Exponential and Logarithmic
3 Functions
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Exponential Functions
3.1 and Their Graphs
Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
What You Should Learn
• Recognize and evaluate exponential functions
with base a.
• Graph exponential functions with base a.
• Recognize, evaluate, and graph exponential
functions with base e.
• Use exponential functions to model and solve
real-life problems.
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Exponential Functions
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Exponential Functions
In this chapter you will study two types of nonalgebraic
functions—exponential functions and logarithmic functions.
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Exponential Functions
Note that in the definition of an exponential function, the
base a = 1 is excluded because it yields
f(x) = 1x = 1. Constant function
This is a constant function, not an exponential function.
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Example 1 – Evaluating Exponential Functions
Try this on your calculator, but do not write it down.
Use a calculator to evaluate each function at the indicated
value of x.
Function Value
a. f(x) = 2x x = –3.1
b. f(x) = 2 –x x=
c. f(x) = 0.6x x=
d. f(x) = 1.052x x = 12 7
Example 1 – Solution
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Graphs of Exponential Functions
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Graphs of Exponential Functions
The graphs of all exponential functions have similar
characteristics, as shown in Example 2 on the next slide.
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Example 2 – Graphs of y = ax
In the same coordinate plane, sketch the graph of each
function by hand.
a. f(x) = 2x b. g(x) = 4x
Solution:
The table below lists some values
for each function. By plotting these
points and connecting them with
smooth curves, you obtain the
graphs shown in Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1 11
Example 2 – Solution cont’d
Note that both graphs are increasing. Moreover, the graph
of g(x) = 4x is increasing more rapidly than the graph of
f(x) = 2x . You can tell if you compare the y values in the
table below.
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Graphs of Exponential Functions
Graph of f(x) = ax , a > 1 Graph of f(x) = a –x , a > 1
Domain:( , ) Domain:( , )
Range :(0 , ) Range :(0 , )
Intercept :(0 ,1) Intercept :(0 ,1)
Increasing on :( , ) Increasing on :( , )
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The Natural Base e
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The Natural Base e
For many applications, the convenient choice for a base is
the irrational number
e = 2.718281828 . . . .
This number is called the natural
base. The function
f(x) = ex
is called the natural exponential
function and its graph is shown
The Natural Exponential Function
in Figure 3.9.
Figure 3.9
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Example 6 – Evaluating the Natural Exponential Functions
Use a calculator to evaluate the function
f(x) = ex
at each indicated value of x.
a. x = –2
b. x = 0.25
c. x = –0.4
d. x =
Do this on your calculator, but do not write it down.
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Example 6 – Solution
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Applications
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Applications
One of the most familiar examples of exponential growth is
an investment earning continuously compounded interest.
To accommodate quarterly, monthly, or daily compounding
of interest, let n be the number of compoundings per year
and let t be the number of years.
(The product nt represents the total number of times the
interest will be compounded.)
Please read the next two slides, but do not write them
down.
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Applications
Then the interest rate per compounding period is rn and
the account balance after t years is
Amount (balance) with n
compoundings per year
When the number of compoundings n increases without
bound, the process approaches what is called continuous
compounding. In the formula for n compoundings per
year, let m = nr . This produces
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Applications
As m increases without bound, we have
approaches e. So, for continuous compounding, it follows
that
and you can write A = pert. This result is part of the reason
that e is the “natural” choice for a base of an exponential
function.
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Applications
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Example 8 – Finding the Balance for Compound Interest
A total of $9000 is invested at an annual interest rate of
2.5%, compounded annually. Find the balance in the
account after 5 years.
Solution:
In this case,
P = 9000, r =2.5% = 0.025, n = 1, t = 5.
Using the formula for compound interest with
compoundings per year, you have
Formula for compound interest
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Example 8 – Solution cont’d
Substitute for P, r, n, and t.
= 9000(1.025)5 Simplify.
$10,182.67. Use a calculator.
So, the balance in the account after 5 years will be about
$10,182.67.
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