Exponential Functions and

Their Graphs
The exponential function f with base b is
defined by
f(x) = abx
where b > 0, b  1, and x is any real number.
** when b> 1; b is considered a growth factor.

For instance,
f(x) = 3x and g(x) = 0.5x
are exponential functions.
2
The value of f(x) = 3x when x = 2 is
f(2) = 32 = 9

The value of f(x) = 3x when x = –2 is

1
f(–2) = 3 –2
=
9

The value of g(x) = 0.5x when x = 4 is

g(4) = 0.54 = 0.0625

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The graph of f(x) = abx, b > 1
y

4
Range: (0, )

(0, 1)
x
4
Horizontal Asymptote
y=0
Domain: (–, )

4
 Since a< 1;
The graph of f(x) = abx, 0 < b < 1 a is decay
factor.
y

4
Range: (0, )
Horizontal Asymptote
y=0 (0, 1)

x
4

Domain: (–, )

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Example: Sketch the graph of f(x) = 2x.

x f(x) y

-2 2-2 = 1/4 4
-1 2-1 = 1/2
2
0 20 = 1
1 21 = 2
x
2 22 = 4 –2 2

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Example: Sketch the graph of g(x) = 2x – 1. State the
domain and range.

The graph of this y f(x) = 2x

function is a vertical
translation of the 4
graph of f(x) = 2x
down one unit . 2

Domain: (–, ) x
y = –1
Range: (–1, )

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Example: Sketch the graph of g(x) = 2-x. State the
domain and range.

The graph of this y f(x) = 2x

function is a
reflection the graph 4
of f(x) = 2x in the y-
axis.

Domain: (–, ) x
–2 2
Range: (0, )

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 Example: Sketch the graph of g(x) = 4x-3 + 3.
State the domain and range.

Make a table. y
x y
4
1 3.0625
2 3.25
3 4
x
4 7 –2 2
5 19
Domain: (–, )
Range: (3, ) or y > 3
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 Write an exponential function y = abx for the
graph that includes the given points.
(2, 2) and (3, 4)
2y = ab2x Substitute in (2,2) for x and y.
2 = a Solve for a
b2
Now substitute (3,4) in for x and y into y = abx
4 = ab3 Set them equal to each other: Now solve for b to get b=2
b3 2 = 4=a
b3 b2
4=a
b3 You must solve for a: 2/2^2 = (1/2) = a
Subst you’re a = (1/2) & b = 2 into either one
of your 2 equations: y = abx
Y = (1/2)(2)^x
10
Write an exponential function y = abx for the
graph that includes the given points.
(2, 4) and (3, 16)
y = abx

11
 The Natural Base e
The irrational number e, where
e  2.718281828…
is used in applications involving growth and
decay.
Using techniques of calculus, it can be shown
that
n
 1
1    e as n  
 n

12
 The graph of f(x) = ex
y
x f(x)
6
-2 0.14
-1 0.38
4
0 1
2 1 2.72
2 7.39
x
–2 2

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 Example: Sketch the graph of g(x) = ex-5 + 2.
State the domain and range.

Make a table. y
x y
4
7 9.39
6 4.72
5 3
x
4 2.36 –2 2
3 2.14
Domain: (–, )
Range: (2, ) or y > 2
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 One to One Property
If the bases are the same, then set the exponents equal.

Example— Example— Example— Example—

3 x = 32 3x+ 1 = 9 2x - 1 = 1/32 e3x + 2 = e3
x = ___
x = ___ x = ___ x = ___

Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Company, Inc. All rights reserved. 15

 Interest Applications
Formulas for Compound Interest—
r is the rate
1.) compound per year -- A = P 1 + r nt
n is the number times you
n compound your money per
Balance in account year
Principal ($ you invest)
t is time.

2. Compounded continuously– A = Pert

16
A total of $12000 is invested at an annual
interest rate of 9%. Find the balance after
5 years if it is compounded

a. quarterly
b. monthly
c. continuously

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