1. The problem asks to determine if the function $f(x) = 5(4)^x$ represents exponential growth or decay and to find the y-intercept. 2. The general form of an exponential function is $f(x) = a b^x$ where $a$ is the initial value and $b$ is the base. 3. If $b > 1$, the function represents exponential growth. If $0 < b < 1$, it represents exponential decay. 4. Here, $b = 4$, which is greater than 1, so the function represents exponential growth. 5. The y-intercept occurs when $x = 0$. Substitute $x=0$ into the function: $$f(0) = 5(4)^0 = 5 \times 1 = 5$$ 6. Therefore, the y-intercept is 5. Final answers: - The function represents exponential growth. - The y-intercept is 5.