Concept and Solving Exponential Function:

Reference: http://www.wallace.ccfaculty.org/book/10.4%20Exponential

%20Equations.pdf

Objectives

 It will explain what is the concept of exponential function

 It will explain how to solve a exponential function

if b is any number such that b> 0 and b ≠ 1 then an Exponential function is a

function form.

f (x) = Bx

where b is called the base and x can be any real number.

Notice that the x is now in the exponent and the base is a fixed number. This is
exactly the opposite from what we’ve to this point. To this point base has been
the variable, x in most cases, and the exponent was a fixed number. However,
despite these differences these function evaluate in exactly the same way as
those that we are used to. We will see some examples of exponential function
shortly.

Before we get too far into this section we should address the restrictions on b.
we avoid one and zero because in this case the function would be,

f (x) = 0x = 0 and f (x) = 1x = 1

and these are constant function and won’t have many of the same properties
that general exponential function have.

Next, we avoid the negative numbers so that we don’t get any complex values
out of the function evaluation. For instance, if we allowed b = -4 function would
be.

f (x) = (-4)x ⇒ f(12)=(−4)12=√-4

and as you can see there are some function evaluations that will give complex
numbers. We only want real numbers to arise from function evaluation and so
to make sure of this we require that b not be a negative number.

Mark Angelo Sanchez Stem11y1-2

If we have several factors with the same base on one side of the equation we
can add the exponent using the property that states axay=ax+y.

54r52r-1= 53r+11 Add the Exponents on the left combining like terms
56r-1=53r+11 Same base, set exponents equal
6r-1= 3r + 11 Move variables to one sides

-3r -3r Subtract 3r from both sides

3r-1 = 11 Add 1 to the both side
+1 +1
3r = 12 Divide both side by 3
3 3
r=4 Our solution

KEY CONCEPT IN EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION

 An exponential function is defined function with a positive constant other
than 1 raised to a variable exponent.
 A function is evaluated by solving at a specific input value.
 An exponential model can be found when the growth rate and initial
value are known.
 An exponential model can be found when two data points from the model
is unknown.
 An exponential model can be found using two data points from the graph
of the model.
 The value of an account at any time t can be calculated using the
compound interest formula when the principal, annual interest rate, and
compounding periods are known.
 The initial investment of an account can be found using the compound
interest formula when the value of the account annual interest rate,
compounding periods and life span of the account are known.
 The number e is a mathematical constant often used as the base of real
world exponential growth and decay models. Its decimal approximation is
e≈ 2.718282.
 Scientific and graphing calculators have the key [e2] or [exp (x)] for
calculating powers of e.
 Continuous growth or decay models are exponential models that uses e
as the base. Continuous growth and decay rate are known.

Mark Angelo Sanchez Stem11y1-2

EXERCISE
Solve the following exponential function
Given the function f(x) = 4x evaluate the following
1. f(-2)
2. f(-½)
3. f(3/2)
4. f(-3)
5. f(-1)

ASSIGNMENT
Given the function f(x) =9x evaluate each of the following. 2 POINTS EACH
1. f(−3)
2. f(−1)
3. f(0)
4. f(1/2)
5. f(3/2)
6. f(5)
7. f(3)
8. f(12)
9. f(10
10. f(9)

Mark Angelo Sanchez Stem11y1-2