Which of the following are exponential functions?

(1 point)
Responses

f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals 10 superscript 4 plus 3 x baseline
Image with alt text: f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals 10 superscript 4 plus 3 x baseline

f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals left parenthesis negative 5 right parenthesis superscript x baseline
Image with alt text: f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals left parenthesis negative 5 right parenthesis superscript x baseline

f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals left parenthesis start fraction 1 over x end fraction right parenthesis superscript 6 baseline
Image with alt text: f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals left parenthesis start fraction 1 over x end fraction right parenthesis superscript 6 baseline

f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals left parenthesis one fourth right parenthesis superscript negative 2 x baseline
Image with alt text: f left parenthesis x right parenthesis equals left parenthesis one fourth right parenthesis superscript negative 2 x baseline

1 answer

To determine which of the functions are exponential functions, we need to look for functions of the form \( f(x) = a^x \), where \( a \) is a positive real number.

Let's analyze each given function:

  1. \( f(x) = 10^4 + 3x \):

    • This is not an exponential function. It is a linear function with a constant term \( 10^4 \) and a linear term \( 3x \).
  2. \( f(x) = (-5)^x \):

    • This is also not an exponential function because the base is negative. Exponential functions require a positive base.
  3. \( f(x) = \left(\frac{1}{x}\right)^6 \):

    • This can be rewritten as \( f(x) = x^{-6} \), which is a power function and not an exponential function.
  4. \( f(x) = \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{-2x} \):

    • This can be rewritten as \( f(x) = 4^{2x} \) (since \( \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{-1} = 4 \)). This is indeed an exponential function with a positive base.

Conclusion:

The only exponential function from the list is:

  • \( f(x) = \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{-2x} \)