LINEAR VS.

EXPONENTIAL
GROWTH
Differentiate between linear and exponential functions.
Focus 8 Learning Goal – (HS.N-RN.A.1 & 2, HS.A-SSE.B.3, HS.A-CED.A.2, HS.F-IF.B.4, HS.F-IF.C.8 & 9, and HS.F-LE.A.1) =
Students will construct, compare and interpret linear and exponential function models and
solve problems in context with each model.
4 3 2 1 0
In addition to level 3, Students will construct, compare, and Students will construct, Students will Even with help, the
students make interpret linear and exponential function compare, and interpret have partial student is not
connections to other models and solve problems in context linear function models success at a 2 or successful at the
content areas and/or with each model. and solve problems in 3, with help. learning goal.
contextual situations - Compare properties of 2 functions in context with the model.
outside of math. different ways (algebraically, graphically, - Describe a situation
  numerically in tables, verbal where one quantity
descriptions) changes at a constant
- Describe whether a contextual situation rate per unit interval as
has a linear pattern of change or an compared to another.
exponential pattern of change. Write an
equation to model it.  
- Prove that linear functions change at
the same rate over time.
- Prove that exponential functions
change by equal factors over time.
- Describe growth or decay situations.
- Use properties of exponents to simplify
expressions.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN LINEAR AND
EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS?
 Linear functions take the form y =
mx + b.
 An exponential function is in the
form y = ax.
 It is easy to see the difference
between a linear and exponential
function on a graph.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN LINEAR AND
EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS? x 2x x 2x
 Linear functions change 1 2 1 2
at a constant rate per 2 4 2 4
unit interval. 3 6 3 8
4 8 4 16
5 10 5 32
 An exponential function 6 12 6 64
changes by a common 7 14 7 128
ratio over equal 8 16 8 256
9 18 9 512
intervals. 10 20 10 1,024
IS THE EXAMPLE LINEAR OR
EXPONENTIAL?
 Sebastian deposits $100,000 in a local bank that will pay out 5% interest every
year. Is this example linear or exponential?
 A certain type of corn grows at the rate of 3 inches per week. Is this example
linear or exponential?
 The Munn Sugar Processing Plant is able to process 10 tons of sugar per
month. Assuming that this process stays steady, is this example linear or
exponential?
 Exercise biologist, Samantha, discovered that to reduce soreness, people
should start biceps curls at 10 pounds. Then, progress weekly to 11 pounds, 14
pounds, 20 pounds, 32 pounds, 56 pounds and so on. Is this example linear or
exponential?