What does b indicate for y=(A^x)^b

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the variable b in the expression y=(A^x)^b, exploring its implications in the context of exponential functions and decay models. Participants also connect this to an assignment involving temperature decay over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that b indicates a rate of change or growth in the context of the function y=(A^x)^b.
  • One participant reformulates the expression to show that b is part of the exponential rate of growth or decay, alongside ln(A).
  • Another participant questions the meaning of b in the specific case of y=e^(bx), emphasizing that it is a coefficient multiplying x and relates to the rate of growth or decay.
  • A participant mentions an assignment involving the equation T=A*e^(-kt) and seeks to understand the relationship between b and k to explain k's value as a percentage.
  • There is a suggestion that changing k affects the curve, prompting further inquiry into the implications of this change.
  • One participant draws an analogy between the percentage decrease in temperature and radioactive decay, suggesting a method to determine the percentage decrease per unit time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of what b signifies, with some agreeing on its connection to rates of growth or decay, while others focus on its role as a coefficient. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise implications of b and its relationship to k in the context of the assignment.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the relationships between variables and the definitions of terms like "rate of growth" and "decay." The connection between b and k is not fully clarified, and the mathematical steps involved in the assignment question are not resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on assignments related to exponential functions, growth and decay models, and those interested in the mathematical implications of coefficients in exponential equations.

brandy
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^^^
what does b indicate for y=(A^x)^b
i was thinking it should be the rate of rate of change or something, idk.
 
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[itex]y=(A^x)^b=(e^{\ln A \cdot x})^b=e^{b \ln A \cdot x}[/itex]

So b is a part of (along with lnA) of the exponential rate of growth (or decay).

--Elucidus
 
so wat does b indicate for y=e^(bx)
 
brandy said:
so wat does b indicate for y=e^(bx)
What do you mean by "what does b indicate? It is a number multiplying x! It is true that, for that particular function, y'= be^(bx) so y'= by. In this particular example b is again what Euclideus said: "the exponential rate of growth (or decay)". (He said that it was part of that along with ln A in e^(b ln(A) x) so you have just replaced his "b ln(A)" with b.
 
its an assignment question.
you have T=A*e^(-kt)
T=temperature
t=time
and the question asks, write down the value of k as a percentage and explain what this value indicates.
i thought if i figured out what b in y=(a^x)^b was i could explain what k is.
hence why i put it here and not in the homework section.

i have been trying to figure this out and i have some complicated excel tables going and stuff. but i still couldn't get it.
 
If you change k how does this affect the curve?
 
you are probably required to find out the percentage decrease of temperature per unit time. this is analogus to the radioactive decay where we say "half life" which is technically the time taken for 50% decay. so in that case the percentage decrease per unit time wud be = 50/(half life).

it means that in next 1 second that percent of matrial wud decay.

i think you should now try to figure out yourself what to do next. more explanation would be spoon feeding
 

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