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Exponential Functions: Properties, Graphs, and Applications

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Exponential Functions

Definition and Basic Properties

An exponential function is a function of the form , where a is a positive real number (, ), and C is a nonzero real number. The domain of is all real numbers, and the range is all positive real numbers. The base a is called the growth factor, and is the initial value since .

  • Domain:

  • Range:

  • Y-intercept:

  • Horizontal asymptote:

  • One-to-one function: Each input yields a unique output.

Laws of Exponents

The following properties hold for all real numbers , , , and with and :

Evaluating Exponential Functions

To evaluate an exponential function, substitute the value of and compute the result. Calculators are often used for non-integer exponents.

  • Example:

Graphing Exponential Functions

Graphs of ,

When the base is greater than 1, the function is increasing and exhibits exponential growth. The graph passes through and , and as , .

  • Key points: , ,

  • Horizontal asymptote:

  • Graph is smooth and continuous.

Graph of f(x) = 3^x General graph of f(x) = a^x, a > 1

Graphs of ,

When the base is between 0 and 1, the function is decreasing and exhibits exponential decay. The graph passes through and , and as , .

  • Key points: , ,

  • Horizontal asymptote:

  • Graph is smooth and continuous.

Graph of f(x) = (1/3)^x General graph of f(x) = a^x, 0 < a < 1

Tabular Representation of Exponential Functions

Tables help visualize how exponential functions change for different values of .

x

f(x) = (1/3)^x

-10

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

10

Table of values for f(x) = (1/3)^x

Transformations of Exponential Functions

Reflections and Shifts

Exponential functions can be transformed by reflecting, shifting, or stretching. For example, is obtained by reflecting about the y-axis and then shifting up by 1 unit.

  • Domain:

  • Range:

  • Horizontal asymptote:

  • Y-intercept:

Graph of y = 3^{-x} + 1

The Number e

Definition and Properties

The number e is a fundamental constant in mathematics, defined as the limit:

  • Approximate value:

Graphs of and

The function is an exponential growth function, while is its reflection over the x-axis.

  • Key points for : , , , ,

  • Key points for : , , , ,

  • Horizontal asymptote:

x

-2

-1

0

1

2

Graph of y = e^x Graph of y = -e^x

Solving Exponential Equations

Basic Principle

If , then (for , ). This property is used to solve exponential equations by equating exponents.

  • Example: Solve . Rewrite $8, so .

  • Example: Solve . Rewrite $9 and $27, so .

  • Example: Solve . Set exponents equal: .

Summary Table: Exponential Function Properties

Base

Growth/Decay

Domain

Range

Asymptote

Y-intercept

Growth

Decay

Growth

Additional info: The notes above expand on the original slides by providing full definitions, examples, and context for each property and transformation. All included images directly illustrate the graphs or tables referenced in the explanations.

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