Use the graphs to answer the questions.

(-1,11)(1,0.44) (-1,2.5)(2,1.258)
A. For each graph, create an input-output table with at least 4 points in each
table.
B. For each graph, write an exponential equation. Explain how you determined
the base and initial value from each graph.
C. Create a real-world situation that can be modeled by each graph.
D. Explain what x, y, a, and b represent in your real-world situations.
E. For each equation, evaluate the equation for a value of x not listed in your
table. Explain what the point represents in the real-world.
F. Create your own unique exponential decay situation, then model it with an
equation, an input-output table, and a graph.

1 answer

To address each part of the question, I will create two hypothetical graphs based on the given points, derive the corresponding equations, and develop real-world situations for both.

Graph 1: Points (-1, 11) and (1, 0.44)

A. Input-Output Table

| x | y | |----|---------| | -1 | 11 | | 0 | 5.5 | | 1 | 0.44 | | 2 | 0.24 |

B. Exponential Equation

To find the exponential equation, we can assume a model of the form \( y = a \cdot b^x \).

  • Starting with the known points:
  1. From point (-1, 11): \( 11 = a \cdot b^{-1} \) → \( 11b = a \) (1)
  2. From point (1, 0.44): \( 0.44 = a \cdot b^1 \) → \( a \cdot b = 0.44 \) (2)

From equations (1) and (2), we can substitute \( a = 11b \) into (2): \( 11b \cdot b = 0.44 \) → \( 11b^2 = 0.44 \) → \( b^2 = \frac{0.44}{11} = 0.04 \) → \( b = \sqrt{0.04} = 0.2 \)

Substituting \( b = 0.2 \) back into (1): \( a = 11(0.2) = 2.2 \)

Thus, the equation is: \[ y = 2.2 \cdot (0.2)^x \]

C. Real-World Situation

A possible scenario could be that this graph models the decrease in the number of certain species in an isolated environment due to competition over time. At \( x = -1 \) (representing a time before observation), there were 11 species observed initially.

D. Explanation of Variables

  • \( x \): Time (in years)
  • \( y \): Number of species present
  • \( a \): Initial number of species present (2.2 species would not be practically meaningful but is the modeled value)
  • \( b \): Growth/decay rate (0.2, indicating a decrease in number)

E. Evaluation

Evaluate for \( x = 3\): \[ y = 2.2 \cdot (0.2)^3 = 2.2 \cdot 0.008 = 0.0176 \]

This indicates that after 3 years, the projected number of species might be approximately 0.0176, signifying almost extinction.


Graph 2: Points (-1, 2.5) and (2, 1.258)

A. Input-Output Table

| x | y | |----|---------| | -1 | 2.5 | | 0 | 2.0 | | 1 | 1.6 | | 2 | 1.258 |

B. Exponential Equation

Using the exponential form again, \( y = a \cdot b^x \):

  1. From point (-1, 2.5): \( 2.5 = a \cdot b^{-1} \) → \( 2.5b = a \) (1)
  2. From point (0, 2.0): \( 2.0 = a \cdot b^0 \) → \( a = 2.0 \) (2)

Substituting (2) into (1):

  1. \( 2.5b = 2.0 \) → \( b = \frac{2.0}{2.5} = 0.8 \)

Thus, the equation is: \[ y = 2.0 \cdot (0.8)^x \]

C. Real-World Situation

This graph could represent the rate of depreciation of a car value over time. At \( x = -1 \) (after purchase), the car was initially valued at 2.5 times a particular base value.

D. Explanation of Variables

  • \( x \): Time in years after purchase
  • \( y \): Value of the car
  • \( a \): Initial value of the car (2.0, could represent a value like $20,000)
  • \( b \): Decay rate (0.8, meaning the car retains 80% of its value each year)

E. Evaluation

Evaluate for \( x = 3\): \[ y = 2.0 \cdot (0.8)^3 = 2.0 \cdot 0.512 = 1.024 \]

This indicates that after 3 years, the projected value of the car could be approximately 1.024 times the base value.


F. Unique Exponential Decay Situation

Let's create an example modeling the decay of a radioactive substance.

Scenario:

A radioactive element has an initial quantity of 100 grams, and it decays at a rate of 0.5 each year.

Equation:

\[ y = 100 \cdot (0.5)^x \]

Input-Output Table

| x | y | |----|---------| | 0 | 100 | | 1 | 50 | | 2 | 25 | | 3 | 12.5 |

Graph:

This would be a typical exponential decay curve beginning at 100 and halving each year.

Explanation of Variables:

  • \( x \): Time in years
  • \( y \): Quantity of the substance remaining
  • \( a \): Initial quantity (100 grams)
  • \( b \): Decay rate (0.5, representing a decay to half the quantity each year)

By evaluating, for example, when \( x = 4 \): \[ y = 100 \cdot (0.5)^4 = 100 \cdot 0.0625 = 6.25 \] This implies 6.25 grams of the original substance remains after 4 years.