Identify the family of curves represented by the equation y = e^(kx), where k is

Identify the family of curves represented by the equation y = e^(kx), where k is a constant.

Identify the family of curves represented by the equation y = e^(kx), where k is a constant.

Correct Answer: Exponential functions

Step 1: Understand the equation y = e^(kx). This means y is equal to the exponential function e raised to the power of k times x.
Step 2: Recognize that 'k' is a constant. This means it can be any fixed number, like 1, 2, -1, etc.
Step 3: Realize that changing the value of 'k' will change the shape of the curve. For example, if k is positive, the curve will grow upwards; if k is negative, the curve will decrease.
Step 4: Note that all curves represented by this equation are exponential functions, which means they grow or decay at a rate proportional to their current value.
Step 5: Conclude that the family of curves is defined by the different values of 'k', leading to different exponential growth or decay rates.

Exponential Functions – The equation y = e^(kx) represents exponential functions, where the base e is raised to a power that is a linear function of x.
Parameter Variation – The constant k affects the growth rate of the exponential function, leading to different curves for different values of k.