Scribd
Upload
87 views24 pages

Exponential Functions

The document discusses exponential functions, including: 1) Exponential functions have the basic form f(x) = Nx, where N is the base and x is the variable in the exponent, not the base. 2) Properties of exponents and solving exponential equations are explored. 3) Graphs of exponential functions are shown, which are always either increasing or decreasing based on whether the base is greater than or less than 1. 4) The special number e, approximately 2.718, is often associated with exponential functions and the exponential function f(x) = ex is examined.

Uploaded by

Nakisia Sims
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
87 views24 pages

Exponential Functions

The document discusses exponential functions, including: 1) Exponential functions have the basic form f(x) = Nx, where N is the base and x is the variable in the exponent, not the base. 2) Properties of exponents and solving exponential equations are explored. 3) Graphs of exponential functions are shown, which are always either increasing or decreasing based on whether the base is greater than or less than 1. 4) The special number e, approximately 2.718, is often associated with exponential functions and the exponential function f(x) = ex is examined.

Uploaded by

Nakisia Sims
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 24

Exponential Functions

Objectives
To use the properties of exponents to:
 Simplify exponential expressions.
 Solve exponential equations.
To sketch graphs of exponential functions.
Exponential Functions
A polynomial function has the basic form: f (x) = x3

An exponential function has the basic form: f (x) = 3x

An exponential function has the variable in the exponent,


not in the base.

General Form of an Exponential Function:


f (x) = Nx, N > 0
Properties of Exponents
Properties of Exponents
Simplify:
Properties of Exponents
Simplify:
Exponential Equations
Solve: Solve:
Exponential Equations
Solve: Solve:
Exponential Equations
Solve: Solve:

Not considered an
exponential equation,
because the variable
is now in the base.
Exponential Equations
Solve:
Not considered an
exponential equation,
because the variable
is in the base.
Exponential Functions
General Form of an Exponential Function:
f (x) = Nx, N > 0

g(x) = 2x g(3) = 8
g(2) = 4
x
g(1) = 2
g(0) = 1
g(–1) =
2x g(–2) =
Exponential Functions
g(x) = 2x
x

2 4

1 2

0 1
–1
–2
Exponential Functions
g(x) = 2x
Exponential Functions
h(x) = 3x
x

2 9

1 3

0 1
–1
–2
Exponential Functions
h(x) = 3x
Exponential Functions
g(x) = 2x (blue) Exponential functions with
positive bases greater than
1 have graphs that are
increasing.

The function never crosses


the x-axis because there is
nothing we can plug in for x
that will yield a zero
answer.
h(x) = 3x (red)
The x-axis is a left
horizontal asymptote.
Exponential Functions
g(x) = 2x (blue) A smaller base means the
graph rises more
gradually.

A larger base means the


graph rises more quickly.

Exponential functions will


h(x) = 3x (red) not have negative bases.
The Number e

A base often associated with exponential functions is:

e  2.71828169
The Number e
Compute:

x x

–.1 2.868 .1 2.5937

–.01 2.732 .01 2.7048

–.001 2.7196 .001 2.7169


The Number e
Euler’s number
Leonhard Euler
(pronounced “oiler”)
Swiss mathematician
and physicist
The Exponential Function
f (x) = ex
Exponential Functions

0 1
–1 2

–2 4
Exponential Functions

Exponential functions with positive bases less


than 1 have graphs that are decreasing.
Why study exponential functions?
Exponential functions are used in our real world
to measure growth, interest, and decay.

Growth obeys exponential functions.


Ex: rumors, human population, bacteria,
computer technology, nuclear chain reactions,
compound interest

Decay obeys exponential functions.


Ex: Carbon-14 dating, half-life, Newton’s Law of
Cooling

You might also like