Choice A is the correct answer. Use the two points to find $a$ and $b$.

1. Find $a$: At $(0, 8)$, $y = a(b)^0 = a$, so $a = 8$.
2. Find $b$: At $(1, 24)$, $y = 8(b)^1 = 8b$, so $8b = 24$, giving $b = 3$.
3. Equation: $y = 8(3)^x$.

💡 Strategic Tip: The point $(1, y)$ directly gives you $a \times b$, making it easy to solve for $b$.

Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the initial value and the point at $x=1$. Choice C is incorrect because this is a linear function. Choice D is incorrect because it swaps $a$ and $b$.