Part A:
Explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y=4^-x and y= 8^-x-1 intersect are the solutions of the equation 4^-x = 8^-x-1.
Part B:
Make tables to find the solution to 4^-x= 8^-x-1. Take the integer values of x between -3 and 3.
Part C:
How can you solve the equation 4^-x = 8^-x-1 graphically?
Part A. The graphs intersect at a point (x,y) which means that this point lies on both graphs. We already know how y is related to x for each graph. The left hand side of the equation is the y value for one graph and the right hand side the y value for the other. So the equation actually says y=y, the y value for both being the same at the point of intersection. Solving the equation for x will supply the common x coord. Part B. TABLE x y₁ y₂ (y values for respective functions) -3 64 64 -2 16 8 -1 4 1 0 1 1/8 1 1/4 1/64 2 1/16 1/512 3 1/64 1/4096 From the table x=-3 is a solution and y=64. Solution is (-3,64). Part C Plot the two graphs using the table as a guide. The graphs should intersect at (-3,64).