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Exponential Function Shape Properties

The document explains the shape and properties of exponential functions, highlighting the differences between cases where the base b is greater than 1 (exponential growth) and between 0 and 1 (exponential decay). It details the characteristics of the graphs, including their smoothness, continuity, and asymptotes, as well as common misconceptions about their properties. Additionally, it notes that the two types of graphs are reflections of each other across the y-axis.

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5 views2 pages

Exponential Function Shape Properties

The document explains the shape and properties of exponential functions, highlighting the differences between cases where the base b is greater than 1 (exponential growth) and between 0 and 1 (exponential decay). It details the characteristics of the graphs, including their smoothness, continuity, and asymptotes, as well as common misconceptions about their properties. Additionally, it notes that the two types of graphs are reflections of each other across the y-axis.

Uploaded by

nkuzanavulombe
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Shape and Properties of an Exponential Function

The exponential function has the form y = bx (and, when shifted vertically, y = bx + q). Its shape
depends entirely on the base b. There are two cases, shown below.

y = bx, b > 1 y = bx, 0 < b < 1


4 y 4 y

3 3

2 2

1 1

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 x

Example: y = 2x — increasing Example: y = (½)x — decreasing

• The graph passes through the point (0 ; 1). • The graph passes through the point (0 ; 1).
• Domain: x ∈ ℝ • Domain: x ∈ ℝ
x
• Range: y > 0; but for y = b + q, the range is y > • Range: y > 0; but for y = bx + q, the range is y >
q. q.
• The graph is smooth, continuous and an • The graph is smooth, continuous and a
increasing function. decreasing function.
• Asymptote is at y = 0; but for y = bx + q, the • Asymptote is at y = 0; but for y = bx + q, the
horizontal asymptote is at y = q. horizontal asymptote is at y = q.

NOTE: The two functions are a reflection of each other about the y-axis.

■ The key distinction at a glance


• b > 1 (base bigger than 1, e.g. 2): the graph increases — exponential growth.
• 0 < b < 1 (base a proper fraction, e.g. ½): the graph decreases — exponential decay.
• Both always pass through (0 ; 1), because b0 = 1 for any base b.

Shape & Properties of an Exponential Function Page 1


Understanding the Two Cases

Why b > 1 increases and 0 < b < 1 decreases


Each time x increases by 1, the y-value is multiplied by b (that is what a constant base does). So the
base b is the “growth factor” per step:

■ Multiply-by-b each step


• If b > 1, multiplying by b makes the value bigger every step → the curve rises. Example y = 2x: 1, 2,
4, 8, 16, ...
• If 0 < b < 1, multiplying by a fraction makes the value smaller every step → the curve falls. Example y
= (½)x: 1, ½, ¼, 1/8, ...

Why they are mirror images


The note that the two graphs reflect across the y-axis is exact, and there is a neat reason: (½)x =
(2−1)x = 2−x. Replacing x with −x is precisely what reflects a graph in the y-axis. So the decreasing
graph is the increasing graph viewed in a mirror placed on the y-axis — which is only possible
because one increases and the other decreases.

Common mistakes (the ones corrected here)


Common error Correct version

0 < b < 1 (b is between 0 and 1; both signs point the


Writing the base condition as 0 < b > 1
same way)

Writing the shifted form as y + bx + q y = bx + q (an equals sign, not a plus)

Thinking b > 1 should decrease b > 1 increases; only 0 < b < 1 decreases

Saying the range is y ≥ 0 Range is y > 0 (strictly), since bx never actually reaches 0

■ One subtlety about the range


The range is y > 0 (with a strict >, not ≥) because an exponential approaches the asymptote y = 0 but
never touches it — there is no x that makes bx exactly 0. After a vertical shift of q, the same logic gives
range y > q and asymptote y = q.

Shape & Properties of an Exponential Function Page 2

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