Question

For a few months, the function f(x) = 15(3)^x represented the number of bees in a new hive x months from the time it was started. How did the number of bees change each month?

A. The number increased by 15 each month.
B. The number increased by 3 each month.
C. The number tripled each month.
D. The number increased by a factor of 15 each month.

Answer 1

I had the same problem. It's C.

Answer 2

Answer: C. The number tripled each month.

Explanation:

The general form of exponential function over time 'x' is given by :-

`f(x)=A(b)^x`, where A is the initial value and b is the multiplicative rate of change.

The given exponential function :
`f(x)=15(3)^x`

After comparing to the general form of exponential function , we have

The multiplicative rate of change of function : 3 [whole number]

It implies the number of bees tripled each month.