Lesson 1

Exponential Functions
 Learn about It!

Exponential Function
1 a function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑘 ≠ 0, and 𝑥 is any real
number

Example:

1 𝑥
𝑓 = 2𝑥 , 𝑔 𝑥 = 3−𝑥 ,and ℎ(𝑥) = 4
are examples of
1
exponential functions with bases of 2, 3, and respectively. 4
 Learn about It!

Exponential Growth
2 an exponential function of the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 1 and 𝑘 > 0; the value
of 𝑓(𝑥) increases without bound

Example:

𝑓(𝑥) = 3(2)𝑥 and 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 are exponential functions

which show an exponential growth given certain values of
𝑥.
 Learn about It!

Exponential Decay
3 an exponential function of the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 0 < 𝑎 < 1 and 𝑘 > 0; the
value of 𝑓(𝑥) decreases

Example:

1 𝑥
𝑦=3 2
and 𝑓 𝑥 = 3−𝑥 are exponential functions which
show an exponential decay given certain values of 𝑥.
 Learn about It!

Half-life
4 the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay

Example:
The half-life of carbon-14 is 5 730 years. It implies that it
needs 5 730 years for carbon-14 to decay to half of its
quantity.
 Learn about It!

Compound Interest
5 refers to the sum of interests of prior periods computed on the original or
principal amount and each of the successive periods on both the principal and the
interest

Example:
Suppose that an amount of ₱100 000 was offered a 2%
interest annually. The amount per year is given below:
• After the first year, ₱100 000 will become
100 000 1.02 = 102 000
 Learn about It!

Compound Interest
5 refers to the sum of interests of prior periods computed on the original or
principal amount and each of the successive periods on both the principal and the
interest

Example:
• After the second year, ₱102 000 will become
102 000 1.02 = 104 040, and so on.
 Try It!

Example 1: Which of the following exponential functions

exhibit exponential decay?
1 𝑥 5 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 𝑝 𝑥 =
3 2
 Try It!

Example 1: Which of the following exponential functions

exhibit exponential decay?
1 𝑥 5 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 𝑝 𝑥 =
3 2

Solution:
Check the base of a function to determine if it exhibits an
exponential decay. The base of an exponential decay ranges
from 0 to 1 (𝟎 < 𝒂 < 𝟏) and 𝒌 > 𝟎.

1. The function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 is an exponential growth since

𝑎 = 3, which is greater than 1.
 Try It!

Example 1: Which of the following exponential functions

exhibit exponential decay?
1 𝑥 5 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 𝑝 𝑥 =
3 2

Solution:
1 𝑥
2. The function 𝑔 𝑥 = 3
is an exponential decay since the
1 1
base is between 0 and 1, or 0 < < 1.
3 3
 Try It!

Example 1: Which of the following exponential functions

exhibit exponential decay?
1 𝑥 5 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 𝑝 𝑥 =
3 2

Solution:
1 𝑥
3. The function ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 can be written as ℎ 𝑥 = 2
. It is an
1
exponential decay since the base is 𝑎 = , which is between
2
0 and 1.
 Try It!

Example 1: Which of the following exponential functions

exhibit exponential decay?
1 𝑥 5 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 𝑝 𝑥 =
3 2

Solution:
5 𝑥
4. The function 𝑝 𝑥 = 2
is an exponential growth since
5
the base is 𝑎 = , which is greater than 1.
2
 Try It!

Example 1: Which of the following exponential functions

exhibit exponential decay?
1 𝑥 5 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3𝑥 𝑔 𝑥 = ℎ 𝑥 = 2−𝑥 𝑝 𝑥 =
3 2

Solution:
𝟏 𝒙
Therefore, 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝟑
and 𝒉 𝒙 = 𝟐−𝒙 are the exponential
functions that exhibit exponential decays.
Lesson 2

Representing
Exponential Functions
through Tables,
Graphs, and Equations
 Learn about It!

Exponential Function
1 a function in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑘 ≠ 0, and 𝑥 is any real
number; an exponential function can be represented by an equation, a table of
values, and a graph

Example:
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 as the equation of the exponential
function, the table of values and graph that represent the
function is given on the next slide.
Learn about It!

Exponential Function
1 a function in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑘 ≠ 0, and 𝑥 is any real
number; an exponential function can be represented by an equation, a table of
values, and a graph

𝒙 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟐𝒙
−2 1
4
−1 1
2
0 1

1 2

2 4
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution:
1 𝑥
To construct the table of values of 𝑓 𝑥 = , solve for 𝒚 using
3
the corresponding values of 𝑥.
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution:
Substitute 𝑥 = −2.

−2
1
𝑓 −2 =
3
= 32
=𝟗
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution:
Substitute 𝑥 = −1.

−1
1
𝑓 −1 =
3
= 31
=𝟑
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution:
Substitute 𝑥 = 0.

0
1
𝑓 0 =
3
=𝟏
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution:
Substitute 𝑥 = 1.

1
1
𝑓 1 =
3
𝟏
=
𝟑
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution:
Substitute 𝑥 = 2.

2
1
𝑓 2 =
3
𝟏
=
𝟗
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct the table of values of the exponential

1 𝑥
function 𝑓(𝑥) = in the domain 𝑥 = {−2, −1, 0, 1, 2}.
3
Solution: 𝒙 𝒇 𝒙
Construct the table of values for −2 9
1 𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = 3
using the values of 𝑥 and −1 3
their corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).
0 1
The table of values is shown on the
right. 1 1
3
2 1
9
Lesson 3

Intercepts and
Asymptotes of
Exponential Functions
Learn about It!

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

1
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙
a) It has no zeros or 𝑥-intercepts.
b) Its 𝑦-intercept is (0, 𝑘).
c) It has no vertical asymptotes.
d) Its horizontal asymptote is the 𝑥-axis.
 Learn about It!

Vertical shift
2 occurs when a constant is added to a given exponential function, causing its
entire graph to move upward or downward on the Cartesian plane

In general, the graph of the function 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑐 is equivalent to the graph of

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 shifted 𝑐 units upward if 𝑐 > 0, or shifted 𝑐 units downward if 𝑐 < 0.

Example:

The graph of the function 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟐 is equivalent to the

graph of 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙 shifted 2 units upward because 𝒄 > 𝟎.
Learn about It!

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

3
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙 + 𝒄
a) If 𝑘 and 𝑐 have opposite signs, then 𝑓(𝑥) has an 𝑥-intercept.
b) The 𝑦-intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) is (0, 𝑘 + 𝑐).
c) The function has no vertical asymptotes.
d) The horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 𝑥 is 𝑦 = 𝑐.
 Learn about It!

Horizontal shift
4 occurs when a constant is added to the exponent of a given exponential function,
causing its entire graph to move to the left or to the right

Generally, the exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥−𝑏 moves |𝑏| units to the left if
𝑏 < 0, or 𝑏 units to the right if 𝑏 > 0.

Example:

The graph of the function 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙−𝟐 is equivalent to the

graph of 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑𝒙 shifted 2 units to the right because 𝒃 > 𝟎.
Learn about It!

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

5
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙−𝒃 + 𝒄
a) It will have an 𝑥-intercept if 𝑘 and 𝑐 have opposite signs.
b) Its 𝑦-intercept is obtained by evaluating 𝑓(0).
c) It will experience both vertical and horizontal shifts from the graph of
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 :
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted 𝑐 units upward if 𝑐 > 0, or 𝑐 units
downward if 𝑐 < 0.
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted |𝑏| units to the left if 𝑏 < 0, or 𝑏 units to
the right if 𝑏 > 0.
d) It does not have a vertical asymptote.
e) Its horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐.
 Try It!

Example 1: Identify the intercepts and asymptotes of the

1 𝑥
exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 .
3
 Try It!

Example 1: Identify the intercepts and asymptotes of the

1 𝑥
exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 .
3

Solution:

1. Since the function is in the form 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙 , where 𝒌 = 𝟑 and

𝟏
𝒂 = 𝟑, we say that 𝑓 𝑥 has no 𝒙-intercepts or zeros.
 Try It!

Example 1: Identify the intercepts and asymptotes of the

1 𝑥
exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 .
3

Solution:

2. The 𝑦-intercept of a function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 is (0, 𝑘).

1 𝑥
Thus, the 𝒚-intercept of 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 is (𝟎, 𝟑) since 𝒌 = 𝟑.
3
 Try It!

Example 1: Identify the intercepts and asymptotes of the

1 𝑥
exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 .
3

Solution:

1 𝑥
3. Since the function is in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 , 𝑓 𝑥 = 3
𝑥
3
does
not have any vertical asymptotes. This is because its
domain is the set of real numbers.
 Try It!

Example 1: Identify the intercepts and asymptotes of the

1 𝑥
exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 .
3

Solution:

4. The function being in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 has the 𝒙-axis or

the line 𝒚 = 𝟎 as its horizontal asymptote.
 Try It!

Example 1: Identify the intercepts and asymptotes of the

1 𝑥
exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 3 .
3

Solution:

𝟏 𝒙
The graph of 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟑 𝟑
is:
Lesson 4

Graphs of Exponential
Functions
Learn about It!

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

1
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙−𝒃 + 𝒄
a) If 𝑐 = 0, then the graph does not have any 𝑥-intercepts; but if 𝑐 is not zero and 𝑘 and 𝑐
have opposite signs, then the graph has an 𝑥-intercept.
b) To find the 𝑦-intercept, evaluate 𝑓(0).
c) It has no vertical asymptotes because the domain of exponential functions is the set of
real numbers.
d) Its horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐.
e) This function may be thought of as a result of a vertical shift or a horizontal shift or
both from the function 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 .
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted 𝑐 units upward if 𝑐 > 0, or 𝑐 units downward if
𝑐 < 0.
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted |𝑏| units to the left if 𝑏 < 0, or 𝑏 units to the
right if 𝑏 > 0.
 Learn about It!

Domain of an exponential function

2
The domain of an exponential function is always the set of real numbers. No
matter what number you substitute to 𝑥, you will always be able to evaluate the
function and yield a value. Thus, 𝑥 may assume the value of any real number.
Graphically, this means that the graph of an exponential function extends
infinitely to the left and right.

Example:

The domain of the exponential functions 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟗𝒙 , 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟗−𝒙 , and

𝟏 𝒙
𝒇 𝒙 = is the set of real numbers.
𝟗
 Learn about It!

Range of an exponential function

3
a) If 𝑘 is positive, then the range is 𝑦 > 𝑐 because the points of the graph will
appear above the asymptote.
b) If 𝑘 is negative, then the range is 𝑦 < 𝑐 because the points of the graph will
appear below the asymptote.

Example:

𝟏 𝒙
The range of the exponential function 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟐 + 𝟑 is 𝒚 > 𝟑 since
𝟐
𝒌 > 𝟎. This means that all values of 𝑓(𝑥) are above the line 𝑦 = 3.
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

1. Identify the values of 𝑘, 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 to find the intercepts and

asymptotes easily.

3
𝑘 = 5, 𝑎 = , 𝑏 = 0, 𝑐 = 0
4
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

2. We check the signs of 𝒌 and 𝒄.

Since they are not of opposite signs, the function has no 𝒙-

intercepts.
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

3. The 𝒚-intercept is the point (0, 𝑘) or (𝟎, 𝟓) since 𝒄 = 𝟎.

 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

This may also be obtained by evaluating 𝒇(𝟎).

𝑥
3
𝑓 𝑥 =5
4
0
3
𝑓 0 =5
4
𝑓 0 = 5(1)
𝑓 0 =5
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

4. Like all exponential functions, 𝑓(𝑥) has no vertical

asymptotes because the domain is the set of real numbers.
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

5. The horizontal asymptote must be the line 𝑦 = 𝑐.

Since 𝒄 = 𝟎, the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝒚 = 𝟎 or the

𝒙-axis.
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

6. Let us also determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 .

As mentioned, the domain is the set of real numbers.

 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

To find the range, we check the sign of 𝒌. Since 𝒌 > 𝟎, the range
of 𝑓 𝑥 is 𝒚 > 𝟎.

This means that all values of 𝑓(𝑥) are positive.

 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

7. Like in graphing other types of functions, a table of

values is extremely useful in graphing exponential
functions. This gives us insight on how the function
behaves as well as provides us points on the plane where
the graph of the function passes.
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
−50 8828904.82
−10 88.79
−1 6.67
0 5
1 3.75
10 0.28
50 0.0000028
 Try It!

Example 1: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 5 . Graph the function.
4

Solution:

𝟑 𝒙
The graph of 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟓 𝟒
is:
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 , then graph the function.
4
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

1. Identify the values of 𝑘, 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 to find the intercepts and

asymptotes easily.

3
𝑘 = −5, 𝑎 = , 𝑏 = 0, 𝑐 = 0
4
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

2. We check the signs of 𝒌 and 𝒄.

Since they are not of opposite signs, the function has no 𝒙-

intercepts.
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

3. The 𝒚-intercept is the point (0, 𝑘) or (𝟎, −𝟓) since 𝒄 = 𝟎.

 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

This may also be obtained by evaluating 𝒇(𝟎).

𝑥
3
𝑓 𝑥 = −5
4
0
3
𝑓 0 = −5
4
𝑓 0 = −5(1)
𝑓 0 = −5
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

4. Like all exponential functions, 𝑓(𝑥) has no vertical

asymptotes because the domain is the set of real numbers.
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

5. The horizontal asymptote must be the line 𝑦 = 𝑐.

Since 𝒄 = 𝟎, the horizontal asymptote is the line 𝒚 = 𝟎 or the

𝒙-axis.
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

6. Let us also determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 .

As mentioned, the domain is the set of real numbers.

 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

To find the range, we check the sign of 𝒌. Since 𝒌 < 𝟎, the range
of 𝑓 𝑥 is 𝒚 < 𝟎.

This means that all values of 𝑓(𝑥) are negative.

 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

7. Like in graphing other types of functions, a table of

values is extremely useful in graphing exponential
functions. This gives us insight on how the function
behaves as well as provides us points on the plane where
the graph of the function passes.
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
−50 −8828904.82
−10 −88.79
−1 −6.67
0 −5
1 −3.75
10 −0.28
50 −0.0000028
 Try It!

Example 2: Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range

3 𝑥
of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = −5 ,then graph the function.
4

Solution:

𝟑 𝒙
The graph of 𝒇 𝒙 = −𝟓 𝟒
is:
 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:

1. Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range of the

1 𝑥
function 𝑓 𝑥 = 4 . Graph the function.
3

2. Find the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range of the

1 𝑥
function 𝑓 𝑥 = −4 . Graph the function.
3
Key Points

Exponential Function
1 a function in the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1, 𝑘 ≠ 0, and 𝑥 is any real
number

Exponential Growth
2 an exponential function of the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 𝑎 > 1 and 𝑘 > 0; the value
of 𝑓(𝑥) increases without bound

Exponential Decay
3 an exponential function of the form 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 where 0 < 𝑎 < 1 and 𝑘 > 0; the
value of 𝑓(𝑥) decreases
Key Points

Half-life
4 the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay

Compound Interest
5 refers to the sum of interests of prior periods computed on the original or
principal amount and each of the successive periods on both the principal and the
interest
Key Points

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

1
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙
a) It has no zeros or 𝑥-intercepts.
b) Its 𝑦-intercept is (0, 𝑘).
c) It has no vertical asymptotes.
d) Its horizontal asymptote is the 𝑥-axis.

Vertical shift
2 occurs when a constant is added to a given exponential function, causing its
entire graph to move upward or downward on the Cartesian plane

In general, the graph of the function 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑐 is equivalent to the graph of

𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 shifted 𝑐 units upward if 𝑐 > 0, or shifted 𝑐 units downward if 𝑐 < 0.
Key Points

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

3
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙 + 𝒄
a) If 𝑘 and 𝑐 have opposite signs, then 𝑓(𝑥) has an 𝑥-intercept.
b) The 𝑦-intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) is (0, 𝑘 + 𝑐).
c) The function has no vertical asymptotes.
d) The horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 𝑥 is 𝑦 = 𝑐.

Horizontal shift
4 occurs when a constant is added to the exponent of a given exponential function,
causing its entire graph to move to the left or to the right

Generally, the exponential function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥−𝑏 moves |𝑏| units to the left if
𝑏 < 0, or 𝑏 units to the right if 𝑏 > 0.
Key Points

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

5
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙−𝒃 + 𝒄
a) It will have an 𝑥-intercept if 𝑘 and 𝑐 have opposite signs.
b) Its 𝑦-intercept is obtained by evaluating 𝑓(0).
c) It will experience both vertical and horizontal shifts from the graph of
𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 :
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted 𝑐 units upward if 𝑐 > 0, or 𝑐 units
downward if 𝑐 < 0.
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted |𝑏| units to the left if 𝑏 < 0, or 𝑏 units to
the right if 𝑏 > 0.
d) It does not have a vertical asymptote.
e) Its horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐.
Key Points

Properties of Exponential Functions of the Form

1
𝒇 𝒙 = 𝒌𝒂𝒙−𝒃 + 𝒄
a) If 𝑐 = 0, then the graph does not have any 𝑥-intercepts; but if 𝑐 is not zero and 𝑘 and 𝑐
have opposite signs, then the graph has an 𝑥-intercept.
b) To find the 𝑦-intercept, evaluate 𝑓(0).
c) It has no vertical asymptotes because the domain of exponential functions is the set of
real numbers.
d) Its horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐.
e) This function may be thought of as a result of a vertical shift or a horizontal shift or
both from the function 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑘𝑎 𝑥 .
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted 𝑐 units upward if 𝑐 > 0, or 𝑐 units downward if
𝑐 < 0.
• It is like the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) shifted |𝑏| units to the left if 𝑏 < 0, or 𝑏 units to the
right if 𝑏 > 0.
Key Points

Domain of an exponential function

2
The domain of exponential function is always the set of real numbers. No matter
what number you substitute to 𝑥, you will always be able to evaluate the function
and yield a value. Thus, 𝑥 may assume the value of any real number. Graphically,
this means that the graph of an exponential function extends infinitely to the left
and right.

Range of an exponential function

3
a) If 𝑘 is positive, then the range is 𝑦 > 𝑐 because the points of the graph will
appear above the asymptote.
b) If 𝑘 is negative, then the range is 𝑦 < 𝑐 because the points of the graph will
appear below the asymptote.