Exponential Growth

& Decay

The Exponential Function

The exponential function with base a is denoted
by f(x) = ax , where a > 0, a 1 and x represents
any real number.
Note: a is a positive constant and the variable x appears
in the exponent, which is why the function is given the name
exponential function.

Exponential Function

f(x) = bx where the

base b is a positive
number other than
one.
Observe : f(x) = 2x
Note the end
behavior
x f(x)
x- f(x)0
y=0 is an
asymptote

Asymptote

A horizontal line that a graph approaches as you move

away from the origin but never touches.
The graph gets closer
and closer to the line
y = 0 .
But NEVER reaches it

y=0

 Remember:

These are true of y = abx

If a>0 & b>1
The

function is an
Exponential Growth Function

Example 1
On your paper
Graph y = 3x
State the Domain
and Range!
1st

Plot ordered
pairs (0, ) and (1,
3/2)
Then,

from left to right, draw a

curve that begins just above the
x-axis, passes thru the 2 points,
and moves up to the right

D= (-, +)
R= (0, +)

y=0
Always mark asymptote!!

10

Ex. 2

y 3

Observe and State the

Domain and Range

2
(-1, 5)

5
(0, 3)

y=2

0
Domain: All real numbers
Range: { y | y >2 } or
Horizontal Asymptote: y = 2

Domain: All real numbers

Range: { y | y >2 } or
Horizontal Asymptote: y = 2

Asymptote:

a line that a graph approaches

more and more closely.
Exponential functions have a
horizontal asymptote at y=k when
your function is in the form
.

Recognizing growth and decay functions

IN y =a* bx

RULE..
If b>1 it is a growth function.
If 0<b<1 it is a decay function.

Ex. 3 Graph:

y = 3(1/4)x
Plot (0,3) and
(1,3/4)
Draw & label
asymptote
Connect the dots
using the
asymptote y=0
State the Domain
and Range

y=0

Domain = all reals

Range = reals>0

Example 4

State the Domain and Range

Domain = {all real numbers}

Range = {yy > 0}

Ex. 5
You try! Graph y = -5(2/3)x
Plot

(0,-5) and (1,-

10/3)
Draw & label
asymptote
State the Domain
and Range
Connect the dots
using the asymptote

y=0

Domain : all reals

Range : y < 0

Lets try a few! Growth or Decay

Ex.1
f(x) = 5(2/3)x
Decay because b=2/3, 0<b<1
Ex. 2
f(x) = 8(3/2)x
b= 3/2, and because b>1 it is a growth function.
Ex. 3
f(x) = 10(3)-x
rewrite as f(x)=10(1/3)x so it is decay

Exponential Decay
Has the same form as growth
functions f(x) = abx
Where a > 0
BUT:
0 < b < 1 (a fraction between 0 & 1)

CW Guided Practice Handout 3 graphs on

the back of Mondays HW.