LESSON

13.1
13.1 Exponential Growth Functions Exponential
Essential Question: How is the graph of g(x) = ab x - h + k where b > 1 related to the graph
of f(x) = b x?
Growth Functions
Resource
Locker
Learning Objective
Students will graph, write, analyze, and model with
Explore 1 Graphing and Analyzing f(x) = 2 x transformations of exponential growth functions.
and f(x) = 10 x
Math Processes and Practices
An exponential function is a function of the form ƒ(x) = b x, where the base b is a positive constant other than 1 and
the exponent x is a variable. Notice that there is no single parent exponential function because each choice of the base MPP4 Mathematical Modeling
b determines a different function.
Language Objective
Complete the input-output table for each of the parent exponential functions below.
In a small group, match graphs to their corresponding
x f(x) = 2 x
x p(x) = 10 x exponential growth functions.

-3 ? _1 -3 ? _
1
8 1000

-2 ?
_1 -2 ? _
1 Online Resources
4 100

-1 ? _1 -1 ? _
1
An extra example for each Explain section is
2 10
available online.
0 ? 1 0 ? 1

1 ? 2 1 ? 10

2 ? 2 ? Engage
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

4 100

3 ? 8 3 ? 1000
Essential Question: How is the graph of
g(x) = ab x - h + k where b >1 related to the graph
 Graph the parent functions ƒ(x) = 2 x and p(x) = 10 x by plotting points. See Additional Answers.
of f(x) = b x?
x-h
 What is the domain of each function?  What is the range of each function? The graph of g(x) = ab + k involves
⎧ ⎫ ⎧ ⎫ transformations of the graph of f(x) = b x. In particular,
Domain of ƒ(x) = 2 x: ⎨x| ? ⎬ -∞ < x < ∞ Range of ƒ(x) = 2 x: ⎨y| ? ⎬ 0 < x < ∞
⎩ ⎭ ⎩ ⎭
⎧ ⎫ ⎧
the graph of g(x) is a vertical stretch or compression
⎫
Domain of p(x) = 10 : ⎨x| ? ⎬ -∞ < x < ∞
x
Range of p(x) = 10 : ⎨y| ? ⎬ 0 < x < ∞
x
⎩ ⎭ ⎩ ⎭ of the graph of f(x) by a factor of |a|, a reflection of
the graph across the x-axis if a < 0, and a translation
of the graph h units horizontally and k units vertically.

Module 13 511 Lesson 1

Preview: Lesson Performance Task

Professional Development View the Engage section online. Discuss the

photo and the possible ways to model the
Learning Progressions growth of an investment over time. Then preview
In this lesson, students see that an exponential function is not just a function with the Lesson Performance Task.
an exponent, but a function whose independent variable is in the exponent.
Therefore, f(x) = 2 x is an exponential function, but g(x) = x2 is not. Students will
graph most of the exponential functions in this lesson by hand and will see that
the graphs of exponential growth functions approach a horizontal asymptote as x
decreases without bound. In the next lesson, they will examine exponential decay
functions, which approach the horizontal asymptote as x increases without bound.

Lesson 13.1 511

  What is the y-intercept of each function?  What is the trend of each function?
Explore y-intercept of ƒ(x) = 2 : x
? 1 In both ƒ(x) = 2 x and p(x) = 10 x, as the
value of x increases, does the value of y increase
y-intercept of p(x) = 10 x: ? or decrease? increase
Graphing and Analyzing f(x) = 2 x 1

and f(x) = 10 x Reflect 1. Yes, because the value of the exponent x can be any real number.
1. Will the domain be the same for every exponential function? Why or why not?
2. Will the range be the same for every exponential function in the form ƒ(x) = b x, where b is a positive
Questioning Strategies x
constant? Why or why not? Yes, because the value of b where b is a positive number greater
than 1 will always be a positive number.
Does the graph of f(x) = bx have a vertical 3. Will the value of the y-intercept be the same for every exponential function? Why or why not?
asymptote? Why or why not? No; the function is Yes, because a non-zero based raise to the power of 0 is always equal to 1.

defined for all real values of x. Explain 1 Graphing Combined Transformations of f(x) = b x
Where b > 1
Why can’t the value of b be 1? When b = 1, the
A given exponential function g(x) = a(b x - h) + k with base b can be graphed by recognizing the differences between
function is the constant function f(x) = 1. the given function and its parent function, ƒ(x) = b x. These differences define the parameters of the transformation,
where k represents the vertical translation, h is the horizontal translation, and a represents either the vertical stretch
or compression of the exponential function and whether it is reflected across the x-axis.

You can use the parameters in g(x) = a(b x - h) + k to see what happens to two reference points during a
transformation. Two points that are easily visualized on the parent exponential function are (0, 1) and (1, b).
Explain 1 In a transformation, the point (0, 1) becomes (h, a + k) and (1, b) becomes (1 + h, ab + k). The asymptote y = 0 for
the parent function becomes y = k.

Graphing Combined Transformations The graphs of ƒ(x) = 2 x and p(x) = 10 x are shown below with the reference points and asymptotes labeled.

of f(x) = b x Where b > 1 f(x) = 2 x p(x) = 10 x

y y
8 8 p(x)
Integrate Math Processes and Practices f(x)
6 6
Focus on Mathematical Modeling

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

4 4
MPP4 Visual learners can use colored pencils to
sketch each of the intermediate steps in obtaining a 2 (1, 2) 2
(0, 1) y = 0 x (0, 1) y = 0 x
graph of g(x), a combined transformation from the
-4 -2 0 2 4 -4 -2 0 2 4
graph of f(x). For example, students might first draw
the horizontal translation, then a reflection across the
x-axis, and finally the vertical translation.

Module 13 512 Lesson 1

Collaborative Learning
Peer-to-Peer Activity
Have pairs of students work together to make a table showing the effects of the
constant a on the graphs of g(x) = abx - h + k if a > 1 and if a < -1. In the table,
have students include a sketch of each graph, as well as information about how
changing the value of a affects function characteristics such as asymptotes and
end behavior.

512 Exponential Growth Functions

 Example 1 State the domain and range of the given function. Then identify the new
values of the reference points and the asymptote. Use these values to graph Avoid Common Errors
the function.
When translating to obtain the graph of f(x) = bx - h,
g(x) = -3(2 )+1 students often interpret the sign of h incorrectly and
x-2
2
y
⎧ ⎫ y=1 translate the parent graph in the wrong direction.
The domain of g(x) = - 3(2 x - 2) + 1 is ⎨x| - ∞ < x < ∞⎬.
⎩ ⎭ x
⎧ ⎫ A major cause of this error is the presence of the
The range of g(x) = - 3 (2 x - 2) + 1 is ⎨y|y < 1⎬. -4 -2 0 2 4
⎩ ⎭ subtraction sign in the expression x - h. Remind
-2 (2, -2)
Examine g(x) and identify the parameters.
students that this subtraction sign is not the sign of h.
a = - 3, which means that the function is reflected across the x-axis -4
(3, -5)
and vertically stretched by a factor of 3.
-6 f(x)
h = 2, so the function is translated 2 units to the right.

k = 1, so the function is translated 1 unit up.

The point (0, 1) becomes (h, a + k).

(h, a + k) = (2, - 3 + 1)
= (2, - 2)

(1, b) becomes (1 + h, ab + k).

(1 + h, ab + k) = (1 + 2, - 3(2) + 1)
= (3, - 6 + 1)

= (3, - 5)

The asymptote becomes y = k.

y=k → y=1

Plot the transformed points and asymptote and draw the curve.

 q(x) = 1.5(10 x - 3) - 5
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

⎧ ⎫
The domain of q(x) = 1.5(10 x - 3) - 5 is ⎨x|- ∞ < x < ∞⎬.
⎩ ⎭
⎧ ⎫
The range of q(x) = 1.5(10 x - 3) - 5 is ⎨y| y > - 5⎬.
⎩ ⎭
Examine q(x) and identify the parameters.

a = 1.5 so the function is stretched vertically by a factor of 1.5.

h = 3 so the function is translated 3 units to the right.

k = - 5 so the function is translated 5 units down.

Module 13 513 Lesson 1

Differentiate Instruction
Kinesthetic Experience
For kinesthetic learners, draw a coordinate plane on the board so that the origin is
close to a given student’s shoulder height. Have the student stand in front of the
plane, aligned with the y-axis, and then arrange his or her arms to roughly model
the graph of an exponential function f(x) = abx for different values of b for a = 1
and for a = -1.

Lesson 13.1 513

 The point (0,1) becomes (h, a + k).

Questioning Strategies (h, a + k) = (3, 1.5 - 5) = (3, - 3.5) y

12 q(x)
x
Can you transform the graph of f(x) = b so that it (1, b) becomes (1 + h, ab + k).
(4, 10) 8
has a turning point? No; the graph will be ever (1 + h, ab + k) = (1 + 3, 1.5(10) - 5) = (4, 10)
4
increasing from the horizontal asymptote or ever (3, -3.5)
The asymptote becomes y = k. x
decreasing to the horizontal asymptote, no matter 0
y=k → y= -5 -12 -8 -4 4
which transformation is used. y = -5 -4
Plot the transformed points and asymptote and draw the curve.

Your Turn

Explain 2 State the domain and range of the given function. Then identify the new values of the
reference points and the asymptote. Use these values to graph the function.

4. g(x) = 4(2 x + 2) - 6 See margin.

Writing Equations for Combined 5. q(x) = - _ 3 (10 x + 2) + 3
See margin.
Transformations of f(x) = b x 5

Where b > 1
Explain 2 Writing Equations for Combined Transformations
of f(x) = b x Where b > 1
Integrate Technology Given the graph of an exponential function, you can use your knowledge of the transformation parameters to write
the function rule for the graph. Recall that the asymptote will give the value of k and the x-coordinate of the first
Students can check the equations they write by reference point is h. Then let y 1 be the y-coordinate of the first point and solve the equation y 1 = a + k for a.

graphing the transformed functions on their graphing Finally, use a, h, and k to write the function in the form g(x) = a (b x-h) + k.
calculators. Have them use the TRACE or TABLE
Example 2 Write the exponential function that will produce the given graph, using
feature to identify coordinates of points in the the specified value of b. Verify that the second reference point is on the
resulting graph. graph of the function. Then state the domain and range of the function in
set notation.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Answers
Let b = 2.
4. y The asymptote is y = 1, showing that k = 1.
(-1, 2) 2 1
y y=1

x
that a + k = -_ 1. (
The first reference point is -_1 , -_
3 3 ) 1 and
1 . This shows that h = -_
3
x
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 3
0
Substitute k = 1 and solve for a. -1 1
(-2, -2) - 2 (- 1 , -1 ) g(x)
1 3 3
a + k = -_ -1
( 2 , -5 )
3
-4 1
a + 1 = -_
3
3 3
4
a = -_
y = -6
-6 3
1
h = -_
3
k=1

5.
y=3 y Module 13 514 Lesson 1

2
(-2, 12) q(x)
5 x
-6 -4 -2 0 2
-2

(-1, -3) -4

514 Exponential Growth Functions

 Substitute these values into g(x) = a (b x-h) + k to find g (x).

g(x) = a(b x-h) + k

4 (2 x+_31 ) + 1
Questioning Strategies
= -_
3
How do you find h and k from the first reference
()
Verify that g _ 2 = -_
3
5.
3 point? The x-coordinate of the first reference point
is h. Substitute the value of k in the equation
g_()
2 = -_
3
4 (2 _23 + _31 ) + 1
3
4 ( 2 1) + 1
y = a + k to find a.
= -_
3
= -_4 (2) + 1 How do you use the second reference point? After
3
3 -_ 8 you substitute a, h, and k and find the function,
=_
3 3
5
substitute the coordinates of the second reference
= -_
3
⎧ ⎫ point to check that the function includes this point.
The domain of g(x) is ⎨x| -∞ < x < +∞⎬.
⎩ ⎭
⎧ ⎫
The range of g(x) is ⎨y|y < 1⎬.
⎩ ⎭

 Let b = 10. y=6 y

The asymptote is y = 6 , showing that k = 6 . 4

(-4, 4.4)
x
The first reference point is (-4, 4.4). This shows that h = -4 and
-12 -8 -4 0
that a + k = 4.4 . Substitute for k and solve for a. -4
q(x)
a + k = 4.4 -8
(-3, -10)
a + 6 = 4.4

a = -1.6 h = -4 k= 6
Substitute these values into q(x) = a(b x-h ) + k to find q(x) .

q(x) = a(b x - h) + k = -1.6 (10 x-(-4)) + 6

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Verify that q(-3) = -10.

q(-3) = -1.6 (10 -3-(-4)) + 6

= -1.6 10 ( 1 )+ 6

= -16 + 6

= -10

⎧ ⎫ ⎧ ⎫
The domain of q(x) is ⎨x| - ∞< x < +∞⎬ . The range of q(x) is ⎨y|y < 6⎬ .
⎩ ⎭ ⎩ ⎭

Module 13 515 Lesson 1

Lesson 13.1 515

 Your Turn

Explain 3 Write the exponential function that will produce the given graph, using the specified
value of b. Verify that the second reference point is on the graph of the function. Then
state the domain and range of the function in set notation.
Modeling With Exponential 6. b=2 g(x) = _
3 ( x - 3) _
2
2 - 52 y
Growth Functions g(4) = _
3 ( 4 - 3) _
2 -5=_
1 1 1)
2 2 2 (4,
2 x
The domain of g(x) is {x⎜-∞ < x < +∞}.
0 1 2 3 4
⎧ 5⎫
Avoid Common Errors The range of g(x) is ⎨y∣y > -_⎬. -1 (3, -1)
⎩ 2⎭
g(x) 5
Students may multiply the initial amount by the -2 y= -
2
growth factor and then raise that product to the
exponent. Remind students to apply the order of
Explain 3 Modeling with Exponential Growth Functions
operations. The exponent applies only to the
t
An exponential growth function has the form ƒ(t) = a(1 + r) where a > 0 and r is a constant percent increase
growth factor.
(expressed as a decimal) for each unit increase in time t. That is, since ƒ(t + 1) = (1 + r) · ƒ(t) = ƒ(t) + r · ƒ(t), the
value of the function increases by r · ƒ(t) on the interval [t, t + 1]. The base 1 + r of an exponential growth function
is called the growth factor, and the constant percent increase r, in decimal form, is called the growth rate.

Questioning Strategies Example 3 Find the function that corresponds with the given situation. Then use the
graph of the function to make a prediction.
What is the exponential growth function
t
f(t) = a(1 + r) if the growth rate is 0.05%? Why?
t Tony purchased a rare guitar in 2000 for $12,000. Experts estimate that
f(t) = a(1.0005) , because 0.05% written as a its value will increase by 14% per year. Use a graph to find the number of
decimal is 0.0005 years it will take for the value of the guitar to be $60,000.

Write a function to model the growth in value for the guitar.

When should you round exponential growth t
ƒ(t) = a(1 + r)
calculations? Round during the last step only.
t
Rounding earlier will compound errors. = 12, 000(1 + 0.14)
t
= 12, 000(1.14)

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Use a graphing calculator to graph the function.

Use the graph to predict when the guitar will be worth $60,000.

Use the TRACE feature to find the t-value where ƒ(t) ≈ 60, 000.

So, the guitar will be worth $60,000 approximately 12.29 years after it was
purchased.

Module 13 516 Lesson 1

516 Exponential Growth Functions

  At the same time that Tony bought the $12,000 guitar, he also
considered buying another rare guitar for $15,000. Experts estimated
that this guitar would increase in value by 9% per year. Determine after Elaborate
how many years the two guitars will be worth the same amount.
Write a function to model the growth in value for the second guitar.
t
Connect Vocabulary
g(t) = a(1 + r)

(1 + 0.09 )
t
Have students begin to create a list of words
= 15, 000
associated with exponential functions, and later
( 1.09 )
t

= 15, 000 their inverses, beginning with growth and interest,

then later adding vocabulary such as decay, e,
Use a graphing calculator to graph the two functions.
and logarithms.
Use the graph to predict when the two guitars will be worth the same
amount.

Use the intersection feature to find the t-value where g(t) = f(t) .
Integrate Math Processes and Practices
So, the two guitars will be worth the same amount 4.98 years after Focus on Abstract and Quantitative
2000.
Reasoning
Reflect
MPP2 When students have the option of several
7. In part A, find the average rates of change over the intervals (0, 4), (4, 8), and (8, 12). Do the rates increase,
decrease, or stay the same? See Additional Answers. points to use as a reference point and the y-intercept
is one such point, students should find that it is easier
Your Turn
to use the y-intercept than the other points for
Find the function that corresponds with the given situation. Then graph the function
on a calculator and use the graph to make a prediction. calculations.
t
8. g(t) = 3.25(1.11) ; 20 years; See margin for graph.
8. John researches a baseball card and finds that it is currently worth $3.25. However, it is supposed to
increase in value 11% per year. In how many years will the card be worth $26?
9. Reference points help when graphing transformations because all of the points of the parent
graph are affected in the same manner. So by shifting each reference point by the same value Summarize The Lesson
or ratio, the transformed graph can be drawn. Similarly, the points of a transformed graph
What are the effects of the constant a on the graph of
Elaborate can be compared to the reference points on the parent graph to determine the
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

values of a, h, and k in order to find the equation of the transformed graph. g(x) = abx - h + k? If a > 1, the graph of the parent
9. How are reference points helpful when graphing transformations of ƒ(x) = b x or when writing equations x
function f(x) = b is stretched vertically by a factor of
for transformed graphs?
a. If 0 < a < 1, the graph is shrunk vertically by a
10. Give the general form ofx an exponential growth function and describe its parameters.
A function f(x) = ab is an exponential growth function, where a > 0 and b > 1. factor of a. If a < -1, the graph of f(x) = b x is
11. Essential Question Check-In Which transformations of f(x) = b x change the function’s end behavior?
Which transformations change the function’s y-intercept? stretched vertically by a factor of |a| and reflected
x
Reflections across the x-axis change the function’s end behavior by making the reflected across the x-axis. If -1 < a < 0, the graph of f(x) = b
function increase toward the asymptote as x tends to negative infinity and decrease is shrunk vertically by a factor of |a| and reflected
toward negative infinity as x tends to infinity. Vertical translations also change the
across the x-axis.
function’s end behavior since they affect the graph’s asymptote. Vertical translations,
horizontal translations, vertical stretches and compressions, and reflections across the
Answers
x-axis all affect the location of the graph’s y-intercept.
8.

Module 13 517 Lesson 1

Language Support
Communicate Math
Have students work in pairs. Each student writes an exponential growth function in
the form f(x) = bx on an index card, and sketches its graph on another card.
Students shuffle the index cards and lay them face down in an array. They take
turns turning two cards over, trying to match the graph of the function to its
equation. Students must justify why they think they do or don’t have a match.

Lesson 13.1 517

 Evaluate: Homework and Practice
Evaluate Describe the effect of each transformation on the parent function. Graph the parent t
0OMJOF
)PNFXPSL
function and its transformation. Then determine the domain, range, and y-intercept t
)JOUT
BOE
)FMQ
of each function. 1–8. See Additional Answers. t
&YUSB
1SBDUJDF

Assignment Guide 1. ƒ(x) = 2 x and g(x) = 2(2 x) 2. ƒ(x) = 2 x and g(x) = -5(2 x)

Level Concepts Practice 3. ƒ(x) = 2 x and g(x) = 2 x + 2 4. ƒ(x) = 2 x and g(x) = 2 x + 5

and Skills
5. ƒ(x) = 10 x and g(x) = 2(10 x) 6. ƒ(x) = 10 x and g(x) = -4(10 x)
Basic Explore N/A
7. ƒ(x) = 10 x and g(x) = 10 x - 2 8. ƒ(x) = 10 x and g(x) = 10 x - 6
Example 1 Exercises 1–15 odd
Example 2 Exercises 17–18 9. Describe the graph of g(x) = 2 (x - 3) - 4 in terms of ƒ(x) = 2 x. The graph is shifted down by 4 and right by 3.

Example 3 Exercises 19–20 10. Describe the graph of g(x) = 10 (x + 7) + 6 in terms of ƒ(x) = 10 x. The graph is shifted up by 6 and left by 7.

H.O.T. Exercise 23 State the domain and range of the given function. Then identify the new values of the
reference points and the asymptote. Use these values to graph the function.
Average Explore N/A 11–16. For graphs, see Additional Answers.
11. h(x) = 2(3 x + 2) - 1 {x∣-∞ < x < ∞}; {y∣y > -1}; The point (0, 1) becomes (-2, 1).
Example 1 Exercises 1–15 odd The point (1, 3) becomes (-1, 5). The asymptote becomes y = -1.
Example 2 Exercises 17–18 12. k(x) = -0.5(4 x - 1)+ 2 {x∣-∞ < x < ∞}; {y∣y < 2}; The point (0, 1) becomes (1, 1.5).
The point (1, 4) becomes (2, 0). The asymptote becomes y = 2.
Example 3 Exercises 19–21 13. ƒ(x) = 3(6 x - 7) -8 {x|-∞ < x < ∞}; {y|y > -8}; The point (0, 1) becomes (7, -8).
The point (1, 6) becomes (8, 10). The asymptote becomes y = -8.
H.O.T. Exercises 23–24
14. ƒ(x) = -3(2 x + 1) +3 {x|-∞ < x < ∞}; {y|y < 3}; The point (0, 1) becomes (-1, 0). The point (1, 2)
Advanced Explore N/A becomes (0, -3). The asymptote becomes y = 3.
15. h(x) = -_ 3 {x|-∞ < x < ∞}; ⎨
1 (5 x + 1) -_ ⎧ _
3⎫
y|y < - ⎬; The point (0, 1) becomes (-1, -1).
⎩ 4⎭
Example 1 Exercises 1–9 odd, 11–16 4 4
The point (1, 5) becomes (0, -2). The asymptote becomes y = - .
3 _
Example 2 Exercises 17–18 16. p(x) = 2(4 ) -5 {x|-∞ < x < ∞}; {y|y > -5}; The point (0,41) becomes 3, -3).
x-3
(
The point (1, 4) becomes (4, 3). The asymptote becomes y = -5.
Example 3 Exercises 19–22 Write the exponential function that will produce the given graph, using the specified
H.O.T. Exercises 23–24 value of b. Verify that the second reference point is on the graph of the function. Then
state the domain and range of the function in set notation.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

17. b = 2 y 18. b = 10 y=4 y
Real World Problems 8 4
(0, 7.4) q(x) (-2, 3.7)
2
(-1, 5.2)
(-1, 1) x
Avoid Common Errors g(x) 4
-8 -6 -4 -2 0
y=3 -2
When translating the graph of g(x) = abx - h + k, 2
x
students commonly interpret the sign of h incorrectly -4
-6 -4 -2 0 2
and translate the parent graph in the wrong direction.
A major cause of this error is the presence of the
g(x) = 2.2(2 x + 1) + 3 q(x) = -0.3(10 x + 2) + 4
subtraction sign in the expression x - h. Remind
g(0) = 2.2(2 0 + 1) + 3 = 7.4 q(-1) = -0.3(10 -1 + 2) + 4 = 1
students that this subtraction sign is not the sign of h.
In the expression x - 2, for instance, h = 2 The domain of g(x) is {x|-∞ < x < + ∞}. The domain of q(x) is {x|-∞ < x <+∞}.

(a positive number), so the translation is to the right. The range of g(x) is {y|y > 3}. The range of q(x) is {y|y < 4}.
To identify the value of h in the expression x + 2,
students should rewrite it as x - (-2), which means
Module 13 518 Lesson 1

that h = -2, so the translation is to the left.

Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) Math Processes and Practices

Peer-to-Peer Discussion 1–10 1 Recall of Information MPP6 Using Precise Mathematical Language
Ask students to discuss with a partner how they 11–16 2 Skills/Concepts MPP2 Abstract and Quantitative Reasoning
would transform f(x) = 1.1 x and g(x) = -1.1 x.
17–18 2 Skills/Concepts MPP2 Abstract and Quantitative Reasoning
Have them choose a translation and a stretch, write
the rule, and sketch the graphs. If desired, have 19–22 2 Skills/Concepts MPP4 Mathematical Modeling
students choose an axis to reflect the function across 23 3 Strategic Thinking MPP2 Abstract and Quantitative Reasoning
and repeat.
24 3 Strategic Thinking MPP3 Using and Evaluating Logical Reasoning

518 Exponential Growth Functions

 Find the function that corresponds with the given situation. Then graph the function
on a calculator and use the graph to make a prediction.
t
19. f(t) = 0.59(1.5) ; approximately 5.74 days Integrate Technology
19. A certain stock opens with a price of $0.59. Over the first three days, the value of the stock increases on
average by 50% per day. If this trend continues, how many days will it take for the stock to be worth $6?
Students may find it useful to use a spreadsheet to
20. Sue has a lamp from her great-grandmother. She has it appraised and finds it is worth $1000. She wants to
calculate values they use repeatedly. For example,
sell it, but the appraiser tells her that the value is appreciating by 8% per year. In how many years will the after they enter the values of a, b, h, and k in separate
t
value of the lamp be $2000? f(t) = 1000(1.08) ; approximately 9.04 years
cells, they can calculate coordinates of two reference
21. The population of a small town is 15,000. If the population is growing
by 5% per year, how long will it take for the population to reach 25,000?
points as formulas using these values.
t
f(t) = 15,000(1.05) ; approximately 10.47 years

Journal
Have students describe the steps they would take to
graph f(x) = 2 x + 1 - 1 and describe and explain the
transformations from the parent function.
22. Bill invests $3000 in a bond fund with an interest rate of 9% per year. If Bill does not withdraw any of the
money, in how many years will his bond fund be worth $5000?
t
f(t) = 3000(1.09) ; approximately 5.96 years
Online Resources
H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

23. Analyze Relationships Compare the end behavior of g(x) = 2 x and f(x) = x 2. How are the graphs of the t
Practice and Problem Solving (three forms)
functions similar? How are they different? See below. t
Reteach
24. Explain the Error A student has a baseball card that is t
Reading Strategies
worth $6.35. He looks up the appreciation rate and finds it to
be 2.5% per year. He wants to find how much it will be worth t
Success for English Learners
t
after 3 years. He writes the function ƒ(t) = 6.35(2.5) and uses
the graph of that function to find the value of the card in Name ________________________________________ Date __________________ Class __________________
ª
)PVHIUPO
.JGGMJO
)BSDPVSU
1VCMJTIJOH
$PNQBOZ
t
*NBHF
$SFEJUT

3 years. LESSON
13-1
Exponential Growth Functions
Practice and Problem Solving: A/B

Use two points to write an equation for each function shown.

1. 2.
(t) ªNJMPTMKVCJDJD4IVUUFSTUPDL; (b) ©RisingStar/Alamy

x 0 1 2 3 x 4 2 0 2 4
f(x) 6 18 54 162 f(x) 2.98 2.75 2 1 13

________________________________________ ________________________________________

Graph each function.

1 x 1
3. y 5(2)x 4. y 2(3)x 5. y (2)  3
2

According to his graph, his card will be worth about $99.22 in 3 years.
What did the student do wrong? What is the correct answer?
The student forgot to convert the growth rate to a decimal. The function Solve.
t
should be f(t) = 6.35(1.025) . Using the correct function and graph gives 6. The annual sales for a fast food restaurant are $650,000 and are
increasing at a rate of 4% per year. Write the function f(n) that expresses
f(3) = 6.8382555. So, in three years, the card will be worth about $6.84. the annual sales after n years. Then find the annual sales after 5 years.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

23. For g(x) = 2 x, as x → + ∞, g(x) → + ∞ and as x → - ∞, g(x) → 0. 7. Starting with 25 members, a club doubled its membership every year.
Write the function f(n) that expresses the number of members in the
For f(x) = x 2, as x → + ∞, f(x) → + ∞ and as x → - ∞, f(x) → + ∞. club after n years. Then find the number of members after 6 years.

The two functions have the same end behavior as x → + ∞, _________________________________________________________________________________________

8. During a certain period of time, about 70 northern sea otters had an

however as x → - ∞, f(x) = x 2 is unbounded, annual growth rate of 18%. Write the function f(n) that expresses the
population of sea otters after n years. Then find the population of sea
whereas g(x) = 2 x is bounded below by 0. otters after 4 years.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Module 13 519 Lesson 1

Original content Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
223

Lesson 13.1 519

 Lesson Performance Task
Questioning Strategies Like all collectables, the price of an item is determined by what the buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing
to accept. The estimated value of a 1948 Tucker 48 automobile in excellent condition has risen at an approximately
If the car value increased by a constant amount exponential rate from about $500,000 in December 2006 to about $1,400,000 in December 2013.
each year, how could the car’s value be modeled? t
a. Find an equation in the form V(t) = V 0 (1 + r) , where V 0 is the value of the car in dollars in
with a linear equation December 2006, r is the average annual growth rate, t is the time in years since December 2006, and
V(t) is the value of the car in dollars at time t. (Hint: Substitute the known values and solve for r.)
t
Does the function V(t) have an upper limit? V(t) = 500,000 (1.158)
b. What is the meaning of the value of r? The average annual growth rate for the value of a 1948
Mathematically, no. But in a real-world situation, Tucker 48 is about 15.8%.
circumstances might limit the value of the car. c. If this trend continues, what would be the value of the car in December 2017?
The car would have a value of about $2,510,522.73.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Module 13 520 Lesson 1

Extension Activity
Lesson Performance Task Have students research the average growth rate of the stock market from 2006 to
t
2013. Then have students write an exponential growth function V(t) = V0(1 + r)
Scoring Rubric
for the average growth of an initial investment V0 = $500, 000. Have students
Points Criteria compare the value of the car to the value of the stock investment in 2013.
2 Student correctly solves the problem and explains
his/her reasoning.
1 Student shows good understanding of the
problem but does not fully solve or explain his/
her reasoning.
0 Student does not demonstrate understanding of
the problem.

520 Exponential Growth Functions