Answer:
Explanation:
An exponential function can be written in the form y = ab^x, where a is the initial value and b is the base. To find the specific exponential function that passes through the points (1, 12) and (5, 972), we need to solve for a and b.
Using the point (1, 12), we get:
12 = ab^1
12 = ab
Using the point (5, 972), we get:
972 = ab^5
We can use the equation ab from the first point to solve for a in terms of b:
a = 12/b
Substituting this expression for a into the second equation, we get:
972 = (12/b)b^5
Simplifying this equation, we get:
972 = 12b^4
Dividing both sides by 12, we get:
81 = b^4
Taking the fourth root of both sides, we get:
b = 3
Substituting this value of b into the equation a = 12/b, we get:
a = 4
Therefore, the exponential function that passes through the points (1, 12) and (5, 972) is:
y = 4(3^x)