Chapter 4: Problem 36
Sketch the graph of the equation. $$y=e^{-1000 x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \( y = e^{-1000x} \) is an exponentially decreasing curve, starting at (0, 1), hugging the x-axis for \( x > 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function Type
The given equation is \( y = e^{-1000x} \), which is an exponential decay function. The general form of an exponential function is \( y = ae^{bx} \). Here, \( a = 1 \) and \( b = -1000 \), indicating that it is an exponentially decreasing function.
02
Determine Key Characteristics
For \( y = e^{-1000x} \), as \( x \) increases, \( y \) exponentially approaches zero but never actually reaches it. At \( x = 0 \), \( y = e^{0} = 1 \). This gives us the y-intercept at point (0, 1). The graph decreases rapidly towards the x-axis because of the high negative exponent.
03
Sketch the Graph
Start by plotting the y-intercept at (0, 1). Since the function decreases quickly, draw a curve that moves downwards very sharply from the y-intercept and approaches the x-axis as \( x \) increases. The curve is close to the x-axis almost immediately after leaving the y-axis due to the large negative exponent.
04
Consider Asymptotic Behavior
The x-axis (or \( y = 0 \)) acts as a horizontal asymptote that the graph approaches but never touches. This means as \( x \rightarrow \infty \), \( y \rightarrow 0 \). Include this asymptotic behavior in your sketch by ensuring the graph gets very close to the x-axis.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Exponential Function
An exponential function is characterized by its formula: \( y = ae^{bx} \). Here, \( a \) is a constant that represents the initial amount when \( x = 0 \), and \( b \) affects the growth or decay rate. In our function \( y = e^{-1000x} \), \( a = 1 \) and \( b = -1000 \). Since \( b \) is negative, this represents exponential decay.
Exponential decay functions model situations where quantities decrease rapidly.
Exponential decay functions model situations where quantities decrease rapidly.
- Think of radioactive decay or cooling of a liquid.
- As \( x \) increases, \( e^{-1000x} \) rapidly approaches zero.
Asymptotic Behavior
Asymptotic behavior describes how a function behaves as it moves towards infinity or a particular direction.
For \( y = e^{-1000x} \), as \( x \) becomes larger, the output value \( y \) gets very close to zero but never actually reaches it. This behavior forms a horizontal asymptote along the x-axis (or \( y = 0 \)).
Why does this happen? Because in the exponential function, the term \( e^{-1000x} \) decreases rapidly, approaching zero.
Important points to understand:
For \( y = e^{-1000x} \), as \( x \) becomes larger, the output value \( y \) gets very close to zero but never actually reaches it. This behavior forms a horizontal asymptote along the x-axis (or \( y = 0 \)).
Why does this happen? Because in the exponential function, the term \( e^{-1000x} \) decreases rapidly, approaching zero.
Important points to understand:
- In practical terms, this means that no matter how large \( x \) gets, \( y \) will never be zero.
- This tells us about the long-term behavior of the function, providing insight into how it behaves as part of a larger system.
Graph Sketching
Sketching a graph of an exponential decay function like \( y = e^{-1000x} \) involves recognizing certain fundamental aspects.
Start with the y-intercept, which is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. For our function, when \( x = 0 \), \( y = 1 \). Thus, the y-intercept is at (0, 1).
To sketch:
This visualization provides a clear and intuitive way to understand the rapid decay, allowing us to see how quickly \( y \) diminishes as \( x \) grows larger.
Start with the y-intercept, which is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. For our function, when \( x = 0 \), \( y = 1 \). Thus, the y-intercept is at (0, 1).
To sketch:
- Begin at the y-intercept (0, 1).
- Draw the curve rapidly decreasing towards the x-axis.
- The high negative exponent causes the graph to hug the x-axis quickly after the intercept.
This visualization provides a clear and intuitive way to understand the rapid decay, allowing us to see how quickly \( y \) diminishes as \( x \) grows larger.