are 1.

10 Lesson: Exponential functions

g an
upported NOTE: The content in Unit 1, and in this speci5c lesson, is foundational for buildin
wser. remainder of this learning resource, Units 2 through 5. However, since it is basica
se see
not be directly assessed on your high-stakes exam.
ems
irements Lesson introduction
e
a list Focus in on a square centimeter of your skin. Look closer. Closer still. If you could lo
thousands of microscopic organisms. They are bacteria, and they are not only on yo
pported intestines. In fact, the bacterial cells in your body at any given moment outnumber y
wsers. yourself. While some bacteria can cause illness, many are healthy and even essentia

Bacteria commonly reproduce through a process called binary Bssion, during which
right, bacteria can reproduce very quickly. Unlike humans and other complex organis
bacteria is often a matter of minutes or hours, as opposed to days or years.0

Electron micrograph of E. coli bacteri

Credit: Mattosaurus, Wikimedia Commons

For simplicity's sake, suppose we begin with a culture of one bacterial cell that can d
bacterial cells at the end of each subsequent hour. We see that the single bacterial c
hours! And if we were to extrapolate the table to twenty-four hours, we would have o
 Number of bacteria in a culture over time.

Hour 00 11 22 33 44 55 66 77
Bacteria 1 1 2 2 4 4 8 8 1616 3232 6464 1281

In this lesson, we will explore exponential functions, which can be used for, among o
found in bacteria. We will also investigate logarithmic functions, which are closely re
have numerous real-world applications when it comes to modeling and interpreting

India is the second most populous country in the world with a population of about 1
growing at a rate of about 1.2% 1.2% each year1. If this rate continues, the populati
2031. When populations grow rapidly, we often say that the growth is "exponential,"
mathematician, however, the term exponential growth has a very speciBc meaning. I
functions, which model this kind of rapid growth.

Identifying exponential functions

When exploring linear growth, we observed a constant rate of change-a constant nu

increase in input. For example, in the equation f (x) = 3x + 4, f(x) = 3x + 4, the slop
input increases by 1 1. The scenario in the India population example is different beca
than a constant change) in the number of people.

De5ning an exponential function

A study found that the percent of the population who are vegans in the United State
population was vegan, adhering to a diet that does not include any animal products-
continues, vegans will make up 10%10% of the U.S. population in 2015, 40%40% in

What exactly does it mean to grow exponentially? What does the word double have i
words around errantly. Are these words used correctly? The words certainly appear

Percent change refers to a change based on a percent of the original amount.

Exponential growth refers to an increase based on a constant multiplicative ra
percent increase of the original amount over time.
Exponential decay refers to a decrease based on a constant multiplicative rate
percent decrease of the original amount over time.

For us to gain a clear understanding of exponential growth, let us contrast exponent

functions. The Brst function is exponential. We will start with an input of 0 0, and inc
corresponding consecutive outputs. The second function is linear. We will start with
add 2 2 to the corresponding consecutive outputs. See the table below.

An exponential versus linear function

xx f (x) = 2x f(x) = 2 x g(x) = 2x

00 11 00
11 22 22
22 44 44
3 88 66
4 4 1616 88
5 5 3232 1010
6 6 6464 1212

From the table values for the two functions we can infer that for these two functions

Exponential growth refers to the original value from the range increases by the
domain.
Linear growth refers to the original value from the range increases by the same

Apparently, the difference between "the same percentage" and "the same amount" is
increments, the constant multiplicative rate of change resulted in doubling the outpu
growth, the constant additive rate of change over equal increments resulted in addin
by one.

The general form of an exponential function is f (x) = abx , f(x) = ab x, where a a i

equal to 1 1.

If b > 1, b > 1, the function grows at a rate proportional to its size.

If 0 < b < 1, 0 < b < 1, the function decays at a rate proportional to its size.
Exponential function

For any real number x, x, an exponential function is a fun

f (x) = abx f(x) = ab x

where

a a is the a non-zero real number called the initial

b b is any positive real number such that b ≠ 1. b
The domain of f f is all real numbers.
The range of f f is all positive real numbers if a >
The range of f f is all negative real numbers if a <
The yy-intercept is (0, a) , (0, a), and the horizonta

Identifying exponential functions

Which of the following equations represent exponential functi

f (x) = 2x 2 − 3x + 1 f(x) = 2x 2 − 3x + 1
g(x) = 0.875x g(x) = 0.875 x
h(x) = 1.75x + 2h(x) = 1.75x + 2
j(x) = 1095.6−2x j(x) = 1095.6 − 2x

Solution

g(x) = 0.875x g(x) = 0.875 x andj(x) = 1095.6−2x j(x) = 1

functions.

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.1: Identifying exponential functions.

Identify whether each function is an exponential function.

 1) F(x) = x 4 F(x) = x 4
Exponential function
Not an exponential function

2) G(x) = 7 ⋅ 4x G(x) = 7 ⋅ 4 x
Exponential function
Not an exponential function

3)
h(x) =
()
( 5 ) h(x) =
1 x
()
1 x
5

Exponential function
Not an exponential function

4) K(x) = 5x − 9 K(x) = 5x − 9
Exponential function
Not an exponential function

5) w(x) = 7x+2 w(x) = 7 x + 2

Exponential function
Not an exponential function

6) y = (−3)x y = ( − 3) x
Exponential function
Not an exponential function

Evaluating exponential functions

Recall that the base b b of an exponential function is always a positive constant grea
values? To ensure that the outputs will be real numbers. Observe what happens if th

( 2)
1 x = 1 . Then f (x) 1 1
Let b = −9 b = − 9 and x = 2.
=f = (−9) = √
()
2
2

number.

Why do we limit the base to positive values other than 1?1 ? Because base 1 1 resul
the base is 1 : 1 :
 Let b = 1. b = 1. Then f (x) = 1x = 1 f(x) = 1 x = 1 for any value of x. x.

To evaluate an exponential function with the form f (x) = bx , f(x) = b x, we simply su

resulting power. For example:

Let f (x) = 2x . f(x) = 2 x. What is f (3)?f(3) ?

f (x) = 2x
f (3) = 23 Substitute x =
=8 Evaluate the p

f(x) = 2x
f(3) = 23 Substitute x = 3.
=8 Evaluate the powe

To evaluate an exponential function with a form other than the basic form, it is impo

Let f (x) = 30(2)x . f(x) = 30(2) x. What is f (3)? f(3) ?

f (x) = 30(2)x
f (3) = 30(2)3 Substitute x =
= 30 (8) Simplify the p
= 240 Multiply.

f(x) = 30(2) x
f(3) = 30(2) 3 Substitute x = 3.
= 30(8) Simplify the powe
= 240 Multiply.

Note that if the order of operations were not followed, the result would be incorrect:

f (3) = 30(2)3 ≠ 603 = 216

f(3) = 30(2) 3 ≠ 60 3 = 216,000

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.2: Evaluating exponential functions.

Considering the functions:

 g(x) = ( )
1 x
f (x) = 2 ⋅ 5x h(x) = −3 ⋅ 2x+1
( 1)
4
f(x) = 2 ⋅ 5x g(x) = ()4
x
h(x) = − 3 ⋅ 2 x + 1

Find the following function values.

1) f (3)f(3)

Check Show answer

2) g(−3) g( − 3)
Correct

64
Check Show answer

g(−3) = ( 14 )
−3
= 64
()
3) h(0) h(0)
Correct

-6
Check Show answer
h(0) = −3 ⋅ 2 0+1 = −
h(0) = − 3 ⋅ 2 0 + 1 = − 3

4) g(0) g(0)
Correct

1
Check Show answer

g(0) = ( 14 ) = 1 g(0) =
0

()
5) h(5) h(5)
Correct

-192
Check Show answer
h(5) = −3 ⋅ 2 5+1 = −
h(5) = − 3 ⋅ 2 5 + 1 = − 3
 6) f (2)f(2)
Correct

50
Check Show answer
f (2) = 2 ⋅ 5 2 = 2 ⋅ 25

De5ning exponential growth

Because the output of exponential functions increases very rapidly, the term "expone
describe anything that grows or increases rapidly. However, exponential growth can
the growth rate is proportional to the amount present, the function models exponen

Exponential growth

A function that models exponential growth grows by a rate p

present. For any real number x x and any positive real numbe
exponential growth function has the form

f (x) = abx
where

a is the initial or starting value of the function.

b is the growth factor or growth multiplier per unit x.

In more general terms, we have an exponential function, in which a constant base is

linear and exponential functions, let's consider two companies, A and B. Company A
stores a year, so its growth can be represented by the function A (x) = 100 + 50x
increasing the number of stores by 50% each year, so its growth can be represente

A few years of growth for these companies are illustrated in the table below.
 A table of linear versus exponential g

Year,
Stores, Company A Stores,
x
0 100 + 50 (0) = 100 100(1 + 0

1 100 + 50 (1) = 150 100(1 + 0

2 100 + 50 (2) = 200 100(1 + 0

3 100 + 50 (3) = 250 100(1 + 0

x A (x) = 100 + 50x B(x) = 10

The graphs comparing the number of stores for each company over a Bve-year perio
growth, the number of stores increases much more rapidly than with linear growth.
 A graph of linear versus exponential g

Notice that the domain for both functions is [0, ∞),and the range for both function
more stores than Company A.

Now we will turn our attention to the function representing the number of stores for
exponential function, 100 represents the initial number of stores, 0.50 represents th
growth factor. Generalizing further, we can write this function as B(x) = 100(1.5)x
and x is called the exponent.

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.3: Evaluating a real-world exponential funct
 The population of India was about 1.25 billion in the year 2013
1.2%. The exponential growth function P(t) = 1.25(1.012)t c
India's population where t represents the number of years since

1) What value of t corresponds to

the year 2031? Correct

18

2031 − 2013 = 18 , so
Check Show answer

2) What will the population (in

billions) of India be in 2031? Correct

Round to the nearest thousandth. 1.549

Type as: #.###
P(18) = 1.25(1.012)1
billion people

Check Show answer

3) What will the population (in

billions) of India be in 2040? Correct

Round to the nearest thousandth. 1.725

Type as: #.###
P(18) = 1.25(1.012)2
billion people

Check Show answer

Finding equations of exponential functions

In the previous examples, we were given an exponential function, which we then eva
information about an exponential function without knowing the function explicitly. W
function, then determine the constants a and b, and evaluate the function.
How to

Given two data points, write an exponential model.

1. If one of the data points has the form (0, a) , then a is

substitute the second point into the equation f (x) = a
2. If neither of the data points have the form (0, a) , sub
equations with the form f (x) = a(b)x . Solve the resul
two unknowns to Bnd a and b.
3. Using the a and b found in the steps above, write the e
f (x) = a(b)x .

Question and answer

Do two points always determine a unique exponential function

Yes, provided the two points are either both above the x-axis
have different x-coordinates. But keep in mind that we also n
fact, an exponential function. Not every graph that looks exp
need to know the graph is based on a model that shows the
unit increase in x, which in many real world cases involves ti
How to

Given the graph of an exponential function, write its equation.

1. First, identify two points on the graph. Choose the y-int

whenever possible. Try to choose points that are as far
round-off error.
2. If one of the data points is the y-intercept (0, a) , then
substitute the second point into the equation f (x) = a
3. If neither of the data points have the form (0, a) , sub
equations with the form f (x) = a(b)x . Solve the resul
two unknowns to Bnd a and b.
4. Write the exponential function, f (x) = a(b)x .
Writing an exponential function given its graph
Find an equation for the exponential function graphed below.

Solution

We can choose the y-intercept of the graph, (0, 3) , as our Mr

value, a = 3. Next, choose a point on the curve some distanc
integer coordinates. One such point is (2, 12).

y = abx Write the general form of a

y = 3bx Substitute the initial value
12 = 3b2 Substitute in 12 for y and 2
4 = b2 Divide by 3.
b = ±2 Take the square root.
Because we restrict ourselves to positive values of b, we will
b into the standard form to yield the equation f (x) = 3(2)x .
Finding a model given a graph.
Find an equation for the exponential function graphed below.

Solution

f (x) = √2‾(√2‾) . Answers may vary due to round-off error

x

close to 1.4142(1.4142)x .

How to

Given two points on the curve of an exponential function, use

equation.

1. Press [STAT].
2. Clear any existing entries in columns L1 or L2.
3. In L1, enter the x-coordinates given.
4. In L2, enter the corresponding y-coordinates.
5. Press [STAT] again. Cursor right to CALC, scroll down to
Regression), and press [ENTER].
6. The screen displays the values of a and b in the expon
Using a graphing calculator to Bnd an exponential f
Use a graphing calculator to Mnd the exponential equation tha
(2, 24.8) and (5, 198.4).

Solution

Follow the guidelines above. First press [STAT], [EDIT], [1: Edit.
Next, in the L1 column, enter the x-coordinates, 2 and 5 . Do th
y-coordinates, 24.8 and 198.4.
Now press [STAT], [CALC], [0: ExpReg] and press [ENTER]. The
be displayed. The exponential equation is y = 6.2 ⋅ 2x .

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.4: Writing an exponential model when the in

In 2006, 80 deer were introduced into a wildlife refuge. By 2012

to 180 deer. The population was growing exponentially, as show
1) If t represents the number of
years since 2006 and N(t) Correct

represents the population of deer, N(t) = ab t is an expon

which model should be used for appropriate for the deer
N(t) ?
N(t) = at + b
N(t) = abt
2) In the model N(t) = abt , a
represents the initial amount. Correct

What is the initial value for the Since t represents the nu

population? initial value is the amoun

a = 80 deer
a = 180 deer
3) What is the value of b in the
model N(t) = 80bt ? Round to Correct

the nearest hundredth. Type as: The second input-outpu

#.## the model N(t) = 80b t
180 = 80b 6
b = 1.14
2.25 = b 6
b = 2.38 b = √6 2.25
‾‾‾‾ = (2.2

4) Using the result from parts 2 and

3 , what is the exponential growth Correct

model for the population? Substituting the initial

the exponential growt
N(t) = 80 ⋅ 1.14t = 91.2t
N(t) = 80 ⋅ 1.14t
5) To the nearest whole number,
use the model to predict the Correct

population of deer in the year 2016 corresponds to t =

2016. N(10)
N(10) is found.
297 deer
651 foxes

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.5: Writing an exponential model when the in
Suppose an exponential model goes through the points (−4, 6)

1) If the Brst ordered pair (−4, 6) is

substituted into the exponential Correct

model y = abx , the resulting The x -value given was x

equation is 6 = ab4 . equation should be 6 =

True
False

2) If the second ordered pair (3, 1)

is substituted into the Correct

exponential model y = abx , the Substituting x = 3 and

resulting equation is 1 = ab3 . 1 = ab 3 .

True
False

3) The equation 6 = ab−4 is

Correct
equivalent to the equation
a = 6b4 . 6 = ab −4
a
True 6 = 4 multiply by
b
False a = 6b 4

4) The equation a = 6b4 can be

Correct
substituted into 1 = ab3 to get
1 = 6b−1 . The exponents should b
1 = ab 3 leta = 6b 4
True
1 = 6b 4 ⋅ b 3
False 1 = 6b 7

5) b ≈ 0.7742.
Correct
True
The equation 1 = 6b 7 c
False 1 = 6b 7
1
b7 =
6

√6 (6)
‾‾
1 1 1/7
b= 7
=
 6) a ≈ 2.1550
Correct
True
a can be found by subst
False

the ordered pair (3, 1) .

7) The Bnal model is

y = 2.1550 ⋅ 0.7742x . The Correct

model represents exponential While y = 2.1550 ⋅ 0.7

growth. model represents expon
graph and the two order
True
False

Evaluating functions with base e

As we saw earlier, the amount earned on an account increases as the compounding

from annual to semi-annual compounding is larger than the increase from monthly
whether this pattern will continue.

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.6: Investigating compound interest.

Using the values $1 invested at 100% interest for one year simp
formula to A(1 + 1n ) . Use the simpliBed formula to determine
n

interest earned without bound.

Calculate (1 + 1n )
n
for the different compound frequencies ind
1) Annually (n = 1)
Correct

2
Check Show answer
Evaluating (1 + 1n ) fo
n

(1 + 1 ) = 2
1 1

2) Monthly (n = 12 )
Correct

2.6130
Check Show answer
Evaluating (1 + 1n ) fo
n

(1 + 12 )
1 12
≈ 2.6130

3) Daily (n = 365 )
Correct

2.7146
Check Show answer
Evaluating (1 + 1n ) fo
n

(1 + 365 )
1 365
≈ 2.714

4) Hourly (n = 8766)
Correct

2.7181
Check Show answer
Evaluating (1 + 1n ) fo
n

(1 + 8766 )
1 8766
≈ 2.71

5) Once per minute (

n = 525, 960) Correct

2.7183

Evaluating (1 + 1n ) fo
n
Check Show answer

(1 + )
1 525960
525960
≈
 6) Does the quantity (1 + 1 )n
n Correct
level off or increase without
bound as n gets larger? Type level off
"level off" or "increase without
As n gets larger, the valu
bound."
irrational number, called
2.72 .

Check Show answer

These values appear to be approaching a limit as n increases without bound. In fact

(1 + n )
1 n
approaches a number used so frequently in mathematics that it has its o
number, which means that its decimal expansion goes on forever without repeating
below.

The number e

The letter e represents the irrational number

(1 + n ) , as n increases without bound

1 n

The letter e is used as a base for many real-world exponentia

we use the approximation, e ≈ 2.718282. The constant wa
mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) who Brst inves
its properties.

1.10.7: Using a calculator to Bnd powers of e.

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY

Use the [e^] function on a calculator to Bnd each power of e. Rou

places. Type as: #.#####

1) e2
Correct

7.38906
Check Show answer
e2 ≈ 7.38906
 2) e3.14
Correct

23.10387
Check Show answer
e3.14 ≈ 23.10387

3) e−4
Correct

0.01832
Check Show answer
e−4 ≈ 0.01832

Investigating continuous growth and decay

So far we have worked with rational bases for exponential functions. For most real-w
exponential functions. Exponential models that use e as the base are called continuo
Bnance, computer science, and most of the sciences, such as physics, toxicology, a
The continuous growth/decay formula

For all real numbers t,and all positive numbers a and r, conti
represented by the formula

A(t) = aert

where

a is the initial value,

r is the continuous growth rate per unit time,
and t is the elapsed time.

If r > 0 , then the formula represents continuous growth. If r

represents continuous decay.

For business applications, the continuous growth formula is

compounding formula and takes the form

A(t) = Pert

where

P is the principal or the initial invested,

r is the growth or interest rate per unit time,
and t is the period or term of the investment.
How to

Given the initial value, rate of growth or decay, and time t, solv
function.

1. Use the information in the problem to determine a , the

2. Use the information in the problem to determine the gr
1. If the problem refers to continuous growth, then r
2. If the problem refers to continuous decay, then r
3. Use the information in the problem to determine the tim
4. Substitute the given information into the continuous gr

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.8: Continuous growth.

Suppose that $3000 is invested in an account earning 7% inter

The continuously com

formula
A(t) = Pert This formula calculates
in an account over time
compounded continuou

The initial amount.

P = 3000 P is the amount original
account.

The interest rate.

The interest is substitute
r = 0.07 decimal form.

r=7
 The amount of mone
after 5 years.
$4257.20
A(5) = 3000e0.07⋅5 =

The amount of mone

$6041.26 after 10 years.
A(5) = 3000e0.07⋅10 =

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.10.9: Calculating continuous decay.

Radon-222 is a radioactive substance that decays at a rate of 1

physicist has 500 mg of radon-222.

1) What is the correct value for the

decay rate, r? Correct
The rate r is negative be
r = 0.173 decaying.
r = −0.173
2) What is the correct decay model
for this situation? Correct
This model indicates a d
A(t) = 500e−0.173t initial amount of 500 .
A(t) = e−0.173t
3) To the nearest whole number,
how much Radon-222 will be Correct

present after 2 days? A(2) = 500e−0.173⋅2 ≈

354mg
841mg

Lesson exercises

Verbal
 Exercise 1.10.1

Explain why the values of an increasing exponential functi

(a)
values of an increasing linear function.
Solution !
Linear functions have a constant rate of change. Exponen
percent of the original.

Exercise 1.10.2

Given a formula for an exponential function, is it possible t

(a)
grows or decays exponentially just by looking at the formu
Solution !
Yes, it is possible. For any exponential function of the form
grow exponentially if the growth factor b > 1 and it will d

Algebraic

For the following exercises, identify whether the statement represents an exponenti

Exercise 1.10.3

(a) The average annual population increase of a pack of wolve

Solution !
Not exponential. When the increase is by a constant amou
the domain this represents linear growth, not exponential;
by a constant amount, so the statement represents a linea
 Exercise 1.10.4

(a) A population of bacteria decreases by a factor of 18 every 2

Solution !
Exponential. The population decreases by a proportional r

For the following exercises, consider this scenario: For each year t,the population of
A(t) = 115(1.025)t . In a neighboring forest, the population of the same type of tr
B(t) = 82(1.029)t . (Round answers to the nearest whole number.)

Exercise 1.10.5

(a) Which forest's population is growing at a faster rate?

Solution !
The forest represented by the function B(t) = 82(1.029)

Exercise 1.10.6

(a) Which forest had a greater number of trees initially? By ho

Solution !
Initially always implies when t = 0 . Plugging t = 0 into e
115 for the function A(t) and 82 for function B(t) , theref
by function A(t) would have 33 more trees than the numb

For the following exercises, determine whether the equation represents exponential
 Exercise 1.10.7

(a) y = 300(1 − t)5

Solution !
Whenever the variable is in the base of the expression and
an exponential growth or decay function, therefore NEITH
function, not an exponential function.

Exercise 1.10.8

(a) y = 220(1.06)x
Solution !
Exponential growth. The growth factor, 1.06, is greater th

Exercise 1.10.9
1
(a) y = 16.5(1.025) x
Solution !
The variable in the exponent is not in the numerator of the
be a constant proportion, it would actually be inversely rel
to be an exponential function. NEITHER ; The equation is n

Lesson summary

Before moving on, take a last moment to think about what you've learned in this less

Percent change is measured as a percent of the original amount.

Exponential growth is increase based on a constant multiplicative rate of chan
Exponential decay is decrease based on a constant multiplicative rate of chan
Many real-life phenomena are modeled using exponential functions. Populatio
phenomena that frequently use exponential functions.

(*0) Todar, PhD, Kenneth. Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. http://textbookofb

(*1) http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/. Accessed February 24, 2014.

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