exponential functions

equation
f (x) = b
x
where the base b is a positive constant

their function > inverse functions are the logarithmic functions

reminders

−n
1
b =
bn

p
q q
x p p
b = b q
= √ b = (√ b)

domain
(−∞, ∞)

range
(0, ∞)

characteristics
bigger b → faster growth
if 0 < b < 1 → function decreases
b > 1 → function increases
b = 1 → constant
(
1

b
)
x
= b
−x
is the reflection of the graph b about the y−axis
x

laws of exponents
1. b x+y x
= b b
y

2. b
x
x−y b
=
by

3. (b x
)
y
= b
xy

4. (ab) x
= a b
x x

natural exponential function

x
f (x) = e

e ≈ 2.71828

the slope of the tangent line to f (x) = e at x = 0 is exactly 1 x

exercises
source: Stewart, J., & Day, T. (2015). Biocalculus: Calculus, Probability, and Statistics for the Life Sciences. Cengage Learning.