I don't understand exponential functions too well, so if you know the answer, please also show me the process I would use to come up with it.
I'm trying to figure out how to make an exponential function that doubles every five whole integers. That would mean that:
|input|output|
|:---:|:----:|
|f(1) |1 |
|f(6) |2 |
|f(11)|4 |
|f(16)|8 |
et cetera.
I know some people have suggested using a best-fit application, but I don't think those things are too accurate. Is there a tried and true process to creating a function that matches these outputs?
Best Answer
You want an exponential function. This means it is of the form $$ f(n)=a\cdot b^n $$ for some numbers $a,b$. You also want $f(1)=1,f(6)=2$. That's enough to solve your problem: $$ \cases{a\cdot b^1=1\\ a\cdot b^6=2} $$ Dividing equation two by equation one, we get $b^5=2$. This is exactly the equation fifth roots are made to solve: $b=\sqrt[5]2$. Inserting this into equation one, we get $a=\frac{1}{\sqrt[5]{2}}$. Thus our function must be $$ f(n)=\frac{\sqrt[5]2^n}{\sqrt[5]2} $$