Final answer:
The specific exponential function that passes through the points (2, 36) and (5, 972) is y = 12(3^x).
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific exponential function that passes through the points (2, 36) and (5, 972) can be determined using the general form of an exponential function: y = ab^x. To find the values of a and b, we can use the given points.
Using the point (2, 36), we have 36 = ab^2. Using the point (5, 972), we have 972 = ab^5. Now we can solve these two equations simultaneously to find the values of a and b.
By substituting the value of a in the second equation from the first equation, we get b^3 = 27. Taking the cube root on both sides, we find that b = 3. Substituting this value into the first equation, we have 36 = 3a. Solving for a, we get a = 12. Therefore, the specific exponential function that passes through the given points is y = 12(3^x).