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Why is f(x) = 2 raised to the power x not a power function?
AIts base is negative and cannot be used
BIts power is fixed but the base varies
CIts base is fixed and its power varies
DIts coefficient is 2 rather than 1
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Its base is fixed and its power varies
1. A power function has a variable base raised to a fixed power, such as x cubed.
2. In 2 raised to the power x the base 2 is fixed and the exponent x varies.
3. That is the reverse arrangement, so it is an exponential function rather than a power function.
_Source: OpenStax Precalculus (CC BY 4.0), section 3.3 Power Functions and Polynomial Functions_