Exponential Functions
3.1 and Their Graphs
What You Should Learn
Recognize and evaluate
exponential functions with base a.
Graph exponential functions with
base a.
Recognize, evaluate, and graph
exponential functions with base e.
Use exponential functions to
model and solve real-life problems.
Exponential Functions
Exponential Functions
In this chapter you will study two types of
nonalgebraic functions—exponential functions and
logarithmic functions.
Exponential Functions
Note that in the definition of an exponential function,
the base a = 1 is excluded because it yields
Constant function
f (x) = 1x = 1.
This is a constant function, not an exponential
function.
Example 1 – Evaluating
Exponential Functions
Try this on your calculator, but do not write it down.
Use a calculator to evaluate each function at the indicated value
of x.
Function Value
a. f (x) = 2x x = –3.1
b. f (x) = 2 –x x=
c. f (x) = 0.6x x=
d. f (x) = 1.052x x = 12
Example 1 – Solution
Graphs of Exponential Functions
Graphs of Exponential
Functions
The graphs of all exponential functions have similar
characteristics, as shown in Example 2 on the next
slide.
Example 2 – Graphs of y =
ax
In the same coordinate plane, sketch the graph of
each function by hand.
a. f (x) = 2x b. g (x) = 4x
Solution:
The table below lists some values
for each function. By plotting these
points and connecting them with
smooth curves, you obtain the
graphs shown in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1
Example 2 – Solution cont’d
Note that both graphs are increasing. Moreover, the
graph of g (x) = 4x is increasing more rapidly than the
graph of
f (x) = 2x . You can tell if you compare the y values in
the table below.
Graphs of Exponential
Functions
Graph of f (x) = ax , a > 1 Graph of f (x) = a –x , a
>1
Domain:( , ) Domain:( , )
Range :(0 , ) Range :(0 , )
Intercept :(0 ,1) Intercept :(0 ,1)
Increasing on :( , ) Increasing on :( , )
The Natural Base e
The Natural Base e
For many applications, the convenient choice for a base
is the irrational number
e = 2.718281828 . . . .
This number is called the natural
base. The function
f (x) = ex
is called the natural exponential
function and its graph is shown
in Figure 3.9.
The Natural Exponential Function
Figure 3.9
Example 6 – Evaluating the Natural
Exponential Functions
Use a calculator to evaluate the function
f (x) = ex
at each indicated value of x.
a. x = –2
b. x = 0.25
c. x = –0.4
d. x =
Do this on your calculator, but do not write it down.
Example 6 – Solution
Applications
Applications
One of the most familiar examples of exponential growth is an
investment earning continuously compounded interest.
To accommodate quarterly, monthly, or daily compounding of
interest, let n be the number of compounding per year and let t be
the number of years.
(The product nt represents the total number of times the interest will
be compounded.)
Applications
Then the interest rate per compounding period is rn and the account
balance after t years is
Amount (balance) with n
compoundings per year
When the number of compoundings n increases without bound, the
process approaches what is called continuous compounding. In
the formula for n compoundings per year, let m = nr . This produces
Applications
As m increases without bound, we have
approaches e. So, for continuous compounding, it follows that
and you can write A = pert. This result is part of the reason that e is
the “natural” choice for a base of an exponential function.
Applications
Example 8 – Finding the Balance for Compound
Interest
A total of $9000 is invested at an annual interest rate of 2.5%,
compounded annually. Find the balance in the account after 5 years.
Solution:
In this case,
P = 9000, r =2.5% = 0.025, n = 1, t = 5.
Using the formula for compound interest with compoundings per
year, you have
Formula for compound interest
Example 8 – Solution cont’d
Substitute for P, r, n, and t.
= 9000(1.025)5 Simplify.
$10,182.67. Use a calculator.
So, the balance in the account after 5 years will be about
$10,182.67.