Zeroes, Intercepts and

Graphing Exponential
Functions
ZEROES OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DEFINITION

The zero of an exponential function refers to the value of the

independent variable x that makes the function 0. To find the zero of an
exponential function, equate to 0 and solve for x.
EXAMPLE NO. 1
Determine the zero of .

SOLUTION

To find the zero of the function, equate it to 0 and solve for x.

The zero of is 4
EXAMPLE NO. 2
Determine the zero of .

SOLUTION

To find the zero of the function, equate it to 0 and solve for x.

The zero of is
INTERCEPTS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DEFINITION

The y-intercept is a point at which the graph crosses the y-axis. The
x-value is always at zero. When you want to find the intercepts from an
equation, let the y-value equal to zero, then solve for x.
EXAMPLE NO. 1
Find the x-intercept and y-intercept of .

SOLUTION

To find the y-intercept, let

Then, the y-intercept is at

EXAMPLE NO. 1
Find the x-intercept and y-intercept of .

SOLUTION

To find the x-intercept, let

Thus, the x-intercept is at

EXAMPLE NO. 2
Find the x-intercept and y-intercept of .

SOLUTION

To find the y-intercept, let

Then, the y-intercept is at

EXAMPLE NO. 2
Find the x-intercept and y-intercept of .

SOLUTION

To find the x-intercept, let

Thus, the x-intercept is at

GRAPHING OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

DEFINITION

The graph of exponential function is necessary tool in describing its

behavior and characteristics – its intercepts, asymptotes and zeroes. A
graph can also provide insights as to real life – situations that can be
modeled by exponential functions.
EXAMPLE NO. 1
Sketch the graph of

SOLUTION

Step 1: Construct the table of values of ordered pairs for the given function. The table of
values for
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=2𝑥 SOLUTION

Step 2: Plot the point found in the table and connect them using a smooth curve.
EXAMPLE NO. 2
Sketch the graph of .

SOLUTION
Step 1: The table of values for is as follows.
 ()
𝑥
1 SOLUTION
𝑔 ( 𝑥 )=
2

Step 2: Plot the point found in the table and connect them using a smooth curve.
In general, depending on whether or the graph of has the following behavior.
PROPERTIES OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following properties of where and can be observed from the graph:

a. The domain is the set R.

b. The range is a set of (0,+∞)
c. It is one-to-one function. It satisfies the Horizontal Line test.
d. The y-intercept is 1. There is no x-intercept.
e. The horizontal asymptote is the line (or the x-axis). There is no vertical
asymptote.
EXAMPLE NO. 3
Use the graph of to graph the functions and .

SOLUTION
Step 1: The table of values for is as follows.
 SOLUTION

Step 2: Plot the point found in the table and connect them using a smooth curve.

Observation:
a. The domain is the set R.
b. The y-intercept were also multiplied
correspondingly. The y-intercept of is 3, and the
y-intercept of is 0.4.
c. All three graphs have the same horizontal
asymptote
d. The range is the set of
 Activity
Find zeroes, x-intercept and y-intercept.

1. Find the x-intercept and y-intercept of