	AllExperts > Experts
	Search

About Paul Klarreich
Expertise
I can answer questions in basic to advanced algebra (theory of equations, complex numbers), precalculus (functions, graphs, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and identities), basic probability, and finite mathematics, including mathematical induction. I can also try (but not guarantee) to answer questions on Abstract Algebra -- groups, rings, etc. and Analysis -- sequences, limits, continuity. I won't understand specialized engineering or business jargon.

Experience
I taught at a two-year college for 25 years, including all subjects from algebra to third-semester calculus.

You are here: Experts > Science > Mathematics > Advanced Math > Functional notation

Topic: Advanced Math

Expert: Paul Klarreich
Date: 5/10/2008
Subject: Functional notation

Question
Please assist me with this problem."Evaluate the functions for the values of x given as 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16. Describe the differences in the rate at which each function changes with increasing values of x".
1.   f(x) = 3x + 2
2.   f(x) = x2 + 5x + 6
3.   f(x) = x3 + 3x2 + 2x + 1
4.   f(x) = ex
5.   f(x) = log x

Answer
Questioner:   TC
Category: Advanced Math
Private: No

Subject: Algebra
Question: Please assist me with this problem."Evaluate the functions for the values of x given as 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16. Describe the differences in the rate at which each function changes with increasing values of x".
1. f(x) = 3x + 2
2. f(x) = x2 + 5x + 6
3. f(x) = x3 + 3x2 + 2x + 1
4. f(x) = ex
5. f(x) = log x
..................................
Hi, TC,

Here is what you will do:

1. Open your Excel spreadsheet. Organize a table like this:

A.Value of x    B.Value of f(x)    C.Differences
-------------------------------------------
1               =3*A1 + 2           <blank>
2               etc                 =B2 - B1
4                                   etc
8
16

2-5. Same stuff, but different formulas in column B.

Note: for 2,3,4, you write powers like this: x^2, e^x, etc.

Now you should be able to draw conclusions. Let me know what you came up with and we can go on from there.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question

About Us | Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright © 2008 About, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About, Inc. All rights reserved.