3.
1 Exponential Functions
Homework –
Pg 384 (1-45 multiples of 3)
Exponential Functions
An exponential function is a function
of the form y = a • b ,
x
where a ≠ 0, b > 0, and b ≠ 1,
and the exponent must be a variable.
Our presentation today will consists
of two sections.
Section 1: Exploration of exponential
functions and their graphs.
Section 2: Discussion of the equality
property and its applications.
First, let’s take a look at an
exponential function
x y
y=2 x
0 1
1 2
2 4
-1 1/2
-2 1/4
y = a •b x
So our general form is simple
enough.
The general shape of our graph will
be determined by the exponential
variable.
Which leads us to ask what
role does the ‘a’ and the base
‘b’ play here. Let’s take a look.
First let’s change the
base b
to positive values
What conclusion can
we draw ?
Next, observe what happens when b
assumes a value such that 0<b<1.
Can you explain why
this happens ?
What do you think
will happen if ‘b’ is
negative ?
Don’t forget our
definition !
Any equation of the form:
y = a • b , where a ≠ 0, b > 0 and b ≠ 1
x
Can you explain why ‘b’ is
restricted from assuming negative
values ?
y = a •b x
To see what impact ‘a’ has on our
graph
we will fix the value of ‘b’ at 3.
What does a larger
value of ‘a’
accomplish ?
Shall we speculate as to what
happens when ‘a’ assumes
negative values ?
Let’s see if you are
correct !
y = a • b where a ≠ 0, b > 0 and b ≠ 1
x
= a• b
x
n Our general exponential formy is
n “b” is the base of the function
and changes here will result in:
n When b>1, a steep increase in
the value of ‘y’ as ‘x’
increases.
n When 0<b<1, a steep decrease
in the value of ‘y’ as ‘x’
increases.
y = a •b x
n We also discovered
that changes in
“a” would change
the y-intercept on
its corresponding
graph.
n
n Now let’s turn our
attention to a
useful property of
exponential
functions.
Section 2
The Equality Property of
Exponential Functions
Graph:
n f(x) = 2x
n
n f(x) = 2x - 3
n
n f(x) = 3x - 1
n
Graph:
n f(x) = (0.8)x
n
STOP HERE FOR TODAY
We know that in exponential functions
the exponent is a variable.
When we wish to solve for that variable we have
two approaches we can take.
One approach is to use a logarithm. We will learn
about these in a later lesson.
The second is to make use of the Equality
Property for Exponential Functions.
The Equality Property for
Exponential
Functions
Suppose
n
b is a positive number other
than 1. Then b x = b x 1 2
if and only if
n
x1 = x 2 .
n
Basically, this states that if the bases are the same, then we
n can simply set the exponents equal.
This property is quite useful when we
n are trying to solve equations
involving exponential functions.
n
Let’s try a few examples to see how it works.
n
Example 1:
3 2x−5
=3 x +3
(Since the bases are the same we
simply set the exponents equal.)
2x − 5 = x + 3
x−5= 3
x=8
Here is another example for you to
try:
Example 1a:
1
x +5
23x −1
=2 3
The next problem is what to do
when the bases are not the same.
32x + 3
= 27
x −1
Does anyone have
an idea how
we might approach this?
3 =2 x+ 3
Our strategy here is to rewrite
the bases so that they are both
the same.
Here for example, we know that
3 = 27
3
Example 2: (Let’s solve it
now)
32x + 3
= 27 x −1
(our bases are now the same
32x +3
=3 3(x−1)
so simply set the exponents equal)
2x + 3 = 3(x −1)
2x + 3 = 3x − 3
−x + 3 = − 3
−x =−6
x=6
Let’s try another one of
these.
Example 3
1 Remember a negative exponent is simply
16 =
x +1
another way of writing a fraction
32
The bases are now the same
24(x +1) = 2− 5 so set the exponents equal.
4(x +1) = − 5
4x + 4 = − 5
4x = − 9
9
x=−
4
By now you can see that the equality
property is
actually quite useful in solving these
problems.
Here are a few more examples for you to try.
1
Example 4: 3 2x −1
=
9
Example 5: 4 x +3
=8 2x +1
