are 1.

11 Lesson: Graphs of exponential funct

g an
upported NOTE: The content in Unit 1, and in this speci5c lesson, is foundational for buildin
wser. remainder of this learning resource, Units 2 through 5. However, since it is basica
se see
not be directly assessed on your high-stakes exam.
ems
irements Lesson introduction
e
a list As we discussed in the previous lesson, exponential functions are used for many rea
computer science, and most of the life sciences. Working with an equation that des
pported making predictions. Most of the time, however, the equation itself is not enough. We
wsers. representations, and that is exactly why graphing exponential equations is a powerf
future events.

Graphing exponential functions

Before we begin graphing, it is helpful to review the behavior of exponential growth.

f (x) = bx f(x) = b x whose base is greater than one. We'll use the function f (x) =
function that does not repeat yy-values. Also, a horizontal asymptote is a horizontal
increase or decrease. Observe how the output values in the following animation cha

PARTICIPATION 1.11.1: Graph and properties of an exponential fu

ACTIVITY than 1 1.

1 2 3 2x speed
Graph and properties of f (x) =

Table of values Graph

(1, 2)(1,

(−2,( )1( ) (−1,12 ) − 1, (0,

1

) − 2, 4
2
1
1)(0, 1)

( ) 4
 Properties of an exponential function with a b

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.2: Properties of an exponential function wit

xx −2 − 2 −1 − 1 0 0 11

(2)
1 x 1
() ()
1 x
2
44 22 11
2
1
2

( 2 ) f(x) =
1 x
Given the table of values and graph of f (x) =
() ()
1
2

1) The domain is (−∞, ∞)

( − ∞, ∞). Correct

( 2 ) 2 can b
1 x 1 x
True
False
Since
() ()
domain is (−∞, ∞) ( −

2) The range is (−∞, ∞) ( − ∞, ∞).

Correct
True
False Since no value of x x exis

or less, the range is (0, ∞

( − ∞, ∞).
3) A yy-intercept exists.
Correct
True
The function crosses the
False y-intercept exists.

4) An xx-intercept exists.
Correct
True
False Since no value of x x exis

no x x-intercept exists.

f (x) = ( ) f(x) =
5)
1 x
( )2 ()
1 x
2
is a Correct

=(
decreasing function. 1
The graph of f (x)
True () 2

False x → ∞ x → ∞, f (x) →
a decreasing function.

f (x) = ( ) f(x) =
6)
1 x
( )2 ()
1 x
2
is a Correct
Each value of y y corresp
one-to-one function. addition, f (x) f(x) passes

(2) 2
1 x 1
() ( )
True x
is a one-to
False

7) A horizontal asymptote exists at

y = 0y = 0. Correct
As x x approaches in9nit
True
never be equal to 0 0. Th
False
(2) 2
1 x 1
asymptote of
() (
How to

Given an exponential function of the form f (x) = bx , f(x) = b

1. Create a table of points.
2. Plot at least 3 3 points from the table, including the yy-
3. Draw a smooth curve through the points.
4. State the domain, (−∞, ∞) , (− ∞, ∞), the range, (0, ∞
asymptote, y = 0. y = 0.

Sketching the graph of an exponential function of t

f(x) = b x

Sketch a graph of f (x) = 0.25x . f(x) = 0.25 x. State the dom

Solution

Before graphing, identify the behavior and create a table of po

Since b = 0.25 b = 0.25 is between zero and one, we k

The left tail of the graph will increase without bound, an
asymptote y = 0.
Create a table of points.

x −3 −2 −1 0 1
f (x) = 0.25x 64 16 4 1 0.25
Plot the y-intercept, (0, 1) , along with two other points
(1, 0.25) .
Draw a smooth curve connecting the points as in the graph be
 The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (0, ∞) ; the horizo

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.3: Identifying graphs of exponential function

Match each graph with the appropriate function.

 f (x) = 2x
Graph C The graph of f (x) = 2 x
passes through (1, 2) .

f (x) = 2−x
Graph A The graph of f (x) = 2 −
passes through (−1, 2)

f (x) = 4x
Graph B The graph of f (x) = 4 x
passes through (1, 4) .

Graphing transformations of exponential functions

Transformations of exponential graphs behave similarly to those of other functions.

four types of transformations-shifts, re[ections, stretches, and compressions-to the
instance, just as the quadratic function maintains its parabolic shape when shifted,
function also maintains its general shape regardless of the transformations applied

Graphing a vertical shift

The 9rst transformation occurs when we add a constant d to the parent function f (
direction as the sign. For example, if we begin by graphing a parent function, f (x) =
using d = 3 : the upward shift, g(x) = 2x + 3 and the downward shift, h(x) = 2
below.
 Vertical transformations of an expon
function

Observe the results of shifting f (x) = 2x vertically:

The domain, (−∞, ∞) remains unchanged.
When the function is shifted up 3 units to g(x) = 2x + 3 :
The y-intercept shifts up 3 units to (0, 4) .
The asymptote shifts up 3 units to y = 3.
The range becomes (3, ∞) .
When the function is shifted down 3 units to h(x) = 2x − 3 :
The y-intercept shifts down 3 units to (0, −2) .
The asymptote also shifts down 3 units to y = −3.
The range becomes (−3, ∞) .

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.4: Identifying vertical shifts.

Select the equation that matches each graph.

 1)
Correct
This equation correctly d
graph of y = 2 x down th
subtracted from each y -

y = 2x − 3
y = 2x + 3
y = 2x
2)
Correct
This equation correctly d
graph of y = 2 −x up tw
each y -value.

y = 2−x + 2
y = 2−x
y = 2−x − 2

Graphing a horizontal shift

The next transformation occurs when we add a constant c to the input of the parent
in the opposite direction of the sign. For example, if we begin by graphing the parent
shifts alongside it, using c =3: the shift left, g(x) = 2x+3 , and the shift right, h(x
graph below.
 Horizontal transformations of an exponential funct

Observe the results of shifting f (x) = 2x horizontally:

The domain, (−∞, ∞) , remains unchanged.
The asymptote, y = 0, remains unchanged.
The y-intercept shifts such that:
When the function is shifted left 3 units to g(x) = 2x+3 , the y-intercept b
the initial value of the function is 8.
When the function is shifted right 3 units to h(x) = 2x−3 , the y-intercep
the initial value of the function is 18 .

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.5: Identifying horizontal shifts.

Select the equation that matches each graph.

1)
Correct
This equation correctly d
graph of y = 2 x two uni
to each value of x inputt

y = 2x−2
y = 2x + 2
y = 2x+2
2)
Correct
This equation correctly d
graph of y = 2 −x three
subtracted from each va
function.

y = 2−(x+3)
y = 2−(x−3)
y = 2−x − 3
Shifts of the parent function f (x) = bx

For any constants c and d, the function f (x) = bx+c + d sh

f (x) = bx
vertically d units, in the same direction of the sign of d.
horizontally c units, in the opposite direction of the sign
The y-intercept becomes (0, bc + d) .
The horizontal asymptote becomes y = d.
The range becomes (d, ∞) .
The domain, (−∞, ∞) , remains unchanged.

How to

Given an exponential function with the form f (x) = bx+c + d

1. Draw the horizontal asymptote y = d.
2. Identify the shift as (−c, d) . Shift the graph of f (x) =
and right c units ifc is negative.
3. Shift the graph of f (x) = bx up d units if d is positive,
negative.
4. State the domain, (−∞, ∞) , the range, (d, ∞) , and
y = d.
Graphing a shift of an exponential function

Graph f (x) = 2x+1 − 3. State the domain, range, and asymp

Solution

We have an exponential equation of the form f (x) = bx+c +

d = −3.
Draw the horizontal asymptote y = d , so draw y = −3.
Identify the shift as (−c, d) , so the shift is (−1, −3) .
Shift the graph of f (x) = bx left 1 units and down 3 units.

The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (−3, ∞) ; the horiz

The graph and properties of an exponential functio

Graph f (x) = 2x−1 + 3. State domain, range, and asym

Solution

The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (3, ∞) ; the ho

How to

Given an equation of the form f (x) = bx+c + d for x, use a g

approximate the solution.

Press [Y=]. Enter the given exponential equation in the l

Enter the given value for f (x) in the line headed "Y2=".
Press [WINDOW]. Adjust the y-axis so that it includes th
Press [GRAPH] to observe the graph of the exponential
the speci9ed value of f (x).
To 9nd the value of x,we compute the point of intersec
Select "intersect" and press [ENTER] three times. The p
value of x for the indicated value of the function.

Approximating the solution of an exponential equa

Solve 42 = 1.2(5)x + 2.8 graphically. Round to the nearest

Solution

Press [Y=] and enter 1.2(5)x + 2.8 next to Y1=. Then enter 4
the values −3 to 3 for x and −5 to 55 for y. Press [GRAPH].
somewhere near x = 2.

For a better approximation, press [2ND] then [CALC]. Select [5

three times. The x-coordinate of the point of intersection is di
answer may be different if you use a different window or use a
the nearest thousandth, x ≈ 2.166.

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.6: Approximating the solution of an expone

Use technology to solve for x. Type as: #.#

 1) 2x + 2.3 = 21
Correct

4.2
Check Show answer
Entering 2 x + 2.3 for Y1
graphs intersecting near

2) 4.3(3)x + 4.5 = 37
Correct

1.8
Check Show answer
Entering 4.3(3)x + 4.5
graphs intersecting near

Graphing a stretch or compression

While horizontal and vertical shifts involve adding constants to the input or to the fu
multiply the parent function f (x) = bx by a constant |a| > 0. For example, if we be
then graph the stretch, using a = 3,to get g(x) = 3(2)x as shown on the left graph
h(x) = 13 (2)x as shown on the right graph below.

Constant multiples on an exponential function.

Stretches and compressions of the parent function

For any factor a > 0,the function f (x) = a(b)x

is stretched vertically by a factor of a if |a| > 1.
is compressed vertically by a factor of a if |a| < 1.
has a y-intercept of (0, a) .
has a horizontal asymptote at y = 0, a range of (0, ∞
(−∞, ∞) , which are unchanged from the parent fun

Graph and properties of an exponential function.

= 4( 12 ) .
x
Sketch a graph of f (x) State the domain, range, a

Solution

Before graphing, identify the behavior and key points on the gr

Since b = 12 is between zero and one, the left tail of the

bound as x decreases, and the right tail will approach th
Since a = 4,the graph of f (x) = ( 12 ) will be stretche
x

Create a table of points as shown below.

x −3 −2 −1 0

f (x) = 4( ) 32 16 8
1 x
4
2
Plot the y-intercept, (0, 4) , along with two other points
(1, 2) .
Draw a smooth curve connecting the points, as shown in the g
 The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (0, ∞) ; the horizo

Graph and properties of an exponential function.

Sketch the graph of f (x) = 12 (4)x . State the domain, ran

Solution

The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (0, ∞) ; the ho

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.7: Stretch and compression of y = ex .
 Given the graph of ex above, match graphs A-C with the appropr

Graph A
y = 3ex The graph of 3e x is a str
of 3 . The asymptote rem

Graph B
Although both 3e x and e
y = ex + 2 (0, 3), the asymptote of
asymptote that is transla
y = 2 . In contrast, the a
remains at y = 0 .

Graph C
1 x 1 x
y= e e is a c
3 The graph of
3
factor of 3 .

Graphing reSections
In addition to shifting, compressing, and stretching a graph, we can also re[ect it ab
parent function f (x) = bx by −1,we get a re[ection about the x-axis. When we mul
axis. For example, if we begin by graphing the parent function f (x) = 2x , we can th
about the x-axis, g(x) = −2x , is shown on the left graph below, and the re[ection a
graph below.

Re[ections of an exponential function.

Re[ections of the parent function f (x) = bx

The function f (x) = −bx

re[ects the parent function f (x) = bx about the x-axis
has a y-intercept of (0, −1) .
has a range of (−∞, 0)
has a horizontal asymptote at y = 0 and domain of (−
from the parent function.

The function f (x) = b−x

re[ects the parent function f (x) = bx about the y-axis
has a y-intercept of (0, 1) , a horizontal asymptote at
a domain of (−∞, ∞) , which are unchanged from th
Writing and graphing the re[ection of an exponenti

Find and graph the equation for a function, g(x), that reWects f
State its domain, range, and asymptote.

Solution

= ( 14 )
x
Since we want to reWect the parent function f (x) ab
f (x) by − 1 to get, g(x) = −( 14 ) .
x
Next we create a table

x −3 −2 −1 0 1

g(x) = −( ) −64 −16 −4 −1 −0.25

1 x
4
Plot the y-intercept, (0, −1) , along with two other points. We
(1, −0.25) .
Draw a smooth curve connecting the points:

The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (−∞, 0) ; the horiz

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
1.11.8: Re[ections of y = ex across the axes.

1) Which function gives the

re[ection of y = ex across the x- Correct

axis? The graph of y = −e x is

respect to the graph of e
y = −e−x
y = −ex
y = e−x

2) What is the domain and range of

the re[ection of ex across the x- Correct

axis? −ex can be evaluated fo

(−∞, ∞) . Although −e
Domain: (0, ∞) Range: x → −∞ , no value of x
(−∞, ∞) greater, so the range is (
Domain: (−∞, ∞) Range:
(0, ∞)
Domain: (−∞, ∞) Range:
(−∞, 0)
3) What is the asymptote of the
re[ection of ex across the x- Correct

axis? As x → −∞ , the value

never equals 0 . Therefor
y=0 y = 0.
y=x
x=0
 4) Which equation gives the
re[ection of ex across the y- Correct

axis? The graph of y = e −x is

respect to the graph of e
y = e−x
y = −ex
y = −e−x

5) What is the domain and range of

the re[ection of y = ex across Correct

the y-axis? e−x can be evaluated fo

(−∞, ∞) . Although e−x
Domain: (−∞, ∞) Range: x → −∞ , no value of x
(−∞, 0) so the range is (0, ∞) .
Domain: (0, ∞) Range:
(−∞, ∞)
Domain: (−∞, ∞) Range:
(0, ∞)
6) What is the asymptote of the
re[ection of y = ex across the x- Correct

axis? As x → ∞ , the values o

equals 0 . Therefore, the
y=x
y=0
x=0

Summarizing translations of the exponential function

Now that we have worked with each type of translation for the exponential function,
the general equation for translating exponential functions.

Summary of transformations.

Translations of the parent function: f

Translation

Shift

Horizontally c units to the left f (x

Vertically d units up

Stretch and Compress

Stretch if |a| > 1

Compression if 0 < |a| < 1

ReWect about the x-axis

ReWect about the y-axis f (x)

General equation for all translations f (x

Translations of exponential functions

A translation of an exponential function has the form

f (x) = abx+c + d
Where the parent function, y = bx , b > 1,is
shifted horizontally c units to the left.
stretched vertically by a factor of |a| if |a| > 0.
compressed vertically by a factor of |a| if 0 < |a| <
shifted vertically d units.
re[ected about the x-axis when a < 0.

Note the order of the shifts, transformations, and re[ection

Finding a translated function.

Write the equation for the function described below. Give the h
domain, and the range.

f (x) = ex is vertically stretched by a factor of 2 , reWec

shifted up 4 units.

Solution

We want to Ynd an equation of the general form f (x) = abx

provided to Ynd a, b, c, and d.

We are given the parent function f (x) = ex , so b = e.

The function is stretched by a factor of 2 , so a = 2.
The function is reWected about the y-axis. We replace x w
The graph is shifted vertically 4 units, so d = 4.

Substituting in the general form we get,

f (x) = abx+c + d
= 2e−x+0 + 4
= 2e−x + 4
The domain is (−∞, ∞) ; the range is (4, ∞) ; the horizo

1.11.9: Combining transformations of ex .

PARTICIPATION
ACTIVITY
Match each transformation of the graph of y = ex above to the

Graph A

y = e−x − 2 Relative to the graph of

y = e−x − 2 is re[ected
translated 2 units down.

Graph B
Relative to the graph of
1 1 x−5
y = ex−5 − 4 y= e − 4 is com
3 3
3 and translated 4 units
the right.

Graph C
Relative to the graph of
y = −3ex − 2 y = −3ex − 2 is re[ect
stretched by a factor of
units down.
Lesson exercises

Verbal

Exercise 1.11.1

What role does the horizontal asymptote of an exponentia

(a)
end behavior of the graph?
Solution !
An asymptote is a line that the graph of a function approa
decreases without bound. The horizontal asymptote of an
limit of the function's values as the independent variable g
extremely small.

Graphical

For the following exercises, graph the function and its re[ection about the y-axis on
Exercise 1.11.2

f (x) = 3( 12 )
x
(a)

Solution !
Re[ection about the y-axis inputting a negative sign in fro
would be negative and still plotting the y-values the same.
Exercise 1.11.3

(a) g(x) = −2(0.25)x

Solution !

y-intercept: (0, −2)

Exercise 1.11.4

(a) h(x) = 6(1.75)−x

Solution !

y-intercept: (0, 6)
For the following exercises, match each function with one of the graphs below.

Translated exponential functions.

Exercise 1.11.5

(a) f (x) = 2(0.69)x

Solution !
B

Exercise 1.11.6

(a) f (x) = 2(1.28)x

Solution !
F
 Exercise 1.11.7

(a) f (x) = 2(0.81)x

Solution !
A

Exercise 1.11.8

(a) f (x) = 4(1.28)x

Solution !
D

Exercise 1.11.9

(a) f (x) = 2(1.59)x

Solution !
E

Exercise 1.11.10

(a) f (x) = 4(0.69)x

Solution !
C

Lesson summary

Before moving on, take a last moment to think about what you've learned in this less

Exponential functions always have a horizontal asymptote, which frequently o

horizontal asymptote corresponds to the vertical shift.
Exponential functions with no horizontal shift go through the point (0, 1) . If an
there is a horizontal shift in the function.

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