4

EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS,
EQUATIONS AND
INEQUALITIES
for General Mathematics
Senior High School (CORE)
Quarter 1 / Week 5
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
K: represent real-life situations using exponential functions,
distinguish between exponential functions, exponential equations
and inequalities;
S: solve exponential equations an inequalities;
A: value the importance of the concept of exponential functions in
real-life situations.

LESSON 1 REPRESENTING REAL-LIFE

SITUATIONS USING EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

I. WHAT HAPPENED
PRE-TEST
Try this activity. Write your answer in your notebook.
You will need the following materials: One 2-meter string and a pair of scissors.
Follow the following steps:
a. Prepare 1 string.
b. Fold the string into two equal parts and then cut at the middle. How many strings of equal
length do you have? Enter your answer in the table.
c. Fold again each of the string equally and then cut.
How many strings of equal length do you have? Enter your answer in the table below.
d. Continue the process until the table is completely filled-up.

Step 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of Strings 1

Questions:
1. What pattern can be observed from the data?
2. Define a formula for the number of strings as a function of the step number.
II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DISCUSSION

Definition 1
An exponential function with base b is a function of the form f(x) = 𝑏 𝑥 or y = 𝑏 𝑥
where b > 0, b≠ 1.

Definition 2
Let b be a positive number not equal to 1. A transformation of an exponential function
with base b is a function of the form g(x) = 𝑎. 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 + d where a,c, and d are real numbers.

Many applications involve transformations of exponential functions. Some of the

most common applications. In real-life of exponential functions and their transformation
are population growth, exponential decay, and compound interest.

a. Population Growth

On several instances, scientists will start with a certain number of bacteria or

animals and watch how the population grows. For example, if the population doubles every
3 days, this can be represented as an exponential function.

Exponential Models and Population Growth.

Suppose a quantity y doubles every T units of time. If 𝑦0 is the initial
amount, then the quantity y after t units of time is given by y = 𝑦0 (2)𝑡/𝑇 .

Example 1.
Let t = time in days. At t = 0, there were initially 20 bacteria. Suppose that the bacteria
doubles every 100 hours. Give an exponential model for the bacteria as a function of t.
Initially, at t = 0 Number of bacteria = 20
at t = 100 Number of bacteria = 20(2)
at t = 200 Number of bacteria = 20(2)2
at t = 300 Number of bacteria = 20(2)3
at t = 400 Number of bacteria = 20(2)4
Solution:
An exponential model for this situation is y = 20(2)𝑡/100.

b. Exponential Decay
Exponential functions can used to model radioactive decay.

Definition.
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the
substance to decay.

Example 2.
Suppose that the half-life of a certain radioactive substance is 10 days and there are 10g
initially, determine the amount of substance remaining after 30 days.

Solution: Let t = time in days. We use the fact that the mass is halved every 10 days (from
the definition of half-life). Thus, we have,
Initially, at t = 0 Amount of Substance = 10g
at t = 10 days Amount of Substance = 5g
at t = 20 days Amount of Substance = 2.5g
at t = 30 days Amount of Substance = 1.25g

𝒕
1 .
𝟏𝟎
An exponential model for this situation is y = 10 ( ) .
2
c. Compound Interest
A starting amount of money (called the principal) can be invested at a certain
interest rate that is earned at the end of a given period of time (such as one year). If the
interest rate is compounded, the interest earned at the end of the period is added to the
principal, and this new amount will earn interest in the next period. The same process is
repeated for each succeeding period: interest previously earned will also earn interest in
the next period.
Compound Interest.
If a principal P is invested at an annual rate of r, compounded annually, then the amount
after t years is given by A = P(1 + 𝑟)𝑡 .

Example 3.
Mrs. De La Cruz invested Php100,000. In a company that offers 6% interest
compounded annually. How much will investment be worth at the end of each year for the
next five years?

Solution. Let t be the time in years. Then we have:

Initially, at t = 0 Investment = Php100,000
at t = 1 Investment = Php100,000(1.06) = Php106,000
at t = 2 Investment = Php106,000(1.06) = Php112,360
at t = 3 Investment = Php112,360(1.06) ≈ Php119,101.60
at t = 4 Investment= Php119,101.60(1.06) ≈ Php126,247.70
at t = 5 Investment = Php26,247.70(1.06) ≈ Php133,822.56
An exponential model for this situation is y = 100,000(1.06)𝑡

Example 4.
 Referring to Example 3, is it possible for Mrs. De La Cruz to double her money in 8 years?
In 10 years?

Solution. Using the model y = 100000(1.06)𝑡 , substitute t = 8 and t = 10:

If t = 8, then y = Php100,000(1.06)8 ≈ Php159,384.81. If t = 10,

then y = Php100,000(1.06)10 ≈ Php179,084.77. Since her money still has not
reached Php200,000 after 10 years, then she has not doubled her money during this time.

III. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

From the lesson we were able to tackle exponential functions and their
transformations, exponential growth and decay and as well the application of
compound interest in real-life situations. We learned that through following the
different steps from the given situations, we were able to solve the problems
accurately. Thus, exponential functions are used to model real world situations.

POST TEST

Read each situation below then answer the questions that follow. Write your answer in your
notebook.

1. A population starts with 1,000 individuals and triples every 80 years.

(a) Give an exponential model for the situation.
(b) What is the size of the population after 100 years?

2. Php 10,000 is invested at 2% compounded annually.

(a) Give an exponential model for the situation.
(b) What is the amount after 12 years?
 LESSON 2 DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN
EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION, EQUATION,
AND INEQUALITY

I. WHAT HAPPENED

PRE-TEST
Allow me to ask your ideas about how the expressions in a, b, and c are similar, and how
they are different.
(a) 4𝑥−1 = 16x (b) y = 2𝑥 (c) 2𝑥 ≥ 26

II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DISCUSSION
The definitions and examples of exponential functions, equations, and inequalities are
shown below.
Exponential Function Exponential Equation Exponential Inequality
Function of the form An equation involving An inequality involving
𝑓 𝑥 ) = 𝑏 𝑥 , where b> 0,
( exponential expression exponential expressions
Definition
b≠ 1.

𝑓 (𝑥 ) = (1.8)𝑥 or 𝑦 = 72𝑥−𝑥^2 =
1
52𝑥 - 5𝑥+1 ≤ 0
Example 343
(1.8)𝑥

(Crisologo, L., et al. 2013)

EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Illustration
Let’s examine exponential functions. They are different than any of the other types of
functions we’ve studied because the independent variable is in the exponent.

x 𝟐𝒙 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 . In 2𝑥 , 2 is the base and x is the independent

3 8 variable or exponent.
2 4 Recall what a negative exponent means:
1 3 1
𝑓 (−1) = 2−1 = 2
0 1
-1 ½
-2 ¼
-3 1/8

EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS
If 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑎𝑦 , then x = y. This says that if we have exponential functions in equations and we can
write both sides of the equation using the same base, we know the exponents are equal.
Illustration
23𝑥−4 = 8 The left hand side is 2 to the something. Can we re-write the right hand
side as 2 to the something?
Now we use the property above. The bases are both 2 so the exponents
𝟐3𝑥−4 = 𝟐3
must be equal.

We did not cancel the 2’s. We just used the property and equated the
3x – 4 = 3
exponents.

EXPONENTIAL INEQUALITY
Illustration (Property of Inequality for Exponential Functions)
▪ Symbols if b > 1, then 𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if x > 𝑦, and 𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if x < 𝑦.
▪ Example if 5𝑥 < 54 , then x < 4.
▪ This property also holds for ≤ 𝑜𝑟 ≥.
(Garcia, \j.n.d.)
III. WHAT HAV I LEARNED
An exponential equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the
equation or inequality. An exponential function is not “solved’ rather, it expresses a
relationship between two variables (such as x and y), and can be represented by a table of
values or a graph.
POST-TEST

Determine whether the given expression is an exponential function, an exponential

equation, an exponential inequality or none of these.

a. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 3

b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 23

c. 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥

d. 22 (5𝑥+1 ) = 500

e. 625 ≥ 5 𝑥+8
LESSON 3 SOLVING EXPONENTIAL EQUATIONS
AND INEQUALITIES

I. WHAT HAPPENED

Quick Recall:
Recall that for any positive numbers, a and b, the following rules hold for all real numbers x
and y.

a. Product rules:
𝑎𝑥 . 𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥+𝑦
𝑎𝑥 . 𝑏 𝑥 = (𝑎𝑏)𝑥
b. Quotient rules:
𝑎𝑥 𝑎 𝑎𝑥
= 𝑎𝑥−𝑦 ; ( )𝑥 =
𝑎𝑦 𝑏 𝑏𝑥
𝑥 𝑦 𝑥𝑦
c. Power rule: (𝑎 ) =𝑎
d. Zero rule : 𝑎0 = 1
1
e. Negative exponent rule: 𝑎−𝑥 =
𝑎𝑥
The property of equality for exponential equations is also used when solving exponential
equations.

PRE-TEST
Which of the following are exponential equations? Exponential inequalities? Neither?
a. 49 = 7𝑥+1
b. 7 = 2x + 3
c. 3𝑥 = 32𝑥−1
d. 5𝑥−1 = 125
e. 8𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 9

II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DEFINITION
Exponential Equations are equations in which variables occur as exponents. For example,
exponential equations are in the form 𝑎𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑦

Exponential Inequalities are inequalities in which one (or both) sides involve a variable
exponent. They are useful in situations involving repeated multiplication especially when
being compared to a constant value, such as in the case of interest.
 Properties of Exponential Equations
For positive real numbers a and b, a ≠1 , b≠1 and real numbers x and y.

• 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑦 if and only if x = y.

For x ≠0, 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 if and only if a=b.

Properties of Exponential Inequalities

• If b  1 , then the exponential function y = b x is increasing for all x. This means that
b x  b y if and only if x  y .

• If 0  b  1 , then the exponential function y = b x is decreasing for all x. This means that
b x  b y if and only if x  y .

DISCUSSION
Solving Exponential Equations

The property of equality for exponential equations is also used when solving exponential
equations. Study the examples below and consider how the laws of exponents are applied.

Example 1. Solve 42𝑥 = 8.

Solution: To solve the given equation, express both sides of the equation in
exponential form using the same base. Then, solve for x using the properties
stated above. Thus, we have:
22(2𝑥) = 23
24𝑥 = 23 (power rule)
4𝑥 = 3 (dividing both sides by 4)
3
𝑥 =
4
1 2𝑥−2
Example 2. Solve ( 125) . 625𝑥 = 125
Solution:
1
(52 )2𝑥−2 ∙ 54𝑥 = 53 (expressing each term as an exponential expression)
(5−3 )2𝑥−2 ∙ 54𝑥 = 53 (Negative exponent rule)
5−6𝑥+6 ∙ 54𝑥 = 53 (Power rule)
5−6𝑥+6+4𝑥 = 53 (Product rule)
-2x +6 = 3
-2x = -3 (subtracting 6 from both sides)
3
x = 2 (dividing both sides by -2)
Some exponential equations can be solved by using the fact that exponential functions are
one-to-one.

One-to-one Property of Exponential Functions.

 If x1 ≠ x2, then bx1 ≠ bx2. Conversely, if bx1 = bx2 then x1 = x2.

Example 3. Solve the equation.

Solution: We write both sides with 4 as the base.

Alternate solution.

The solution x=3 can be verified by substituting it back to the original equation 43−1 = 42 = 16.
This example shows that there may be more than one way to solve an exponential equation. The
important thing is to write both sides
using the same base.
Example 4. Solve the equation 125𝑥−1 = 25𝑥+3 .
Solution: both 125 and 25 can be written using 5 as the base.
 2
Example 5. Solve the equation 9 𝑥 = 3 𝑥+3 .
Both 9 and 3 can be written using 3 as base.

Solving Exponential Inequalities

Solving an exponential inequality is much like solving linear inequality, only that the former
applies the property of equality for exponential equations.
Consider the following examples below.

Example 6. Solve the inequality 3x  9x−2 .

Solution: Both 9 and 3 can be written using 3 as the base.
3x  9x−2
3x  (32 ) x− 2
3x  32( x−2)
3x  32 x−4
Since the base 3 >1, then the inequality is equivalent to
x  2x − 4 (the direction of the inequality is retained)
x − 2 x  −4
− x  −4
x4
Thus, the solution set is(4, ∞). You can verify that x =5 and 6 are solutions, but x = 4 and 3 are
not.)
x +5 3x
1  1 
Example 7. Solve the inequality     .
 10   100 
1 1
Solution. Since 100 = (10)2, then write both sides of the inequality
 1
with 10 as the base.
1 1
(10)𝑥+5 ≥ (100)3𝑥
1 1
(10)𝑥+5 ≥ (102 )3𝑥
1 1 1
(10)𝑥+5 ≥ (10 )6𝑥 Since the base 10 < 1, then this inequality is equivalent
to x +5 ≤ 6𝑥 (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑑 )
5 ≤ 6𝑥 − 𝑥
5 ≤ 5𝑥
1 ≤ 𝑥. The solution set is {x ∈ ℝ | x ≥ 1}.

Think About This!

In solving exponential equations, it is important to verify if the value you have solved is the
solution by substituting it into the given equation. For exponential inequalities, assign
values of the variable that satisfy the resulting inequality to verify if such resulting
inequality defines the solution set of the given exponential inequality.

IV. WHAT HAVE I LEARNED

POST TEST
Solve for x in the following equations or inequalities. Write your answer in your
notebook.

a. 3𝑥 = 81

b. 57−𝑋 = 125
4 36
c. (6) 𝑋 ≥ 16
d. 5𝑥 > 25𝑥+1
e. 162𝑥−3 =
4𝑥+2