Expert: Paul Klarreich - 5/10/2008

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.