An exponential function g is defined by g(x) = p \cdot q^x, where p and q are positive con… — SAT

An exponential function $g$ is defined by $g(x) = p \cdot q^x$ , where $p$ and $q$ are positive constants. If $g\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) = 6$ and $g\left(\frac{3}{2}\right) = 54$ , what is the value of $g(2)$ ?

Answer: 162

Answer

162

The correct answer is 162. Substituting the coordinates into the function gives the system

p \cdot q^{1/2} = 6

and

p \cdot q^{3/2} = 54

. Dividing the second equation by the first yields

q = 9

. Substituting

q = 9

into the first equation yields

p \cdot 3 = 6

, so

p = 2

. The complete function is

g(x) = 2 \cdot 9^x

, and evaluating

g(2)

gives

2 \cdot 81 = 162

Step-by-Step Solution

Substitute the given values into the function definition to set up a system of equations.

p \cdot q^{1/2} = 6

and

p \cdot q^{3/2} = 54

To represent the given coordinate relationships using the exponential model parameters.

Divide the equation for

g\left(\frac{3}{2}\right)

by the equation for

g\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)

to eliminate

p

and solve for

q

q = 9

Using the exponent quotient rule,

\frac{q^{3/2}}{q^{1/2}} = q^{3/2 - 1/2} = q^1 = q

. Dividing the constants gives

\frac{54}{6} = 9

Substitute

q = 9

back into the first equation and solve for

p

p = 2

Evaluating the fractional exponent gives

9^{1/2} = \sqrt{9} = 3

. Substituting this in yields

3p = 6

, which simplifies to

p = 2

Evaluate the completed exponential function

g(x) = 2 \cdot 9^x

x = 2

162

Calculating

g(2) = 2 \cdot 9^2 = 2 \cdot 81 = 162

solves for the target value.

Key Concept

Solving a system of exponential equations using fractional exponent rules and base evaluation.

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