Question x-h-x-

2.1 Nonlinear Functions - Exponential growth and decay functions
0:00
x hx
0 1.23
2 1.54
4 1.94

The table shows the exponential relationship between the number of years, x , since Hana started training in pole vault, and the estimated height hx, in meters, of her best pole vault for that year. Which of the following functions best represents this relationship, where xd4?

A.

hx=1.120.23x

B.

hx=1.121.23x

C.

hx=1.230.12x

D.

hx=1.231.12x

x h x 0 1.23 2 1.54 4 1.94 The table shows the exponential relationship between

Hard-difficulty · SAT Math · Nonlinear Functions — Exponential growth and decay functions. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice D is correct. The table shows an increasing exponential relationship between the number of years, x , since Hana started training in pole vault and the estimated height hx, in meters, of her best pole vault for that year. The relationship can be written as hx=Cax, where C and a are positive constants. It's given that when x = 0 , hx=1.23. Substituting 0 for x and 1.23 for hx in hx=Cax yields 1.23=Ca0, or 1.23=C. Substituting 1.23 for C in hx=Cax yields hx=1.23ax. It's also given that when x = 2 , hx=1.54. Substituting 2 for x and 1.54 for hx in hx=1.23ax yields 1.54=1.23a2. Dividing each side of this equation by 1.23 yields 1.541.23=1.23a21.23, or a 2 is approximately equal to 1.252 . Since a is positive, a is approximately equal to 1.252, or 1.12 . Substituting 1.12 for a in hx=1.23ax yields hx=1.231.12x.

Choice A is incorrect. When x = 0 , the value of hx in this function is equal to 1.12 rather than 1.23 , and it is decreasing rather than increasing.

Choice B is incorrect. When x = 0 , the value of hx in this function is equal to 1.12 rather than 1.23 .

Choice C is incorrect. This function is decreasing rather than increasing.