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Characteristics of Exponential Functions

Exponential functions can be expressed by:
y=bxy=b^x
where b>0b>0 and b1b\neq1.

Characteristics of Exponential Functions y=bx\colorOne{y=b^x}

  • The graph passes through the point (0,1)(0,1)
  • There is a horizontal asymptote at y=0y=0
  • The domain is xRx\in\mathbb{R}
  • The range is y>0y>0
  • The function is increasing and continuous over the interval (,)(-\infin,\infin)


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Example

The graph ofy=2xy=2^x is shown below.
xy214112011224\begin{array}{c|c} x&y\\\hline\\ -2&\dfrac{1}{4}\\\\ -1&\dfrac{1}{2}\\\\ 0&1\\\\ 1&2\\\\ 2&4 \end{array}
  • The graph passes through the point (0,1)(0,1)
  • There is a horizontal asymptote at y=0y=0
  • The domain is xRx\in\mathbb{R}
  • The range is y>0y>0
  • The function is increasing and continuous over the interval (,)(-\infin,\infin)
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Example: Characteristics of Exponential Functions

Sketch a graph of the function y=3xy=3^x.


xy219113011329\begin{array}{c|c} x&y\\\hline\\ -2&\dfrac{1}{9}\\\\ -1&\dfrac{1}{3}\\\\ 0&1\\\\ 1&3\\\\ 2&9 \end{array}

Practice: Characteristics of Exponential Functions

Sketch a graph of the function y=5xy=5^x.

Practice: Characteristics of Exponential Functions

Match each function to its graph.
A.
y=4xy=4^x
B.
y=(14)xy=\Big(\dfrac{1}{4}\Big)^x
C.
y=(13)xy=\Big(\dfrac{1}{3}\Big)^x