Chapter 4: Problem 9
Sketch the graph of the function by making a table of values. Use a calculator if necessary. $$f(x)=2^{x}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph of \( f(x) = 2^x \) is an increasing exponential curve.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function
The given function is an exponential function of the form \( f(x) = 2^x \). Exponential functions have a constant base raised to the power of a variable exponent.
02
Choose Values for x
Select a range of \( x \) values to evaluate the function. For this exercise, use \( x = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 \). These values will help us observe how the function behaves as \( x \) changes.
03
Create a Table of Values
Calculate \( f(x) \) for each chosen \( x \) value:- If \( x = -2 \), then \( f(-2) = 2^{-2} = \frac{1}{4} = 0.25 \).- If \( x = -1 \), then \( f(-1) = 2^{-1} = \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 \).- If \( x = 0 \), then \( f(0) = 2^0 = 1 \).- If \( x = 1 \), then \( f(1) = 2^1 = 2 \).- If \( x = 2 \), then \( f(2) = 2^2 = 4 \).- If \( x = 3 \), then \( f(3) = 2^3 = 8 \).
04
Plot the Points on a Graph
Using the table of values, plot the corresponding points on a coordinate grid: \((-2, 0.25), (-1, 0.5), (0, 1), (1, 2), (2, 4), (3, 8)\).
05
Draw the Graph
Connect the plotted points smoothly to illustrate the continuous curve of the exponential function. The graph should show a rapid increase as \( x \) becomes positive and approach zero as \( x \) decreases.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Graphing Functions
Graphing functions is a fundamental skill in understanding mathematical concepts. It involves plotting points on a graph to visualize the relationship between variables, such as the input \( x \) and the output \( f(x) \) for a function. When graphing \( f(x) = 2^x \), you start by creating a table of values, which are pairs of \( x \) and \( f(x) \).
- Select a set of \( x \) values, such as -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, and 3.
- Compute \( f(x) \) for each \( x \). For instance, when \( x = 1 \), \( f(1) = 2^1 = 2 \).
- Plot these points on a graph to create a visual representation.
- Use these points to draw a smooth curve.
Exponential Growth
Exponential growth is a fascinating pattern observed in exponential functions where values increase at an increasing rate. The function \( f(x) = 2^x \) is a classic example of this growth.
Exponential growth differs from linear growth because it is multiplicative rather than additive. Here, the growth rate itself magnifies over time, resulting in a steep curve on a graph.
Exponential growth differs from linear growth because it is multiplicative rather than additive. Here, the growth rate itself magnifies over time, resulting in a steep curve on a graph.
- At each step, the output \( f(x) \) is the base (2 in this case) raised to the power of \( x \).
- As \( x \) becomes larger, \( f(x) \) grows rapidly.
Coordinate Systems
Coordinate systems provide a framework for plotting points and graphs on a grid. In two dimensions, this involves the \( x \)-axis (horizontal) and \( y \)-axis (vertical), intersecting at what’s known as the origin (0,0).
To plot the function \( f(x) = 2^x \):
To plot the function \( f(x) = 2^x \):
- Identify the point where each pair of values \( (x, f(x)) \) meets on the grid.
- Each \( x \)-value has a corresponding \( y \)-value, giving a precise location on the plane.
- For instance, when \( x = -1 \), plot the point at \( (x, 0.5) \).