Chapter 11

Exponential &
Logarithmic
Functions
Lesson 11.1
Standards:
Algebra II: This discipline complements and expands the
mathematical content and concepts of algebra I and geometry.
Students who master algebra II will gain experience with algebraic
solutions of problems in various content areas, including the solution of
systems of quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions,
the binomial theorem, and the complex number system.

12.0 Students know the laws of fractional exponents, understand
exponential functions, and use these functions in problems involving
exponential growth and decay.

13.0 Students use the definition of logarithms to translate between
logarithms in any base.

14.0 Students understand and use the properties of logarithms to
simplify logarithmic numeric expressions and to identify their
approximate values.
Objectives:
*Find function values for exponential functions
*Graph exponential functions
*Work problems involving exponential growth
and decay

Lesson 11.1
Exponential Functions
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 and x is any real number.
Here are some examples of exponential functions.
f (x) = 2
x
g(x) = 10
x
h(x) = 3
x+1
Base is 2.
Base is 10.
Base is 3.
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.
2. The graphs of all exponential functions pass through the
point (0, 1) because f (0) = b
0
= 1.
3. If b > 1, f (x) = b
x
has a graph that goes up to the right and is
an increasing function.
4. If 0 < b < 1, f (x) = b
x
has a graph that goes down to the right
and is a decreasing function.
5. f (x) = b
x
is a one-to-one function and has an inverse that is a
function.
6. The graph of f (x) = b
x
approaches but does not cross the x-
axis. The x-axis is a horizontal asymptote.




f (x) = b
x
0 < b < 1
f (x) = b
x
b > 1
CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS
6
The Graph of f(x) = a
x
, a > 1
y
x
(0, 1)
Domain: (, )
Range:
(0, )
Horizontal Asymptote
y = 0
Graphing Exponential Functions
( )
2
x
Graph f x =
Graphing Exponential Functions
( )
1
2
x
Graph f x
| |
=
|
\ .
Try These:
( )
4
x
Graph f x =
( )
4
x
Graph f x =
Try These:
x
y
Properties:
Exponential Functions
Compound Interest
1
kt
r
A P
k
| |
= +
|
\ .
Example: Compound Interest
The parents of a newborn child
invest $8,000 in a plan that earns
9% interest, compounded
quarterly. If the money is left
untouched, how much will the
child have in the account in 55
years?

( )
( )
4 55
220
1
0.09
8000 1
4
8000 1.0225
$ 1, 069,103.27
kt
r
A P
k
A
| |
= +
|
\ .
| |
= +
|
\ .
=
=
Using the compound interest formula:
Future value of account
in 55 years
Example: Compound Interest
Graphing
Make a table and plot points:
( )
x
f x e =
Exponential
Functions
Horizontal asymptote
Function increases
y-intercept (0,1)
Domain all real
numbers
Range: y > 0

Base e
Exponential Functions
Sometimes called the natural base,

often appears as the base of an
exponential functions.
It is the base of the continuous
compound interest formula:
( )
2.71828182845.... e irrational number ~
rt
A Pe =
If the parents of the newborn
child in Example 4 had invested
$8,000 at an annual rate of 9%,
compounded continuously, how
much would the child have in the
account in 55 years?

Example: Continuously
Compound Interest

( )( )
0.09 55
4.95
8000
8000
$ 1,129, 399.71
rt
A Pe compounded continuously
A e
e
=
=
=
~

Future value of account
in 55 years

Example: Continuously
Compound Interest
Transformations Involving
Exponential Functions
Shifts the graph of f (x) = b
x
upward c units if c > 0.
Shifts the graph of f (x) = b
x
downward c units if c < 0.
g(x) = -b
x
+c
Vertical translation
Reflects the graph of f (x) = b
x
about the x-axis.
Reflects the graph of f (x) = b
x
about the y-axis.
g(x) = -b
x
g(x) = b
-x
Reflecting
Multiplying y-coordintates of f (x) = b
x
by c,
Stretches the graph of f (x) = b
x
if c > 1.
Shrinks the graph of f (x) = b
x
if 0 < c < 1.
g(x) = c b
x
Vertical stretching or
shrinking
Shifts the graph of f (x) = b
x
to the left c units if c > 0.
Shifts the graph of f (x) = b
x
to the right c units if c < 0.
g(x) = b
x+c
Horizontal
translation
Description Equation Transformation
Homework
Problem Set 11.1
TB pp.664-665
Even numbers 2-34