In an exponential function

Question

, what does the value of
represent?

initial value

independent variable

decay factor

growth factor

Answer 1

In an exponential function of the form \( f(x) = a \cdot b^x \), where:

• \( a \) is the initial value,
• \( b \) is the base (which represents the growth factor if \( b > 1 \) or the decay factor if \( 0 < b < 1 \)),
• \( x \) is the independent variable.

If you're referring specifically to the base \( b \):

• If \( b > 1 \), it represents the growth factor.
• If \( 0 < b < 1 \), it represents the decay factor.

So, to answer your question accurately, if the value in question is the base \( b \), it represents the growth factor if \( b > 1 \) or the decay factor if \( 0 < b < 1 \). If you meant the value represented by \( a \), that would be the initial value.