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| 12 Theory slides |
| 9 Exercises - Grade E - A |
| Each lesson is meant to take 1-2 classroom sessions |
Here are a few recommended readings before getting started with this lesson.
To understand the functions whose dependent variable is multiplied by a constant factor as its independent variable changes by a constant amount, one algebraic expression needs to be mentioned beforehand.
An exponential expression is a type of algebraic expression which consists of a number, called the base, raised to either a number, a variable, or an expression, called the exponent. Sometimes an exponential expression may be multiplied by another number, called a coefficient.
An exponential function is a nonlinear function that can be written in the following form, where a≠ 0, b>0, and b≠ 1. As the independent variable x changes by a constant amount, the dependent variable y multiplied by a constant factor. Therefore, consecutive y-values form a constant ratio.
y=a * b^x
Considering the definitions of an exponential function and a linear function, identify the functions given by the following tables of value.
Coyotes tend to thrive along the coasts, the deserts, and forests of the United States. A case study has shown that since 1950 the population y of coyotes in a particular national park triples every 20 years.
This population growth of coyotes can be modeled by an exponential function. y=18(3)^x In this function, x is the number of 20-year periods. Using the function of coyote population growth, answer the following questions.
x= 0
a^0=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
The following applet provides several exponential functions. Evaluate the value of the function for the given value of x. If it is necessary, round the result to two decimal places.
The San Joaquin kit fox was relatively common until the 1930s, when people began converting grasslands to farms, orchards, and cities.
Since then, the number y of the San Joaquin kit foxes has been decreasing by 50 % every decade. The following exponential function shows the number of foxes since the year 1930. y=96 000(1/2)^x In this function, x is the number of decades. Using the function, answer the following questions.
x= 0
a^0=1
Identity Property of Multiplication
x | 96 000(1/2)^x | y |
---|---|---|
0 | 96 000(1/2)^0 | 96 000 |
1 | 96 000(1/2)^1 | 48 000 |
2 | 96 000(1/2)^2 | 24 000 |
3 | 96 000(1/2)^3 | 12 000 |
4 | 96 000(1/2)^4 | 6000 |
5 | 96 000(1/2)^5 | 3000 |
The points found above all lie on the function. To graph the function, plot them in a coordinate plane and connect them with a smooth curve. Note that the number of decades cannot be negative, so the function will be restricted by the first quadrant.
y-intercept ( 0,96 000) The x-coordinate of the point represents the number of decades since 1930. The y-coordinate of the point represents the number of kit foxes. Since the function shows the population starting from 1930, the y-intercept tells that there were 96 000 kit foxes in 1930.
x= 6
(a/b)^m=a^m/b^m
1^a=1
Calculate power
a* 1/b= a/b
Calculate quotient
The most basic method for graphing a function is making a table of values. This method can be used to graph an exponential function, as well. On the other hand, there is another method to graph an exponential function more effectively.
The initial value is the y-value when x=0. It can also be thought of as the y-intercept of the function. Here, the initial value is 10 000, so (0,10 000) is y-intercept of the graph.
When the x-value increases by 1, the y-value is multiplied by b. Since b=0.8, the y-value for x=1 can be calculated as the product of the initial value 10 000 and the constant multiplier 0.8. 10 000* 0.8 = 8000 Therefore, (1,8000) also lies on the graph of the function. Similarly, the point (2,6400) lies on the graph because 8000 * 0.8 = 6400. These points are shown on the graph.
This process can be repeated until a general form of the graph emerges.
Lastly, the graph can be drawn by connecting the points with a smooth curve.
The graph of an exponential function can be drawn by using its function rule. Then from the graph of a function the key features such as domain, range, and end behavior can be found. y=3(2)^x Considering the above function, answer the following questions.
The function can now be graphed by connecting the points with a smooth curve.
Combining these features, it can be also concluded that the domain of the function is all real numbers and its range is positive real numbers.
Looking at the graph, it can be seen that the left-end approaches y=0 and the right-end extends upward. With this information, the end behavior of y=3(2)^x can be written as follows. As x → - &∞, && y → 0 As x → + &∞ , && y → +∞ This piece of information can be illustrated on the graph.
By applying reverse engineering on the graph of an exponential function, its function rule can be written as well. In 1976, scientists discovered a rare population of Flemish Giant rabbits in a secluded forest.
Since then, they have been monitoring the population. After five years of conducting the study, the number of rabbits could be modeled with the following exponential function.
Use the graph to write the rule for the function. Then, interpret its initial value and constant multiplier.
Function Rule: y=80(1.25)^x
Interpretation: See solution.
Begin by identifying the initial value of the function.
To write an exponential function rule, the initial value of the function a and the constant multiplier b are needed. y=a(b)^x Notice that the graph starts at (0,80). This means that 80 is the initial value.
Since a=80, the following incomplete function rule can be written. y=80(b)^x To determine b, use another point on the graph.
x= 1, y= 100
a^1=a
Rearrange equation
.LHS /80.=.RHS /80.
Calculate quotient
Throughout the lesson, evaluating and graphing an exponential function and interpreting the graph of an exponential function have been covered. Beside these, exponential inequalities can be also mentioned even though they are not frequently used. y > a(b)^x y < a(b)^x y ≥ a(b)^x y ≤ a(b)^x They are useful in situations involving repeated multiplication, especially when being compared to a constant value, such as in the case of interest. Their graphs can be drawn similarly to graphs of linear inequalities. For example, consider the following exponential inequality. y > 2^x Notice that the y-variable is already isolated. Since it is an exponential inequality, there will be a boundary curve instead of a boundary line. Inequality & Boundary Curve y > 2^x & y = 2^x The curve can be graphed using the function rule of the exponential function. Note that the inequality is strict, so the curve will be dashed.
Finally, since all of the y-values are greater than 2^x, the region above the curve will be shaded.
Consider the example from the collection where scientists modeled the number of Flemish Giant rabbits using y=80(1.25)^x. They are expecting the number of rabbits to increase along with the curve formed by the exponential function. It can be assumed that the number of rabbits falls below the curve at any given period of time.
Let's begin by reviewing the general form of an exponential function. f(x)=ab^x Here, a is the y-intercept of the function. Since we are told that the y-intercept is equal to 1.5, we know that a=1.5 f(x)=1.5b^x Let's now recall the Slope Formula. m=y_2-y_1/x_2-x_1 Let (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) be (0,f(0)) and (3,f(3)), respectively. Recall that we are told the slope of the graph between these two points is 13. Let's use this information to find the value of f(3). Do not forget that we already found that f(0)=1.5.
Let's now recall our function. f(x)=1.5b^x Knowing that f(3)=40.5, we can evaluate the function at x=3 and write an equation for b.
Now that we have a and b, we can write the exponential function. f(x)=1.5* 3^x