Aim #79: What does the graph of the exponential function look like?
Homework: Handout
x
Do Now: Graph y = 3 by plugging in values of x.
The Exponential Function
A function in the form y=a(b) , where b > 0 and b ≠ 1 is an exponential function.
Examples:
x
x
1) y = 2
Domain:
Range:
Asymptote:
x
2) y = 2 - 3
Domain:
Range:
Asymptote:
The exponential function has a
horizontal as ymptote. This is an
imaginary line the graph doesn't
cross. We draw asymptotes as
dotted lines.
Graph the following exponential functions, then determine the domain, range and
asymptote of each.
x
-x
3) y = -3
4) y = 3
x-3
5) y = 2
6) y = (.5)
x
-x
x+2
7) y = (.5)
8) y = -(.5)
x
9) Which graph represents the function y = 3 + 2?
x
10) Consider the graph of y = 4 .
a) What is the y-intercept?
b) What happens to y as x gets smaller?
c) Will the value of y ever equal zero?
d) What is the domain of the function?
Write the equation of the following exponential functions by identifying the
parent function and the transformation occurring.
Sum It Up!
Exponential graphs have a horizontal asymptote with a y = equation. They are
categorized as either growth or decay.