IDNLearn.com provides a seamless experience for finding the answers you need. Our platform is designed to provide reliable and thorough answers to all your questions, no matter the topic.

Which is the best description of the graph of the function [tex]\( f(x) = 60 \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^x \)[/tex]?

A. The graph has an initial value of 20, and each successive term is determined by subtracting [tex]\(\frac{1}{3}\)[/tex].

B. The graph has an initial value of 20, and each successive term is determined by multiplying by [tex]\(\frac{1}{3}\)[/tex].

C. The graph has an initial value of 60, and each successive term is determined by subtracting [tex]\(\frac{1}{3}\)[/tex].

D. The graph has an initial value of 60, and each successive term is determined by multiplying by [tex]\(\frac{1}{3}\)[/tex].


Sagot :

To determine the best description of the graph of the function [tex]\( f(x) = 60 \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^x \)[/tex], let's break down the components of this exponential function.

### Step-by-Step Analysis:

1. Initial Value of the Function:
- The general form of an exponential function is [tex]\( f(x) = a \cdot b^x \)[/tex], where [tex]\( a \)[/tex] is the initial value when [tex]\( x = 0 \)[/tex].
- Here, [tex]\( a = 60 \)[/tex]. Therefore, the initial value of the function when [tex]\( x = 0 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( f(0) = 60 \cdot \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^0 = 60 \)[/tex].

2. Successive Term Determination:
- The base [tex]\( b \)[/tex] in the function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] determines how each successive term is derived from the previous term.
- Here, [tex]\( b = \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex]. Each successive term is obtained by multiplying the previous term by [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex].

### Conclusion:

With the initial value and successive term determined, we compare these findings against the descriptions given in the options:

1. Option 1: "The graph has an initial value of 20, and each successive term is determined by subtracting [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex]."
- This is incorrect because the initial value is not 20, and the terms are not determined by subtraction.

2. Option 2: "The graph has an initial value of 20, and each successive term is determined by multiplying by [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex]."
- This is incorrect because the initial value is not 20.

3. Option 3: "The graph has an initial value of 60, and each successive term is determined by subtracting [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex]."
- This is incorrect because the terms are not determined by subtraction.

4. Option 4: "The graph has an initial value of 60, and each successive term is determined by multiplying by [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex]."
- This is correct because the initial value is 60, and each successive term is determined by multiplying the previous term by [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex].

### Final Answer:

The best description of the graph of the function [tex]\( f(x) = 60 \left( \frac{1}{3} \right)^x \)[/tex] is:
"The graph has an initial value of 60, and each successive term is determined by multiplying by [tex]\( \frac{1}{3} \)[/tex]."