The image shows three graphs labeled \(u\), \(v\), and \(w\) and the marked points \(P(4, 3)\), \(Q(4, 4)\), and \(R(2, 1)\).
(A) \(f(x)=1.5x^{0.5}\)
(B) \(g(x)=0.5x^{1.5}\)
(C) \(h(x)=2x^{-1}\)
a) Match each function to graph \(u\), \(v\), or \(w\).
b) Justify the matches in two ways: first by testing the marked points, and then by describing each graph's behavior for \(x>0\).

Hints
- Test the x-coordinates of the marked points in the three functions.
- A point lies on a graph when its coordinates satisfy the function rule.
- Identify which graph decreases for positive \(x\).
- Compare how graphs with exponents below and above \(1\) change in steepness.
Solution
1. For function A, \(f(4)=1.5\cdot4^{0.5}=1.5\cdot2=3\), so \(P(4, 3)\) lies on its graph. Function A matches graph \(u\).
2. For function B, \(g(4)=0.5\cdot4^{1.5}=0.5\cdot8=4\), so \(Q(4, 4)\) lies on its graph. Function B matches graph \(v\).
3. For function C, \(h(2)=2\cdot2^{-1}=1\), so \(R(2, 1)\) lies on its graph. Function C matches graph \(w\).
4. Graph \(w\) decreases, approaches positive infinity as \(x\to0^+\), and approaches \(0\) as \(x\to\infty\), which matches a negative exponent.
5. Graph \(u\) increases while becoming less steep, which matches an exponent between \(0\) and \(1\). Graph \(v\) increases while becoming steeper, which matches an exponent greater than \(1\).
Answer
a) Function A matches graph \(u\), function B matches graph \(v\), and function C matches graph \(w\).
b) The marked-point checks are \(f(4)=3\), \(g(4)=4\), and \(h(2)=1\). Graph \(w\) has reciprocal behavior, graph \(u\) increases while flattening, and graph \(v\) increases while becoming steeper.