EXPONENTIAL GRAPH

EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 Functions of the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑞

 Functions of the general form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑞 for 𝑏 > 0, are called exponential functions,
where a, b and q are constants.
The effects of a, b and q on 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑞

 The effect of q on vertical shift

For 𝒒 > 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) is shifted vertically upwards by q units.
For 𝒒 < 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) is shifted vertically downwards by q units.
The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝒚 = 𝒒.

 The effect of a on shape

For 𝒂 > 𝟎, 𝒇(𝒙) is increasing.
For a<0, f(x) is decreasing. The graph is reflected about the horizontal asymptote.

 The effect of b on direction

Assuming a>0:
If 𝑏 > 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is an increasing function.
If 0 < 𝑏 < 1, 𝑓(𝑥) is a decreasing function.
If 𝑏 ≤ 0, 𝑓(𝑥) is not defined.
Example: 𝑦 = 2 ∙ 3𝑥 + 5

𝒂 = 𝟐 > 𝟎 therefore 𝒇(𝒙) is increasing.

𝒃 = 𝟑 > 𝟎 therefore 𝒇(𝒙) in an increasing function.
𝒒 = 𝟓 > 𝟎 therefore 𝒇(𝒙) is shifted vertically upwards by 5 units.

FUNCTIONS OF THE FORM 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑)+𝒒

We now consider exponential functions of the form y= 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑)+𝒒 and the effects of
parameter p
THE EFFECT OF THE PARAMETERS ON 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑)+𝒒
The effect of p is a horizontal shift because all points are moved the same distance in the same
direction (the entire graph slides to the left or to the right).
For 𝒑 > 𝟎, the graph is shifted to the left by p units.
For 𝒑 < 𝟎, the graph is shifted to the right by p units.
The effect of q is a vertical shift. The value of q also affects the horizontal asymptotes, the
line 𝑦 = 𝑞.
The value of a affects the shape of the graph and its position relative to the horizontal
asymptote.
For a>0, the graph lies above the horizontal asymptote, 𝑦 = 𝑞.
For a<0, the graph lies below the horizontal asymptote, 𝑦 = 𝑞.
.

DISCOVERING THE CHARACTERISTICS

For functions of the general form: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 (𝑥+𝑝) + 𝑞:
DOMAIN AND RANGE
The domain is {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅} because there is no value of x for which 𝑓(𝑥) is undefined.
The range of 𝑓(𝑥) depends on whether the value for a is positive or negative.
If 𝑎 > 0 we have:

𝑏 (𝑥+𝑝) > 0
𝑎𝑏(𝑥+𝑝) > 0
𝑎𝑏(𝑥+𝑝) + 𝑞 > 𝑞
𝑎𝑏(𝑥+𝑝) > 𝑞
𝑓 (𝑥 ) > 𝑞
The range is therefore {𝑦: 𝑦 > 𝑞, 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅}.
Similarly, if 𝑎 < 0, the range is {𝑦: 𝑦 < 𝑞, 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅}.

WORKED EXAMPLE : DOMAIN AND RANGE

QUESTION

State the domain and range for 𝑔(𝑥) = 5 × (3) 𝑥+1 − 1

SOLUTION

STEP 1.

Determine the domain

The domain is {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅} because there is no value of 𝑥 for which 𝑔(𝑥)) is undefined.
STEP 2.

Determine the range

The range of 𝑔(𝑥) can be calculated from:

3(𝑥+1) >0

5 × 3(𝑥+1) >0

5 × 3(𝑥+1) − 1 > −1
∴ 𝑔(𝑥) > −1

Therefore the range is {𝑔(𝑥): 𝑔(𝑥) > −1}or in interval notation (−1; ∞)
HOW TO SKETCH AN EXPONENTIAL GRAPH
1. DETERMINE THE EQUATION OF ASYMPTOTE: 𝑦 = 𝑞
2. DETERMINE THE AXIS INTERCEPTS (𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 : 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 : 𝑦 = 0
3. Interpret the parameters : a- shift up and down ; b- determine direction of graph

Question
The graph here shows an exponential equation with the form 𝒚 = 𝒂𝟐𝒙 + 𝒒.
𝟓𝟑
One point is given on the curve: Point 𝑨 (−𝟑; 𝟖 ).

Determine the values of a and q, correct to the nearest integer.

ANSWER:

Use the asymptote to find the value of q

Remember that the q-term moves the graph up and down (it shifts the graph vertically).

Without a q-term, an exponential graph has an asymptote at y=0 (on the x-axis).
From the graph, we can read off the value of q by drawing the horizontal asymptote:

The asymptote lies at 𝑦 = 7, so 𝑞 = 7.

At this point we know that the equation for the graph must be 𝒚 = 𝒂𝟐𝒙 + 𝟕.

USE THE COORDINATES OF POINT A TO CALCULATE a.

Now we can find the value of a. To do that, we can substitute the coordinates of Point A into
53
the equation from above. (−3; ) - from Point A - into the equation for 𝑥 and 𝑦.
8
𝒚 = 𝒂𝟐𝒙 + 𝟕.
𝟓𝟑
( 𝟖 ) = 𝒂𝟐−𝟑 + 𝟕.

53
− 7 = 𝑎 ∙ 2−3
8
 53 − 56 𝑎
=
8 8
−3 𝑎
=
8 8
∴ 𝑎 = −3
There we have it! The complete equation for this graph is 𝒚 = −𝟑 ∙ 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟕.

TIP: You should compare the result for a with the graph in the question. The sign of a
determines if an exponential graph is above or below the asymptote. We got a negative value

for a, which agrees with the graph.

The correct answers are 𝒂 = −𝟑 and 𝒒 = 𝟕.

QUESTION
Given the following equation :
3
𝑦= ∙ (4) 𝑥 − 3
2
Calculate the 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕.

SOLUTION
To calculate y-intercept ∴ 𝒙 = 𝟎
Substitute 𝒙 = 𝟎 into the function.
The y-intercept can always be found by substituting 𝒙 = 𝟎 into an equation. So that is what we
need to do. Then evaluate the corresponding value of 𝒚.

3
∙ (4)0 − 3
𝑦=
2
3
𝑦 = ∙1−3
2
3 3∙2 3−6 3
𝑦= − = =−
2 2 2 2
3
The gives us the y-intercept of (𝟎; − ).
2

2. Now calculate the 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡. Estimate your answer to one decimal place.
SOLUTION
The 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 can always be found by substituting 𝒚 = 𝟎 into an equation. So that is
what we need to do. Then evaluate the corresponding value of 𝒙.

3
𝑦 = 2 ∙ (4)𝑥 − 3 and 𝑦 = 0.
3
0= ∙ (4) 𝑥 − 3
2

3
3 = (4) 𝑥
2
Cancel the coefficient
It is now time to cancel the coefficient on the right side. We can do this by multiplying by the
reciprocal on both sides of the equation.

6 = 3(4) 𝑥
6
= 4𝑥
3
2 = 4𝑥
2 = 2 2𝑥
∴ 2𝑥 = 1
1
𝑥=
2

𝟏
The gives us the 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 of ( ; 𝟎).
𝟐
QUESTION 3
Draw a sketch graph of 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −2(2−𝑥 ) −2, clearly showing all asymptotes, intercepts with
the axes, and at least one other point on g,

SOLUTION
Remember: HOW TO SKETCH AN EXPONENTIAL GRAPH
1. DETERMINE THE EQUATION OF ASYMPTOTE: 𝑦 = 𝑞
2. DETERMINE THE AXIS INTERCEPTS (𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 : 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 : 𝑦 = 0
3. Interpret the parameters : a- shift up and down ; b- determine direction of graph

1. ASYMPTOTE : 𝑦 = −2
2. 𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 : 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 : 𝑦 = 0
 𝑥 = 0 ∴ 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −2(2−0 ) − 2
𝑔(𝑥 ) = −2 − 2
𝑔(𝑥 ) = −4
∴ 𝒚 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕: (𝟎; −𝟒)
𝑦 = 0 ∴ 0 = −2(2−𝑥 ) − 2
2 = −2(2−𝑥 )
2
= 2−𝑥
−2
−1 = 2−𝑥 ∴ 2−𝑥 < 0 (no real x)
There are not 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕

Interpret the parameters : a- shift up and down ; b- determine direction of graph

𝒂 < 𝟎 = −𝟐 ∴ shift down 2 units
𝒃 = 𝟐 > 𝟎 𝒈(𝒙) 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆
A point B if 𝒙 = 𝟏 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −2(2−1 ) − 2
−2
𝑔 (𝑥 ) = −2
2
𝑔(𝑥 ) = −1 − 2 = −3
B(1,-3)
SKETCHING GRAPHS OF THE FORM 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑) + 𝒒

In order to sketch graphs of functions of the form, 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑) + 𝒒 we need to determine
five characteristics:
1. shape
2. y-intercept
3. x-intercept
4. asymptote
5. domain and range

WORKED: SKETCHING AN EXPONENTIAL GRAPH

Sketch the graph of 2𝑦 = 10 × 2𝑥+1 − 5
Mark the intercept(s) and asymptote. State the domain and range of the function.
SOLUTION
Step 1
Examine the equation of the form y= 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑) + 𝒒
We notice that 𝑎 > 0 and 𝑏 > 1, therefore the function is increasing.
Step 2
Determine the y-intercept
The 𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 is obtained by letting 𝑥 = 0:
2𝑦 = 10 × 20+1 − 5
= 10 × 2 − 5
= 15
15 1
∴𝑦= =7
2 2
1
This gives the point (0; 7 2).

Step 3
Determine the 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡
The 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 is obtained by letting 𝑦 = 0:
0 = 10 × 2𝑥+1 − 5
 5 = 10 × 2𝑥+1
5
= 2𝑥+1
10
1
= 2𝑥+1
2
2−1 = 2𝑥+1

∴ −1 = 𝑥 + 1(𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒)
−2 = 𝑥
This gives the point (−2; 0).
Step 4
Determine the asymptote
5
The horizontal asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 2.

Step 5
Plot the points and sketch the graph
Step 3
State the domain and range
Domain: {𝑥: 𝑥 ∈ 𝑅}
5
Range: {𝑦: 𝑦 > − 2 , 𝑦 ∈ 𝑅}

HOW TO DETERMINE THE EQUATION OF AN EXPONENTIAL GRAPH , GIVEN A SKETCH

There are 4 parameters to be considered:
1. Write down what you can q= .. if the asymptote has been shown.
2. Find the remaining parameters by substituting points.
NOTE : The “zero” value of “𝒙” , when 𝒙 = 𝒑, eliminate b , because 𝒃𝟎 = 𝟏, so always
substitute this point first.

WORKED EXAMPLE : FINDING THE EQUATION OF AN EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION FROM THE

GRAPH
QUESTION
Use the given graph of 𝒚 = −𝟐 × 𝟑(𝒙+𝒑) + 𝒒 to determine the values of p and q.
SOLUTION
STEP 1
Examine the equation of the form 𝒚 = 𝒂𝒃(𝒙+𝒑) + 𝒒
From the graph we see that the function is decreasing. We also note that 𝒂 = −𝟐 and 𝒃 = 𝟑.
We need to solve for p and q.
STEP 2
Use the asymptote to determine q.
The horizontal asymptote 𝒚 = 𝟔 is given, therefore we know that 𝒒 = 𝟔.
𝑦 = −2 × 3(𝑥+𝑝) + 6
STEP 3
Use the 𝒙 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 to determine p.
Substitute (2; 0) into the equation and solve for p:
𝑦 = −2 × 3(𝑥+𝑝) + 6
0 = −2 × 3(2+𝑝) + 6
3 = 3(2+𝑝)
∴ 1 =2+𝑝
∴ 𝑝 = −1 (same base)
STEP 4
Write the final answer
𝑦 = −2 × 3(𝑥−1) + 6
IDENTIFY THE SHAPE AND THE INTERCEPTS
To draw the graph of an exponential function:
1. Recall the shape of an exponential graph.
2. Determine and label the yy-intercept.
3. Determine and label the xx-intercept, if it exists. If the xx-intercept does not exist, you
will need to determine the coordinates of any other point.
4. Determine the equation of the asymptote and draw it in.
5. Sketch the graph.
The shape of an exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑐 will always be one of the following,
depending on the values of a and b:

𝑏>1 0<𝑏<1

𝑎>0

𝑎<0

1 𝑥
NOTE: 𝑔(𝑥 ) = −2(2−𝑥 ) − 2 is the same as saying 𝑔(𝑥) = −2 (2) − 2. This corresponds to the

graph on the bottom right of the diagram above.

We have already calculated the y-intercept of the function: (0; −4). The function has
no 𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡, which means that it does not cross the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.
Since there is no 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕, we need to determine the coordinates of any other point. We
will use 𝑥 = 1, but you could use any value of 𝒙.
𝑔(1) = −2(2−(1) − 2 = −3
Therefore the coordinates of Point B are (1; −3).
IDENTIFY THE ASYMPTOTE
𝑔(𝑥 ) = −2(2−𝑥 ) − 2
−2(2−𝑥 ) will never be exactly zero. So, 𝑔(𝑥) will never output a value of 𝑦 = −2. But, as values
of x get larger, −2(2−𝑥 ) will get closer to zero.
This means that 𝑔(𝑥) has an asymptote at 𝒚 = −𝟐.

DRAW THE GRAPH

Given these points and what we know about the shape of exponential functions, there is only
one way to draw the graph.

TIP: Your graph must get closer and closer to the asymptote - draw it carefully!