Exponential Functions and

Their Graphs
Section 3-1
The exponential function f with base a is
defined by
f(x) = ax
where a > 0, a  1, and x is any real number.

For instance,
f(x) = 3x and g(x) = 0.5x
are exponential functions.

2
The value of f(x) = 3x when x = 2 is
f(2) = 32 = 9

The value of f(x) = 3x when x = –2 is

1
f(–2) = 3–2 =
9

The value of g(x) = 0.5x when x = 4 is

g(4) = 0.54 = 0.0625

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 The graph of f(x) = ax, a > 1
y
Exponential
Growth
Function 4
Range: (0, )

(0, 1)
x
4
Horizontal Asymptote
y=0
Domain: (–, )

4
 The graph of f(x) = ax, 0 < a < 1
y
Exponential
Decay
4
Function Range: (0, )

(0, 1)
x
4
Horizontal Asymptote
y=0
Domain: (–, )

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 Exponential Function
• 3 Key Parts
• 1. Pivot Point (Common Point)
• 2. Horizontal Asymptote
• 3. Growth or Decay

6
 Manual Graphing
• Lets graph the following together:

• f(x) = 2x

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 Example: Sketch the graph of f(x) = 2x.

x f(x) (x, f(x)) y

-2 ¼ (-2, ¼) 4
-1 ½ (-1, ½)
2
0 1 (0, 1)
1 2 (1, 2) x
2 4 (2, 4) –2 2

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 Definition of the Exponential Function

The exponential function f with base b is defined by

f (x) = bx or y = bx
Where b is a positive constant other than and x is any real number.

Here are some examples of exponential functions.

f (x) = 2x g(x) = 10x h(x) = 3x

Base is 2. Base is 10. Base is 3.

Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Company, Inc. All rights reserved. 9

 Calculator Comparison
• Graph the following on your calculator at
the same time and note the trend
• y1 = 2 x
• y 2= 5 x
• y3 = 10x

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 When base is a fraction
• Graph the following on your calculator at
the same time and note the trend
• y1 = (1/2)x
• y2= (3/4)x
• y3 = (7/8)x

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 Transformations Involving Exponential Functions
Transformation Equation Description

Horizontal g(x) = bx+c • Shiftsthe graph of f (x) = bx to the left c units if c > 0.
translation • Shifts the graph of f (x) = bx to the right c units if c < 0.

Vertical stretching or g(x) = cbx Multiplying y-coordintates of f (x) = bx by c,

shrinking • Stretches the graph of f (x) = bx if c > 1.
• Shrinks the graph of f (x) = bx if 0 < c < 1.

Reflecting g(x) = -bx • Reflectsthe graph of f (x) = bx about the x-axis.

g(x) = b-x • Reflects the graph of f (x) = bx about the y-axis.

Vertical translation g(x) = bx+ c • Shiftsthe graph of f (x) = bx upward c units if c > 0.
• Shifts the graph of f (x) = bx downward c units if c < 0.

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Example: Sketch the graph of g(x) = 2x – 1. State the
domain and range.

The graph of this y f(x) = 2x

function is a vertical
translation of the 4
graph of f(x) = 2x
down one unit . 2

Domain: (–, ) x
y = –1
Range: (–1, )

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Example: Sketch the graph of g(x) = 2-x. State the
domain and range.

The graph of this y f(x) = 2x

function is a
reflection the graph 4
of f(x) = 2x in the y-
axis.

Domain: (–, ) x
–2 2
Range: (0, )

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 Discuss these transformations
• y = 2(x+1)
• Left 1 unit
• y = 2x + 2
• Up 2 units
• y = 2-x – 2
• Ry, then down 2 units

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 Special Symbols
• Math uses special symbols at times to
represent special numbers used in
calculations.
• The symbol  (pi) represents 3.14…..

• The symbol “i” represents 1

16
(The Euler #) e is an irrational #,
where
e  2.718281828…
is used in applications involving growth
and decay.

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 The graph of f(x) = ex
y
x f(x)
Natural
Exponential 6
-2 0.14
Function -1 0.38
4
0 1
2 1 2.72
2 7.39
x
–2 2

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 Homework
• WS 6-1

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