Intro to Exponential Functions

There are a number of different functions
Linear - y= mx+b create a straight function, where m is the slope and (0,b) is the y-intercept

Quadratic - y = ax^2 + bx + c creates a U shaped function, were a represents whether or not the function opens up (+a) or opens down (-a) with a y-intercept at (0,c)

The Exponential functions are those where x is the exponent of the function y = a b^x

We saw that with positive exponents

• a is the y-intercept 
• when a is positive the function behaves as normal
• when a is negative, the function is the reflection of the function when a is positive
• the b value determines the behaviour of the functions - either going up or going down
• when b > 0, the function increases from left to right
• when 0 < b < 1, (proper fractions or decimals) the function decreases from left to right

See the examples below

HW

P337 # 1-3

P346 # 1-7, 11, 15, 18

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