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Advanced Math / Nonlinear functions Difficulty: Hard

The functions f and g are defined by the given equations, where x0. Which of the following equations displays, as a constant or coefficient, the maximum value of the function it defines, where x0?

  1. fx=18(1.25)x+41
  2. gx=90.73x
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Explanation

Choice B is correct. For the function f , since the base of the exponent, 1.25 , is greater than 1 , the value of 1.25x increases as x increases. Therefore, the value of 181.25x and the value of 181.25x+41 also increase as x increases. Since f is therefore an increasing function where x0, the function f has no maximum value. For the function g , since the base of the exponent, 0.73 , is less than 1 , the value of 0.73x decreases as x increases. Therefore, the value of 90.73x also decreases as x increases. It follows that the maximum value of gx for x0 occurs when x = 0 . Substituting 0 for x in the function g yields g0=90.730, which is equivalent to g0=91, or g0=9. Therefore, the maximum value of gx for x0 is 9 , which appears as a coefficient in equation II. So, of the two equations given, only II displays, as a constant or coefficient, the maximum value of the function it defines, where x0.

Choice A is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.