Chapter 4
Exponential and
Logarithmic
Functions
4.1 Exponential
Functions
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Objectives
• Evaluate exponential functions.
• Graph exponential functions.
• Evaluate functions with base e.
• Use compound interest formulas.
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Definition of the Exponential Function
The exponential function f with base b is defined by
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 or 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥
where b is a positive constant other than 1 (b > 0 and
b ≠ 1) and x is any real number.
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Example 1: Evaluating an Exponential Function
The exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 42.2 1.56 𝑥
models the average amount spent, f(x), in dollars, at a
shopping mall after x hours. What is the average
amount spent, to the nearest dollar, after three hours at a
shopping mall?
We substitute 3 for x and evaluate the function.
Solution: 𝑓 𝑥 = 42.2 1.56 𝑥
𝑓 3 = 42.2 1.56 3
𝑓 3 ≈ 160.20876 ≈ 160
After 3 hours at a shopping mall, the average amount
spent is $160.
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Example 2: Graphing an Exponential Function
Graph: 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 . We set up a table of coordinates,
𝑓 𝑥 = 3 𝑥 then plot these points,
x
connecting them with a smooth,
–2 −2
1
𝑓 −2 = 3 = continuous curve.
9
–1 −1
1
𝑓 −1 = 3 =
3
0
𝑓 0 = 30 = 1
1 𝑓 1 = 31 = 3
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Characteristics of Exponential Functions of the Form
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒃𝒙
1. The domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 consists of all real numbers:
(−∞, ∞). The range of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 consists of all positive
real numbers: 0, ∞ .
2. The graphs of all exponential functions of the form
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 pass through the point (0, 1) because
𝑓 0 = 𝑏 0 = 1 𝑏 ≠ 0 . The y-intercept is 1. There is no
x-intercept.
3. If b > 1, 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 has a graph that goes up to the right
and is an increasing function. The greater the value of b,
the steeper the increase.
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Characteristics of Exponential Functions of the Form
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒃𝒙 (continued)
4. If 0 < b < 1, 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 has a graph that goes down to the
right and is a decreasing function. The smaller the value
of b, the steeper the decrease.
5. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥 is one-to-one and has an inverse that is a
function.
6. The graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥
approaches, but does not
touch, the x-axis. The
x-axis, or y = 0, is
a horizontal asymptote.
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Transformations of Exponential Functions 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥
In each case, c represents a positive real number.
Transformation Equation Description
Vertical 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 Shifts f(x) upward c units
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑏𝑥 − 𝑐 Shifts f(x) downward c units
Horizontal 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥+𝑐 Shifts f(x) left c units
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 Shifts f(x) right c units
Reflection 𝑔 𝑥 = −𝑏 𝑥 Reflects f(x) about the x-axis
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑏 −𝑥 Reflects f(x) about the y-axis
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Transformations of Exponential Functions 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑥
(continued)
In each case, c represents a positive real number.
Transformation Equation Description
Vertical; stretch 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑏 𝑥 Vertically stretches the
graph of f(x) if c > 1 and
or shrink shrinks if 0 < c < 1.
Horizontal 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑏 𝑐𝑥 Horizontally shrinks the
graph of f(x) if c > 1 and
stretch or shrink stretches if 0 < c < 1.
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Example 4: Transformations Involving Exponential
Functions
Use the graph of 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 to obtain the graph of
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥−1 .
(1, 3)
Solution:
Begin with 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 (0, 1)
which was graphed in 1
−1,
Example 2. 3
We’ve identified
Horizontal
three points and the asymptote
asymptote. y=0
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Example 4: Transformations Involving Exponential
Functions (continued)
The graph will shift 1 unit to the right.
(1, 3)
Add 1 to each x-coordinate.
(0, 1)
1 (2, 3)
−1,
3
(1, 1)
1 Horizontal
0,
3
asymptote
y=0
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The Natural Base e
1 𝑛
The number e is defined as the value that 1 +
𝑛
approaches as n gets larger and larger. As 𝑛 → ∞, the
approximate value of e to nine decimal places is
𝑒 ≈ 2.718281827.
The irrational number, e, approximately 2.72, is called the
natural base. The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥 is called the
natural exponential function.
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Example 6: Gray Wolf Population
The exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 1144𝑒 0.0325𝑥
models the gray wolf population of the Western Great
Lakes, f(x), x years after 1978. Project the gray wolf’s
population in the recovery area in 2014.
Solution: Because 2014 is 36 years after 1978, we
substitute 36 for x in the given function.
𝑓 𝑥 = 1144𝑒 0.0325𝑥
𝑓 36 = 1144𝑒 (0.0325)(36)
𝑓 36 ≈ 3686
This indicates that the gray wolf population in the Western
Great Lakes in the year 2014 is projected to be about 3686
wolves.
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Formulas for Compound Interest
After t years, the balance, A, in an account with principal P
and annual interest rate r (in decimal form) is given by the
following formulas:
1. For n compounding periods per year:
𝑟 𝑛𝑡
𝐴 =𝑃 1+
𝑛
2. For continuous compounding: 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡
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Example 7a: Using Compound Interest Formulas
A sum of $10,000 is invested at an annual rate of 1.08%.
Find the balance in the account after 5 years subject to
quarterly compounding.
Solution: We will use the formula for n compounding
periods per year, with n = 4.
𝑟 𝑛𝑡 0.0108 4(5)
𝐴=𝑃 1 + = 10,000 1 +
𝑛 4
≈ 10,554.08
The balance in the account after 5 years subject to quarterly
compounding will be $10,554.08
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Example 7b: Using Compound Interest Formulas
A sum of $10,000 is invested at an annual rate of 1.08%.
Find the balance in the account after 5 years subject to
continuous compounding.
Solution:
We will use the formula for continuous compounding.
𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡
𝐴 = 10,000𝑒 0.0108(5)
𝐴 ≈ 10,554.85
The balance in the account after 5 years subject to
continuous compounding will be $10,554.85.
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