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Advanced MathHardComparing growth over equal intervals

Advanced Math practice question

The function g is defined by g(x) = 2ˣ. Which statement compares the increase in g from x = 1 to x = 3 with the increase from x = 3 to x = 5?

  1. A. The second increase is 4 times the first.Correct
  2. B. The two increases are equal.
  3. C. The second increase is 2 times the first.
  4. D. The second increase is 8 times the first.

Answer: A. The second increase is 4 times the first.

g(3) − g(1) = 8 − 2 = 6; g(5) − g(3) = 32 − 8 = 24; 24/6 = 4. (Every 2 units of x multiplies g by 4.)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The two increases are equal.
Equal increases would be linear growth; 2ˣ is exponential.
C. The second increase is 2 times the first.
Two units of x multiply by 2² = 4, not 2.
D. The second increase is 8 times the first.
8 would be the factor for three units of x.

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