Chapter 3

SHS- General Mathematics

Exponential Functions

EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Overview:

There are many ways to distinguish phenomenon which is exponential in nature, one
convenient way is to check the pattern that may exist among the values of the dependent
variable y when the values of the independent variable x are integers arranged consecutively.
If there is a common difference between the succeeding and preceding values of the
dependent quantity, then the function may be linear or quadratic. If the common difference
appears in the first level, then the function is linear in nature. If the common difference
appears in the second level, then the function is quadratic. On the other hand, if there is a
common ratio between two consecutive values, then we can say that the function is
exponential.

An exponential functions is defined as “ a mathematical function in which an

independent variable appears in one of the exponents.” Exponential functions are used to
describe quantities that change over time. It represent quantities that are multiplied by a
constant factor during each time period. Exponential functions can model such diverse
phenomena as bacteria growth, radioactive decay, compound interest rates, inflation, musical
pitch, and family trees.

When an airport parking facility opened in 1968, it charged $0.75 for all day parking. Since
then it has doubled its daily parking fee every 8 years as shown in the following table.

Table 4.1
Year 1968 1976 1984 1992 2000 2008
Daily parking fee $0.75 $1.50 $3.00 $6.00 $12.00 $24.00

If we will plot the data in the above table and modeled the upward trend in the parking fee by
a smooth curve.

This model is based on an exponential function, which is one of the major topics of this
chapter. The effectiveness of a drug, which is used for sedation during a surgical procedure,
depends on the concentration of the drug in the patient. Through natural body chemistry, the
amount of this drug in the body decreases over time. The graph in Figure 4.14 models this
decrease. This model is another example of an exponential model.

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Exponential Functions

Learning Outcomes
After working with the module, you will be able to:

1 Recognize the properties Exponential Functions and Inequalities

2.Graphs of Exponential Functions
3. Natural Exponential Function

Exponential Equations and inequalities

Recall:

Definition.
1. Zero as an exponent; if 𝑎 ≠ 0, then 𝑎0 = 1.
2. Negative exponent; If n is any integer, and a and b are not equal to zero, then
1 1
𝑎−𝑛 = (𝑎 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛
𝑎 𝑏
(𝑏 )−𝑛 = (𝑎)𝑛

3
example: Evaluate a. 4−2 , b. (2) −3
𝟏 𝟏
a. 𝒂−𝒏 = (𝒂 )𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏
𝟏 𝟏 1
4−2 = (𝟒 )𝟐 = 𝟒𝟐 = 16

𝒂 𝒃
b. (𝒃)−𝒏= (𝒂)𝒏
3 2 23 8
(2) −3 = (3) 3
= 33 = 27

Theorem. Let m and n be a rational numbers. Then

1. 𝑎𝑚 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛 example: 𝑥 2 ∙ 𝑥 3 = 𝑥 2+3 = 𝑥 5
𝑎𝑚 𝑥5
2. 𝑎𝑛
= 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 example:
𝑥2
= 𝑥 5−2 = 𝑥 3
𝑚 𝑛 𝑚𝑛 3 2 3(2)
3. (𝑎 ) = 𝑎 example: (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 = 𝑥6
4. (𝑎𝑏)𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑏 𝑛 example: (𝑥𝑧)4 = 𝑥 4 𝑧 4
𝑎 𝑎𝑚 𝑥 𝑥3
5. ( )𝑚 = example: ( )3 =
𝑏 𝑏𝑚 𝑧 𝑧3

Definition. One-to –one Property of Exponential Functions

If 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 , then 𝑏 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑏 𝑥2 . Conversely, if 𝑏 𝑥1 = 𝑏 𝑥2 then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2 .

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Exponential Functions
1 Solve the following equation
1. 4𝑥−1 = 16, write both sides with the same base (4)
4𝑥−1 = 42 16= 42
𝑥−1 =2
x =1
2. 125𝑥−1 = 25𝑥+3 , write both sides with the same base
(53 )𝑥−1 = (52 )𝑥+3 125=53 and 25=52
3( 𝑥 − 1) = 2(𝑥 + 3)
3𝑥 − 3 = 2𝑥 + 6
3𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 6 + 3
𝑥=9
𝑥2
3. 9 = 3𝑥+3 , write both sides with the same base
2 𝑥2
(3 ) = 3𝑥+3 16= 42
2𝑥 2 = 𝑥 + 3
2
2𝑥 − 𝑥 − 3 = 0 By factoring or quadratic formula, solve for x.
𝑥=9 2𝑥 2 -3 -x
2𝑥 − 3 =0 𝑥 + 1 = 0 2x 1 2x
3
𝑥= or 𝑥 = −1 x -3 -3x
2

Definition. Property of Exponential Inequalities

If 𝑏 > 1 , then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is increasing for all x. This means that
𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.

If 0 < 𝑏 < 1 , then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is decreasing for all x. This means that
𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.

2 Solve the following inequality.

1. 3𝑥 < 9𝑥−2 , write both sides with the same base
3𝑥 < (32 )𝑥−2
3𝑥 < 32(𝑥−2)
3𝑥 < 32𝑥−4 since 3>1, then this inequality is equivalent to
𝑥 < 2𝑥 − 4
4 < 2𝑥 − 𝑥
4<𝑥 , Thus the solution set is (4, ∞] or {𝑥𝜖ℝ |𝑥 > 4}. Which implies that 4 < 𝑥 is TRUE
if and only if x is greater than 4 but not less than or equal to 4.
1 1
2. ( 10)𝑥+5 ≥ (100)3𝑥 write both sides with the same base
1 1
( 10)𝑥+5 ≥ (10)2(3𝑥)
1 1 1
( 10)𝑥+5 ≥ (10)6𝑥 since 10<1, then this inequality is equivalent to
𝑥 + 5 ≤ 6𝑥 the direction of the inequality is reversed
5 ≤ 6𝑥 − 𝑥
5 ≤ 5𝑥
1≤𝑥 , Thus the solution set is [1, ∞]or {𝑥𝜖ℝ |𝑥 ≥ 1} . Which implies that 1 ≤ 𝑥
is TRUE if and only if x is greater than or equal to 1 but not less than 1.

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Exponential Functions
EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

An exponential function with base b is a function of the form :

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒃𝒙 𝒐𝒓 𝒚 = 𝒃𝒙 , (b > 0, b ≠ 1).

where b is a constant called the base and x is an independent variable called
exponent.

Some examples of exponential Some example of not an exponential functions.

functions.

𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 ; base of 3 and 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 ; variable is the base and not the exponent
𝑔(𝑥) = 10𝑥 ; base is 10 𝑔(𝑥) = 1𝑥 ; The base of an exponential function must
be a
positive constant other than 1.
ℎ(𝑥) = 2𝑥+1 ; base is 2 ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 ; Both the base and the exponent are
𝑥

variables

Let’s start with b>0 , 1 b≠ 1. An exponential function is then a function in the form,
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒃𝒙
Note that we avoid b=1, because that would give the constant function, 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟏 .
We avoid b= 0 since this would also give a constant function and we avoid negative values
of b for the following reason.
𝒈(𝒙) = −𝟒𝒙
Let’s, for a second, suppose that we did allow b to be negative and look at the following
function.
Let’s do some evaluation.
𝟏
𝟏
𝒈(𝟐) = −𝟒𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔 𝒈 (𝟐) = (−𝟒)𝟐 = √−𝟒 = 𝟐𝖎
So, for some values of x we will get real numbers and for other values of x we will get complex
numbers. We want to avoid this so if we require b>0 this will not be a problem.

Thus, the domain of an exponential function is the set of all real numbers and the range is the
set of all positive real numbers.

Let’s take a look at a couple of exponential functions.

3 Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and 𝑔(𝑥) = (2)𝑥

1

Solution: Let’s first get a table of values for these two functions.

𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 points 1 points

𝑔(𝑥) = ( )𝑥
(x, f(x)) 2 (x, g(x))
1 1 1 −2
-2 𝑓(−2) = 2𝑥 = 2−2 = -2, 4 𝑔(−2) = ( ) = 4 -2, 4
4 2
1
-1 -1, 2 -1, 2
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1 1
𝑓(−1) = 2𝑥 = 2−1 = 𝑔(−1) = ( )−1 = 2
0 2 0, 1 2 0, 1
1 0
1 𝑓(0) = 2𝑥 = 20 = 1 1,2 𝑔(0) = ( ) = 1 1
2 1, 2
𝑥
𝑓(1) = 2 = 2 = 21 1 1
2 2,4 𝑔(1) = ( )1 =
2 2 1
𝑥 2 1 2 1 2, 4
𝑓(2) = 2 = 2 = 4 𝑔(2) = ( ) =
2 4

Here’s the sketch of both of these functions.

This graph illustrates some very nice properties about exponential functions in general.

Properties of Exponential Functions and Their Graphs

Let 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒃𝒙 , . 𝑏 > 0, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ≠ 0

1. 𝑓(0) = 1 . The function will always take the value of 1 at x= 0.

2. 𝑓(𝑥) ≠ 0. An exponential function will never be zero.

3. 𝑓(𝑥) > 0. An exponential function is always positive.

4. The previous two properties can be summarized by saying that the range of an exponential function is the
set of positive real numbers, (0, ∞) .

5. The domain of an exponential function is the set of real numbers (−∞, ∞) . In other words, you can plug
every x into an exponential function.

6. If 0 < 𝑏 < 1 then,

a. 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 , 𝑥→∞ b. 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ , 𝑥 → −∞

7. If 𝑏 > 1 then,

a. 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ , 𝑥→∞ b. 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 , 𝑥 → −∞

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Exponential Functions

LET’S INVESTIGATE! Let us analyze the previous graph of each functions.

• Graph of 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙

Looking on the graph, 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 is an

increasing exponential function because from
the properties of exponential functions no.7, if
𝑏 > 1 then, 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ∞ (right graph
from origin) and 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → −∞ (left
graph from the origin.

Note the following properties of the graph of the

exponential function 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙 .
1. The y-intercept is (0,1).
2.The graph passes through (1,2).
3. The graph is a smooth, continuous increasing
curve.

Now consider the graph of an exponential

function for which the base is between 0 and 1.
𝟏
The graph of 𝒚 = 𝒈(𝒙) = ( )𝒙 is a decreasing
𝟐
exponential function because from the
properties of exponential functions no.6, if 0 <
𝑏 < 1 then, 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → ∞ (right graph
from origin) and 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ 𝑎𝑠 𝑥 → −∞ (left
graph from the origin).

Note the following properties of the graph of

𝟏
𝒈(𝒙) = (𝟐)𝒙 .
1. The y-intercept is is (0,1).
𝟏
2. The graph passes through (1, 𝟐)
3. The graph is a smooth, continuous decreasing
curve.
Property no. 1 &2 implies that the function has no zero because no real value of x will make
𝑏 𝑥 = 0. The graph approaches but does not reach the x-axis. The x-axis is the horizontal
asymptote.

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Exponential Functions
4 Sketch the graph of 𝒉(𝒙) =
𝟑
( )𝒙
𝟒
Solution:
3
Because the base is less than 1, we know that the x 3 points
𝑦 = ℎ(𝑥) = ( )𝑥
4
graph of h is a decreasing function that is asymptotic 4 (x, h(x))
to the positive x-axis. The y-intercept of the graph is -3 3
𝑔(−3) = ( )−3 =
64
≈ 2.4
64
-3, 27
the point (0,1). 4 27
3 16 16
-2 𝑔(−2) = ( )−2 = ≈ 1.8 -2,
4 9 9

3 4 4
-1 𝑔(−1) = ( )−1 = ≈ 1.3 -1, 3
4 3
3 0
0 𝑔(0) = ( ) = 1
4 0,1
1 3 3 3
𝑔(1) = ( )1 = 1, 4
4 4

3 9 9
𝑔(2) = ( )2 = ≈ 0.6 2, 16
2 4 16
3 27
3 𝑔(3) = ( )3 = ≈ 0.42 27
3, 64
4 64

Review: The Definition

Transformation – the process of moving a figure from the starting position to some
ending position without changing its size or shape.
Reflection – a transformation that produces a new figure, which is a mirror image of the
original figure.
Translation – a shift or movement in a figure’s location without changing its shape.
Glide Reflection – a combination of a reflection and a translation (glide).

Transformation Equation Description

A. Horizontal translation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥+𝑐 Shifts the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , c units to
the left if c>0.
Shifts the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , c units to
the left if c<0.
B. Vertical Stretching or Shrinking 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑏 𝑥 Multiplying y-coordinates of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥
by c.
-Stretches the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥
vertically if c>1.
-Shrinks the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 vertically
if c<1.
C. Reflection 𝑓(𝑥) = −𝑏 𝑥 -Reflects the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 about
the x-axis.
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 −𝑥 -Reflects the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 about
the y-axis.
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D. Vertical translation 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 + 𝑐 -Shifts the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , c units

upward, if c>0.
-Shifts the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 , c units
downward, if c<0.

5 A. Horizontal translation
Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥−3. Describe the graphs.
Solution: Let’s first get a table of values for these two functions.

x 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 points x 𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥−3 points

(x, f(x)) (x, g(x))
-4 1 1 -4,
1
-4 1 1 1
𝑓(−4) = (2)−4 = = ≈ 0.06 16 𝑔(−4) = 2(−4)−3 = 2−7 = = ≈ 0.008 -4,
24 16 27 128 128

-3 1 1 -3,
1 1 1 1
𝑓(−3) = (2)−3 = = ≈ 0.1 8
-3 𝑔(−3) = 2(−3)−3 = 2−6 = = ≈ 0.02 -3,
23 8 26 64 64

-2 1 1 -2,
1 1 1 1
𝑓(−2) = (2)−2 = = ≈ 0.25 4 -2 𝑔(−2) = 2(−2)−3 = 2−5 = = ≈ 0.03 -2,
22 4 25 32 32

-1 1 1 -1,
1 1 1 1
𝑓(−1) = (2)−1 = 1
= ≈ 0.5 2 -1 𝑔(−1) = 2(−1)−3 = 2−4 = 4
= ≈ 0.06 -1,
2 2 2 16 16

0 0,1 1 1 1
𝑓(0) = (2)0 = 1 0 𝑔(0) = 2(0)−3 = 2−3 = 3 = ≈ 0.1 0,
2 8 8

1 𝑓(1) = (2)1 =2 1, 2 1 1 1
1 𝑔(1) = 2(1)−3 = 2−2 = 2 = ≈ 0.25 1,
2 4 4
2 𝑓(2) = (2)2 = 4 2, 4 1 1 1
2 𝑔(2) = 2(2)−3 = 2−1 = 1 = ≈ 0.5 2,
3 2 2 2
𝑓(3) = (2)3 = 8 3, 8
3 𝑔(3) = 2(3)−3 = 20 = 1 3, 1
4 𝑓(4) = (2)4 = 16 4, 16
4 𝑔(4) = 2(4)−3 = 21 = 2 4, 2

Here’s the sketch of both of these functions.

✓ From the graph of 𝐺(𝑥) = 2𝑥−3 , it

shifts the graph 3 units to 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 ,
since -3<0.
✓ The graph of G is a horizontal
translation of f to the right 3 units,
3 units

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Exponential Functions

6 B. Vertical Stretching or Shrinking

Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝑀(𝑥) = (2)2𝑥 . Describe the graphs.
Solution: Let’s first get a table of values for these two functions.

x 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 points x 𝑦 = 𝑀(𝑥) = (2)2𝑥 point

(x, f(x)) s (x,
g(x))
-4 1 1 -4,
1
-4 2 2 1 1
𝑓(−4) = (2)−4 = 4= ≈ 0.06 16 𝑀(−4) = (2)2−4 = 4= = ≈ 0.125 -4,
2 16 2 16 8 8

-3 1 1 -3,
1 2 2 1 1
𝑓(−3) = (2)−3 = = ≈ 0.1 8
-3 𝑀(−3) = (2)2−3 = = = ≈ 0.25 -3,
23 8 23 8 4 4

-2 1 1 -2,
1 2 2 1 1
𝑓(−2) = (2)−2 = 2 = ≈ 0.25 4 -2 𝑀(−2) = (2)2−2 = 2 = = ≈ 0.5 -2,
2 4 2 4 2 2

-1 1 1 -1,
1 2
𝑓(−1) = (2)−1 = = ≈ 0.5 2 -1 𝑀(−1) = (2)2−1 = =1 -1, 1
21 2 21
0 𝑓(0) = (2)0 = 1 0,1 𝑀(0) = (2)20 = 2 0, 2
0

1 𝑓(1) = (2)1 = 2 1, 2
1 𝑀(1) = (2)21 = 4 1, 4
2 𝑓(2) = (2)2 =4 2, 4
2 𝑀(2) = (2)22 = 8 2, 8
3 𝑓(3) = (2)3 = 8 3, 8
3 𝑀(3) = (2)23 = 16 3, 16
4 𝑓(4) = (2)4 = 16 4, 16
4 𝑀(4) = (2)24 = 32 4, 32

Here’s the sketch of both of these functions.

✓ Stretches the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 to

𝑀(𝑥) = (2)2𝑥 vertically since c=2 and
c>1.

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7 C. Reflection
Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝑁(𝑥) = 2−𝑥 . Describe the graphs..
Solution: Let’s first get a table of values for these two functions.

x 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 points x 𝑦 = 𝑁(𝑥) = 2−𝑥 points

(x, f(x)) (x, g(x))
1 1 -4,
1
-4 𝑓(−4) = (2)−4 = 4
= ≈ 0.06 16 -4 𝑁(−4) = 2−(−4) = 24 = 16 -4, 16
2 16

1 1 -3,
1
𝑁(−2) = 2−(−2) = 22 = 4 -2, 4
-3 𝑓(−3) = (2)−3 = = ≈ 0.1 8 -2
23 8

1 1 1
-1, 2
-2 𝑓(−2) = (2)−2 = = ≈ 0.25 -2,
4 -1 𝑁(−1) = 2−(−1) = 2
22 4

1 1 -1,
1
0, 1
-1 𝑓(−1) = (2)−1 = = ≈ 0.5 2 0 𝑁(0) = 2−(0) = 1
21 2
0,1 1 1
0 𝑓(0) = (2)0 = 1 1 𝑁(1) = 2−(1) = = 0.5 1,
2
2
𝑓(1) = (2)1 =2 1, 2 1 1
1 𝑁(2) = 2−(2) = 2 = ≈ 0.25 1
2 2 4 2,
4
2 𝑓(2) = (2)2 = 4 2, 4
1 1 1
3 𝑁(3) = 2−(3) = 3 = ≈ 0.1 3,
3 𝑓(3) = (2)3 =8 3, 8 2 8 8

1 1 1
𝑓(4) = (2)4 = 16 4, 16 4 𝑁(4) = 2−(4) = 4= ≈ 0.06 4,
4 2 16 16

Here’s the sketch of both of these functions.

✓ Reflects the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 to

𝑁(𝑥) = 2−𝑥 about the y-axis..

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8 D. Vertical translation
Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝐹(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3. Describe the graphs.
Solution: Let’s first get a table of values for these two functions.

x 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 points x 𝑦 = 𝐹(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 points

(x, f(x)) (x, g(x))
-4 1 1 -4,
1
-4 1 47 47
𝑓(−4) = (2)−4 = 4
= ≈ 0.06 16 𝐹(−4) = 2(−4) − 3 = 4
−3=− ≈ −2.9 -4, −
2 16 2 16 16

-3 1 1 -3,
1 1 11 11
𝑓(−3) = (2)−3 = = ≈ 0.1 8 -2 𝐹(−2) = 2(−2) − 3 = −3=− ≈ −2.8 -2, −
23 8 22 4 4

-2 1 1 -2,
1 1 5 5
𝑓(−2) = (2)−2 = = ≈ 0.25 4 -1 𝐹(−1) = 2(−1) − 3 = − 3 = − ≈ −2.5 -1, −
22 4 21 2 2

-1 1 1 -1,
1
𝑓(−1) = (2)−1 = = ≈ 0.5 2 0 𝐹(0) = 2(0) − 3 = 1 − 3 = −2 0, -2
21 2
0 𝑓(0) = (2)0 = 1 0,1 1, -1
1 𝐹(1) = 2(1) − 3 = 2 − 3 = −1
1 𝑓(1) = (2)1 = 2 1, 2
2 𝐹(2) = 2(2) − 3 = 4 − 3 = 1 2, 1
2 2
𝑓(2) = (2) = 4 2, 4
3 𝐹(3) = 2(3) − 3 = 8 − 3 = 5 3, 5
3 𝑓(3) = (2)3 =8 3, 8
4 4, 13
4 𝐹(4) = 2(4) − 3 = 16 − 3 = 13
𝑓(4) = (2)4 = 16 4, 16
5 𝐹(5) = 2(5) − 3 = 32 − 3 = 29 5, 29

Here’s the sketch of both of these functions.

✓ Shifts the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 to

𝑦 = 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 3 , 3 units downward,
since -3 <0.

✓ The graph of F is a vertical translation of

f down 3 units.

2 units

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

NATURAL EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The irrational number is often used in applications that involve circles. Another irrational
number, denoted by the letter e, is useful in many applications that involve growth or decay. These will
all be very useful properties to recall at times as we move throughout this course (and later Calculus
courses for that matter…).
There is a very important exponential function that arises naturally in many places. This
function is called the natural exponential function. However, for most people, this is simply the
exponential function.
𝟏
The letter e represents the number that (𝟏 + )𝐧 , approaches as n increases without bound.
𝐧
The letter e was chosen in honor of the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler. He was able to compute
the value of e to several decimal places by evaluating for large values of n.

𝟏
Value of n Value of (𝟏 + 𝐧)𝐧 = e
1 100 2
10 101 2.59374246
100 102 2.704813829
1,000 103 2.716923932
10,000 104 2.718145927
100,000 105 2.718268237
1,000,000 106 2.718280469
10,000,000 107 2.718281693

The value of e accurate to eight decimal places is 2.71828183. The base of an exponential function can
be any positive real number other than 1.

Definition : For all real numbers x, the function defined by

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒆𝒙
is called the natural exponential function.
So, since
The 𝑒 >exponential
natural 1 we also know 𝑒 𝑥𝑒→
that is
function
𝑥
𝑥 ∞ as 𝑥 → ∞ and 𝑒 → 0 as 𝑥 → −∞ .
, where e is Euler’s number approximately
equal to 2.718281828…

So, since 𝑒 > 1 we also know that 𝑒 𝑥 → ∞ as 𝑥 → ∞ and 𝑒 𝑥 → 0 as 𝑥 → −∞ .

Plotting 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒆𝒙
Solution: Let’s first get a table of values.

x -2 -1 0 1 2

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 Chapter 3
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Exponential Functions

𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒆𝒙 0.1353 ≈ 0.1 0.3679 ≈0.4 1 2.718 ≈ 2.7 7.389 ≈ 7.4

Let’s take a quick look at an example.

𝑡
9 Sketch the graph of ℎ(𝑡) = 1 − 5𝑒 1−2 .

Solution: Let’s first get a table of values .

𝒕
t 𝒉(𝒕) = 𝟏 − 𝟓𝒆 𝟏−𝟐 points (t, h(t))
(−2)
ℎ(−2) = 1 − 5e 1− 2 = −35.945 ≈ −36 −2, −36
-2
(−1)
1−
-1 ℎ(−1) = 1 − 5e 2 = −21.41 ≈ −21.4 −1, −21.4
0
0 ℎ(0) = 1 − 5e 1−2 = −12.59 ≈ −12.6 0, −12.6
1
1 ℎ(1) = 1 − 5e 1−2 = −7.2436 ≈ −7.2 1, −7.2
2
2 ℎ(2) = 1 − 5e 1−2 = −4 2, −4

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

𝑡
Here’s the sketch of functions ℎ(𝑡) = 1 − 5𝑒 2.

Many applications can be modeled effectively by functions that involve an exponential

function.

EXPONENTIAL MODELS/ REAL-LIFE APPLICATION

Exponential functions are used to mathematically model real-life situations. Exponential and
linear behaviors are ones you will frequently (though perhaps unknowingly) encounter throughout
life. Here we’ll take a look at some examples showing the wide range of applications of exponential
functions.
The graph of an exponential function defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 where 𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏 ≠ 1 indicates
that:
A. it is an increasing function, sometimes called as exponential growth function if 𝑏 >1
and can be modeled by:
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥
where;
a is the initial number
b is the growth factor
x is the number of intervals (minutes, years, and so on).

B. it is a decreasing function, sometimes called an exponential decay function if 0 < 𝑏 <1,

its a can be represented as
𝑎 =1−𝑟
where;
r is the decay rate, the decimal representation of the percent rate of change.

Let’s take a quick look at an example.

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

10 1. Converting the growth rate to a growth factor b;

The Philippines Bureau of the Census has made a number of projections for the first half of this
century. For each projection, convert the growth rate into a growth factor.

a. Disposable income is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.9%.

solution:
2.9%
growth rate = 2.9% = 100%=0.029 in decimal form.
growth factor b= 1 +0.029 = 1.029.

b. Nonagriculture employment is projected to grow at 1.0% per year.

solution:
1%
growth rate = 1% = =0.01 in decimal form.
100%
growth factor b= 1 +0.01 = 1.01.

c. Employment in manufacturing is projected to grow at 0.2% per year.

solution:
0.2%
growth rate = 0.2% = 100%=0.002 in decimal form.
growth factor b= 1 +0.002 = 1.002.

2. A bacteria grows at a rate of 20% each day. There are 500 bacteria today. How many will there
be,
a. tomorrow b. one week from now? c. one month from now?

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

Solution:
a. no. of bacteria next day/tomorrow.
Using exponential growth function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥
where; a=500, b=1.20 and x=1(grows rate is per day)
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 = (500)(1.20)1 =600 bacteria
There will be 600 bacteria tomorrow.
b. no. of bacteria one week from now.
Using exponential growth function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥
where; a=500, b=1.20 and x=7(grows rate is per day; 1week =7days)
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 = (500)(1.20)7 =1,791.59 bacteria
There will be 1,792 bacteria one week from now.
c. no. of bacteria one month from now.
Using exponential growth function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥
where; a=500, b=1.20 and x=30(grows rate is per day; if not specified if what month)
𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 = (500)(1.20)30 =118,688.16 bacteria
There will be 118,688 bacteria one month from now.

3. Monique deposits Php 45,000 in a savings account. The account pays an annual interest of 8%.
Compute the future worth after 10 years, if no transactions has made.

Using exponential growth function 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥

where; a= Present amount = Php 45,000

b= growth factor = 100% + 8% =108% = 1.08
x=10 years (rate is per year)

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑏 𝑥 = (45000)(1.08)10 = Php 97, 151.62

4. Sea ice that survives the summer and remains year round, called perennial sea ice, is melting at
the alarming rate of 9% per decade, according to a 2006 report by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. Assuming the percent decrease per decade in sea ice remains
constant, construct a function that represents this decline.
Solution:
If the percent decrease remains constant, then the melting of sea ice represents an exponential
function with a decay rate of 0.09 in decimal form. So,
decay factor =1 − 0.09 = 0.91
let: d = number of decades since 2006
A = amount of sea ice (in millions of acres) in 2006,
then we can model the amount of sea ice, S(d),by the exponential function:
𝑆(𝑑) = 𝐴(0.91)𝑑

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

3 Self Assessment Questions

SAQ

A. Solve for the solution set of the following equation.

3 25
1. 3𝑥 = 81 2. 57−𝑥 = 125 3. (5) 𝑥+1
= 9
49 9
4. (81)𝑥+1 ≥ 7 5. 10𝑥 > 100 −2𝑥−5

B. Graph the Exponential Functions

1. Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥+3 in one plane.
Describe the graphs.
2. Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝑀(𝑥) = (−2)2𝑥 in one plane.
Describe the graphs.
3. Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝑁(𝑥) = −2𝑥 in one plane.
Describe the graphs.
4. Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 and the graph of 𝐹(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 3 in one plane.
Describe the graphs.
C. Real-life Applications
1.Which of the following is an exponential decay function?
1 6
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4(2 )𝑥 b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5(3 )−𝑥 c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3(5 )𝑥
4 4
d. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3(3 )−𝑥 e. 𝑓(𝑥) = 6(5 )−𝑥

2. Which function is graphed?

1
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(5 )−𝑥
1
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = −2(5 )𝑥

c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(5 )𝑥
1
d. 𝑓(𝑥) = (5 )𝑥
1
e. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2(5 )𝑥

3. A population of bacteria initially has 250 present and in 5 days there will be 1600
bacteria present.
(a) Determine the exponential growth equation for this population.
(b) How long will it take for the population to grow from its initial population of 250 to
a population of 2000?

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

PROBLEM SET No. 1

Name: ______________________________________________________________ Grade and Section: _________________________

Write your answers here.
Detached this Page

18
 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

PROBLEM SET No. 1

Name: ______________________________________________________________ Grade and Section: _________________________

Write your answers here.
Detached this Page

19
 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

SUMMARY

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 Chapter 3
SHS- General Mathematics
Exponential Functions

FEEDBACK

As you go along this module, what lesson did you feel the most difficult for you? Try to list
them down and give time to consult your teacher for further discussion.

References:

Baratto−Bergman, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 4th Edition. McGraw−Hill Primis. ISBN−10:
0−39−022309−3 & ISBN−13: 978−0−39−022309−8.

Littell, McDougal. Practice Woorkbook in ALGEBRA 2, 2001. McDougal Littell Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 0-
618-13258-9.

Aufmann, Barker, Nation. College Algebra and Trigonometry, 7th edition. Brooks/Cole, Cengage
Learning . ISBN-10: 1-4390-4860-6 & ISBN-13: 978-1-4390-4860-3.

Flores, Maricar, Gagani Ray Ferdinand and Ypanto Quennie. Worktext in General Mathematics for
Senior High School. C & E Publishing, 2016.

Oronce, Orlando. General Mathematics. Rex Bookstore. 2016.

General Mathematics by DEPEd.

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