SOLUTION: Please help me write an exponential function whose graph passes through the points (0,-5) and (-2,-20). Then determine whether the function represents exponential growth or decay.

Algebra ->  Exponential-and-logarithmic-functions -> SOLUTION: Please help me write an exponential function whose graph passes through the points (0,-5) and (-2,-20). Then determine whether the function represents exponential growth or decay.      Log On


   

Question 189535This question is from textbook algebra 2
: Please help me write an exponential function whose graph passes through the points (0,-5) and (-2,-20). Then determine whether the function represents exponential growth or decay. This question is from textbook algebra 2

Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a general form would be ___ y = m * n^x

for the first point ___ -5 = m * n^0 ___ -5 = m * 1 ___ -5 = m

for the second point ___ -20 = -5 * n^-2 ___ 4 = n^-2 ___ 1/4 = n^2 ___ 1/2 = n

so the function is ___ y = -5 * (1/2)^x

since the base for the exponent is fractional (<1), the function represents exponential decay