Characteristics
Observe that the given function is polynomial rather than exponential. It has a quadratic term \( t^2 \), indicating it is a quadratic function instead of an exponential one, which would require \( t \) in the exponent position.
04
Conclusion
The function \( h(t) = -4.9t^2 + 18t + 40 \) is not an exponential function but a quadratic function, as it is structured in the form \( at^2 + bt + c \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Functions
In mathematics, quadratic functions are a type of polynomial function that follow a specific pattern. They are commonly written in the standard form:
- \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \),
- Vertex: The vertex is the highest or lowest point on the graph of the parabola. It is a crucial feature, as it represents the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function.
- Axis of Symmetry: This is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola, splitting it into two symmetrical halves. The equation of this line is often given by \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \).
- Roots or Zeroes: These are the values of \( x \) for which \( f(x) = 0 \). They can be found using the quadratic formula, factoring, or completing the square.
- Direction of Opening: The parabola can open upwards or downwards depending on the sign of \( a \). If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards. If \( a < 0 \), it opens downwards.
Polynomial Functions
Polynomial functions encompass a wide variety of expressions that involve variables raised to non-negative integer exponents. A general polynomial function is expressed as:
- \( P(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1x + a_0 \),
- Degree and Leading Coefficient: The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable \( x \), which indicates the polynomial's complexity. The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree.
- Behavior and End Behavior: The degree and leading coefficient of the polynomial determine the behavior of the graph, especially its end behavior (how the graph behaves as \( x \) approaches infinity or negative infinity).
- Zeros: These are solutions to the equation \( P(x) = 0 \). The number of zeros is at most equal to the degree of the polynomial.
- Smooth and Continuous: Polynomial functions are always smooth (no breaks in the graph) and continuous (the graph is unbroken) over their domain.
Characteristics of Functions
Functions in mathematics are equations that provide a unique output for every valid input. Understanding the characteristics of functions is essential for identifying different types. Some important characteristics include:
- Domain and Range: The domain of a function consists of all possible input values, while the range includes all possible outputs. Understanding these helps in understanding the limitations of the function.
- Intercepts: Intercepts are points where the graph of the function crosses the axes. The x-intercepts (or roots) are where the graph crosses the x-axis, and the y-intercept is where it crosses the y-axis.
- Increasing and Decreasing Intervals: Functions can have segments where their values are increasing or decreasing. Identifying these intervals helps in understanding the overall behavior of the function.
- Symmetry and Asymptotes: Some functions are symmetrical about an axis or a point, while others have asymptotes, which are lines that the graph approaches but never touches. Recognizing these characteristics helps in sketching and analyzing the graph of the function.