Final answer:
The function y = 3 x 2^x showcases exponential growth that doubles with each increase in x, meaning the growth rate is not correctly described by the options provided; it will increase by factors of 2 raised to the power of x, further scaled by the linear factor of 3x.
Step-by-step explanation:
The growth rate of the function y = 3 x 2^x refers to how quickly the value of the function increases as x increases. This function represents exponential growth, characterized by the term 2^x, indicating that the growth will double with each increase in x. The coefficient 3x indicates a linear growth factor multiplied by the exponential factor.
The options provided (3, 1, 2, 6) do not accurately describe the growth rate of this function because the growth rate of an exponential function increases as the power of its base; hence, it's not constant like a linear function.
In the context of exponential growth, the function increases by factors of 2 (2, 4, 8, 16, ...), multiplied with the 3x part, further accelerating the growth rate.