Directorate: Curriculum

SUBJECT and GRADE MATHEMATICS GR 10

TERM 2 Week 5
TOPIC FUNCTIONS – THE EXPONENTIAL FUNCTION 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞, 𝑏𝑏 > 0 and 𝑏𝑏 ≠ 1
AIMS OF LESSON To:
• Introduce you to the shape, the standard form of the equation of an exponential function, and the impact of “𝑎𝑎”
and “𝑞𝑞”.
• Sketch the exponential function using the characteristics of it.
• Determine the Domain and Range for the exponential function.
• Determine the equation of the exponential function when the sketch is given.
RESOURCES Paper based resources Digital resources
Please go to the Chapter on Functions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-ugmG3UlAc
and then to the section on the Exponential https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DASfP8KAyvs
function in your Mathematics Textbook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQdXVvcKyp8
INTRODUCTION:
• In the previous lessons on Functions and Graphs you learned about the function notation, 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) and we looked at
the graphs of the Parabola and the Hyperbola and their characteristics. In this lesson we will be focusing on the
exponential function.
1
• We call the basic functions for the parabola:𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑥𝑥 2 and the hyperbola: 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = the “mother functions”. In
𝑥𝑥
𝑥𝑥
the same way the mother function for the exponential function is: 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑏𝑏 . We can use this functions to draw
any other derivations of the parabola, hyperbola and exponential function, given in that form, by performing some
transformation on the “mother function”.
• We will investigate the form and other characteristics of the exponential function through point-by-point plotting
of some graphs.
Lesson 1a Characteristics of exponential function through point-by-point plotting
Example 1: Solution:

Consider the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 . Complete the 𝑥𝑥 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3

𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) 1 1 1 1 2 4 8
table below and plot the points on the Cartesian
8 4 2
plane. 𝒚𝒚
𝑥𝑥 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 (3; 8)
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)
What do we see:

• If we join the points, we see a graph that is

increasing: as the 𝑥𝑥-values increase, the y-values (2; 4)
also increase.
• If we make the 𝑥𝑥-values smaller and smaller, the
y-values will get smaller, but will not reach
𝑦𝑦 = 0, telling us that 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎 is an asymptote of (1; 2)
1
the graph. 1 �−1; 2� (0; 1)
1 �−2; �
• The 𝒚𝒚-intercept is at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟏𝟏, because 20 = 1 �−3; �
8
4
𝒙𝒙

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Example 2: Solution:

1 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
Consider the function 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = � � . Complete the
2 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) 8 4 2 1 1 1 1
table below and plot the points on the Cartesian 2 4 8
plane. 𝒚𝒚
(−3; 8)

𝑥𝑥 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥)
What do we see:

• If we join the points, we see a graph that is decreasing: as

(−2; 4)
the 𝑥𝑥-values increase, the y-values decrease.
• If we make the 𝑥𝑥-values bigger and bigger, the
y-values will get smaller, but will not reach
𝑦𝑦 = 0, telling us that 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎 is an asymptote of the (−1; 2)
graph. 1
1 0 (0; 1) �1; � 1
• The 𝒚𝒚-intercept is at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟏𝟏, because � � = 1 2 �2; � �3; 1�
4 8 𝒙𝒙
2

SUMMARY:
In the diagram:
In the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 :
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 , 𝑏𝑏 > 1 and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 , 0 < 𝑏𝑏 < 1
• If 𝒃𝒃 > 𝟏𝟏, the graph is increasing
• If 𝟎𝟎 < 𝒃𝒃 < 𝟏𝟏, (a fraction) the graph is
decreasing y
• 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎 is a horizontal asymptote to the
graph
• the y−intercept is 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟏𝟏, since 𝑏𝑏 0 = 1
• there is no 𝒙𝒙 −intercept since there’s f
g
nowhere where 𝑦𝑦 = 0

NOTE: Why limit 𝒃𝒃 to 𝒃𝒃 > 𝟏𝟏 or 𝟎𝟎 < 𝒃𝒃 < 𝟏𝟏 ?

• If 𝑏𝑏 = 0, then 𝑦𝑦 = 0𝑥𝑥 = 0, which is a straight

line and not an exponential graph (Note 00 is
undefined)
• If 𝑏𝑏 = 1, then 𝑦𝑦 = 1𝑥𝑥 = 1, which is also a
straight line and not an exponential graph
1
• If 𝑏𝑏 < 1, (negative) for e.g. 𝑦𝑦 = (−2)𝑥𝑥 , then for
x
some values of 𝑥𝑥, the 𝑦𝑦-values are non-real, e.g. O
1
(−2)2 = √−2 which is Non-ℝ (you’ll learn
about this in Gr 11)

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How to draw the exponential function (without using a table) Can you?

Example 3: 1. Draw the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 4𝑥𝑥 on the Cartesian

plane
Draw the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 3𝑥𝑥 on the Cartesian plane

Solution:

• 𝒃𝒃 > 𝟏𝟏, so, the graph is increasing.

• Draw an increasing exponential graph
• y−intercept is at 𝑦𝑦 = 1
• Choose any other point, say at x = 1 and calculate the
corresponding y-value by substitution ⇒ y = 3
• Plot the point (1; 3) on the graph
• Name the graph f

Solution:
f
y
f

4 (1; 4)
Give the
name of 1
x
the graph
3 (1; 3) 1

y-
intercept 1 𝑥𝑥
2. Draw the graph of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = � � on the
Show 3
another point Cartesian plane
1
on the graph
x
O 1

Solution:
y

(−1; 3) 3

1 x
−1

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Lesson 1b Sketch exponential function 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 using characteristics; the influence of a (𝑞𝑞 = 0)
Example 4: Solution:
𝑎𝑎 = 1
If we use a table, we find the following:
Sketch the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 (‘mother function’)
and 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 5. 2𝑥𝑥 on the same set of axes. Also draw 𝒙𝒙 −𝟐𝟐 −𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐 −2𝑥𝑥 ≠ (−2) 𝑥𝑥
ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = −2𝑥𝑥 𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) 1 1 1 2 4 but
4 2
𝑎𝑎 = 5 5 5 −2𝑥𝑥 = (−1). 2𝑥𝑥
𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙) 5 10 20
𝑎𝑎 = −1 4 2
1 1
𝒉𝒉(𝒙𝒙) − − −1 −2 −4
The graphs will look like this: 4 2
All the 𝒚𝒚-values of 𝒇𝒇 are multiplied by 5 to get 𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙)
y
We see:
10 (1; 10)
• the graphs have different 𝒚𝒚 −intercepts (at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒂𝒂)
• the graph of g is steeper than 𝑓𝑓 − the bigger the value
𝒈𝒈 of 𝒂𝒂, the steeper the graph – it is more stretched
upwards
𝒇𝒇
• all the graphs have 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎 (𝒒𝒒 = 𝟎𝟎) as a horizontal
asymptote
𝑔𝑔: 𝑦𝑦 −intercept • 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2𝑥𝑥 and ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = −2𝑥𝑥 are reflections of each
at 𝑦𝑦 = 5
5 other in the 𝒙𝒙 −axis (horizontal asymptote: 𝑦𝑦 = 0)

Summary:
𝑓𝑓: 𝑦𝑦 −intercept
at 𝑦𝑦 = 1 In the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥
2 (1; 2) • the 𝒚𝒚 −intercept is at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒂𝒂
• the bigger the value of 𝒂𝒂, the steeper (narrower) the
1 graph
x • the graph has 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎 (𝒒𝒒 = 𝟎𝟎) as horizontal asymptote
O 1 • if 𝒂𝒂 < 𝟎𝟎, then we have a reflection in the 𝒙𝒙 −axis
ℎ: 𝑦𝑦 −intercept −1 • the domain of 𝑓𝑓 is: 𝑥𝑥 ∈ ℝ, since the graph exists for
at 𝑦𝑦 = −1 ALL 𝑥𝑥 −values
(−1; 2)
• the range of 𝑓𝑓 is: 𝑦𝑦 > 0, since the graph only exists for
𝒉𝒉 the 𝑦𝑦 −values from the asymptote upwards (excluding
the asymptote)

RECALL RECALL
Domain: all the 𝒙𝒙 −values Range: all the 𝒚𝒚 −values
for which the graph exists for which the graph exists

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Example 5: Can you?

1 𝑥𝑥 1 𝑥𝑥
(a) Draw the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2. � � 1. (a) Draw the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 3. � �
3 2
(b) Determine the domain and the range of 𝑓𝑓 (b) What is the domain and range of 𝑓𝑓
(c) Is the graph of 𝑓𝑓 increasing or decreasing?
Solution:
(a) Solution:
• 𝟎𝟎 < 𝒃𝒃 < 𝟏𝟏, so, the graph is decreasing. (a)
• Draw a decreasing exponential graph
• y−intercept is at 𝑦𝑦 = 2
• Choose any other point, say at 𝑥𝑥 = 1 and calculate
2
the corresponding y-value by substitution ⇒ 𝑦𝑦 =
3
2
• Plot the point (1; ) on the graph
3
• Name the graph
y

𝒇𝒇

(b) domain:
2 range:

2
(c)
�1; �
3
x 2. Draw the graph of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 3. 2𝑥𝑥

Solution:
(b) Domain: 𝑥𝑥 ∈ ℝ
Range: 𝑦𝑦 > 0

Solutions:
1.(a) 2. y
y
(1; 6)
(-1; 6)

3 3

x x

1(b) Domain: 𝑥𝑥 ∈ ℝ
Range: 𝑦𝑦 > 0

1(c) Decreasing.

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Lesson 1b Sketch exponential function 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 using characteristics; the influence of 𝒒𝒒

Example 6: Solution:
𝑞𝑞 = 0 𝑞𝑞 = 2
If we use a table, we find the following:
𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥
Sketch the graph of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 3 , 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 3 + 2 and 𝒙𝒙 −𝟐𝟐 −𝟏𝟏 𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟏 𝟐𝟐
ℎ(𝑥𝑥) = 3𝑥𝑥 − 2 on the same set of axes
𝒇𝒇(𝒙𝒙) 1 1
1 3 9
g f h 9 3
1 1 11
𝑞𝑞 = −2 y 𝒈𝒈(𝒙𝒙) 2 2 3 5
9 3
8 2
𝒉𝒉(𝒙𝒙) −1 −1 −1 1 7
(1; 5) 9 3
5

5 2
3−1 − 2 = − = −1
3 3
3 (1; 3)
What do we see:
• All the graphs are increasing, since 𝑏𝑏 > 1
2
• 𝑓𝑓 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = 0 (𝑞𝑞 = 0)
1
• 𝑔𝑔 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = 2 (𝑞𝑞 = 2)
(1; 1)1 • ℎ has a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = −2 (𝑞𝑞 = −2)
x
• the ‘mother function’ 𝑓𝑓 has a 𝑦𝑦 −intercept at 𝑦𝑦 = 1
O 1 • the 𝑦𝑦 −intercept of 𝑔𝑔 is at 𝑦𝑦 = 3; the ‘mother function’
−1 has been shifted 2 units upwards (𝑞𝑞 = 2)
• the 𝑦𝑦 −intercept of h is at 𝑦𝑦 = −1; the ‘mother
−2 function’ has been shifted 2 units downwards (𝑞𝑞 = − 2)
• the domain of ALL the graphs is 𝑥𝑥 ∈ ℝ
• the range of 𝑓𝑓 is 𝑦𝑦 > 0 (asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = 0);
• the range of 𝑔𝑔 is 𝑦𝑦 > 2 (asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = 2)
• and the range of ℎ is 𝑦𝑦 > −2 (asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = −2)
In general:

If 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 where 𝑏𝑏 > 1 or 0 < 𝑏𝑏 < 1, then:

o 𝑓𝑓 is increasing if 𝒃𝒃 > 𝟏𝟏 and decreasing if 𝟎𝟎 < 𝒃𝒃 < 𝟏𝟏

o 𝑓𝑓 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒒𝒒
o The 𝒚𝒚 −intercept is at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒂𝒂 + 𝒒𝒒 OR determine 𝑦𝑦 by letting 𝑥𝑥 = 0
o The 𝒙𝒙 −intercept (if any) can be determined by solving 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎
o The graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 can be derived from the graph of the
‘mother function’ 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 by applying some transformations on it.
o The domain is 𝒙𝒙 ∈ ℝ
o The range is 𝒚𝒚 > 𝒒𝒒

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Example 7: Can you?

𝑎𝑎 = 6; 𝑏𝑏 = 3; 𝑞𝑞 = −2

1. Given 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 2. 4𝑥𝑥 + 2

𝑥𝑥
Given 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 6. 3 − 2
(a) Determine the intercepts of 𝑓𝑓 with the axes.
(a) Determine the intercepts of 𝑓𝑓 with the axes. (b) Give the equation of the horizontal asymptote.
(b) Give the equation of the horizontal asymptote. (c) Sketch the graph of 𝑓𝑓
(c) Sketch the graph of 𝑓𝑓 (d) Give the domain and range of 𝑓𝑓
(d) Give the domain and range of 𝑓𝑓
Solution: Hint:
We can make a rough sketch of f by just looking at the y -intercept and 1st draw a rough sketch of 𝑓𝑓 ⇒ no 𝑥𝑥 −int
asymptote: since b>1 the graph will be increasing; asymptote will be at
𝒚𝒚 = −𝟐𝟐 and y-int at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟒𝟒 (𝟔𝟔 − 𝟐𝟐)⇒ there is an x-intercept

-2

(a) 𝒚𝒚 −intercept: 𝒚𝒚 = 𝑎𝑎 + 𝑞𝑞 = 6 – 2 = 4

OR: let 𝑥𝑥 = 0 ∴ 𝑦𝑦 = 6. 30 − 2 = 6.1 − 2 = 4

𝒙𝒙 −intercept: Let 𝑦𝑦 = 0 ∴ 0 = 6. 3𝑥𝑥 − 2

∴ 2 = 6. 3𝑥𝑥
2 1
∴ = 3𝑥𝑥 =
6 3
∴ 3𝑥𝑥 = 3−1
∴ 𝒙𝒙 = −𝟏𝟏
(b) Asymptote: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑞𝑞 ∴ 𝒚𝒚 = −𝟐𝟐

(c) graph
2. Draw the graph of 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = −3𝑥𝑥 + 3
• 1st draw in the asymptote;
• now draw an increasing exponential graph (𝑏𝑏 > 1) that goes
through 𝑦𝑦 = 4 and 𝑥𝑥 = −1;
• choose any other point, say 𝑥𝑥 = 1 and determine the
corresponding 𝑦𝑦 −value ⇒ 𝑦𝑦 = 6. 31 − 2 = 16
• Plot the point (1; 16) on the graph
• Name the graph
y
The graph should look like this:
(1; 16)

−1 x
O
\
(d) domain: 𝑥𝑥 ∈ ℝ −2
range: 𝑦𝑦 > −2

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Solutions:
2.
1. y y
(1; 10) 3
2
1 x
O
4

2 x
(2; −6)
(d) domain: 𝑥𝑥 ∈ ℝ
range: 𝑦𝑦 > 2

Lesson 1c Finding the equation of exponential function given the graph

Example 8: Can you?

Find the equation of the given graph in the form: Find the equation of the given graph in the form:
y
y
𝑥𝑥
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 2 + 𝑞𝑞 1 𝑥𝑥
x 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. � � + 𝑞𝑞 O x
O 5

−4 −3

−5
−7

Solution:
Solution:
𝑥𝑥
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 2 + 𝑞𝑞

𝑞𝑞 = −4 (horizontal asymptote at 𝑦𝑦 = −4)

⇒ 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 2𝑥𝑥 − 4 y-intercept

Substitute (0; −7) in equation:

∴ −7 = 𝑎𝑎. 20 − 4
∴−7 + 4 = 𝑎𝑎. 1
∴𝑎𝑎 = −3

⇒ 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = −3. 2𝑥𝑥 − 4

Solution:
1 𝑥𝑥
𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = −2. � � − 3
5

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Example 9: Can you?

Find the equation of the given graph in the form: Find the equation of the given graph in the form:
𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 y 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 y

(−2; 6)

1
O x −1 x
O
−2 −1
Solution: Solution:
𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞

horizontal asymptote is at 𝑦𝑦 = −2
∴𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 − 2

graph goes through origin (0; 0)

Subst. (0; 0) in equation: ⇒ 0 = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 0 − 2
∴2 = a.1 ⇒ 𝒂𝒂 = 𝟐𝟐
∴𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 2. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 − 2

since graph is decreasing, b is a fraction

Subst. point (−2; 6) in equation:

8
∴6 = 2. 𝑏𝑏 −2 − 2 ⇒ 6 + 2 = 2. 𝑏𝑏 −2 ∴ = 4 = 𝑏𝑏 −2
2

1 1
∴ (𝑏𝑏 −2 )−2 = 4−2
1
∴ 𝑏𝑏 = (22 )−2 = 2−1
𝟏𝟏
∴ 𝒃𝒃 = Solution:
𝟐𝟐
1 𝑥𝑥 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 2. 2𝑥𝑥 − 1
∴equation: 𝑔𝑔(𝑥𝑥) = 2. �2� −2
𝑥𝑥
Conclusion: If 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑞𝑞 where 𝑏𝑏 > 1 or 0 < 𝑏𝑏 < 1, then:

o 𝑓𝑓 is increasing if 𝒃𝒃 > 𝟏𝟏 and decreasing if 𝟎𝟎 < 𝒃𝒃 < 𝟏𝟏

o 𝑓𝑓 has a horizontal asymptote at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒒𝒒
o The 𝒚𝒚 −intercept is at 𝒚𝒚 = 𝒂𝒂 + 𝒒𝒒 OR determine 𝑦𝑦 by letting 𝒙𝒙 = 𝟎𝟎
o The 𝒙𝒙 −intercept (if any) can be determined by solving 𝒚𝒚 = 𝟎𝟎
o The graph of 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞 can be derived from the graph of the ‘mother function’ 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 by applying some
transformations on it.
o The domain is 𝒙𝒙 ∈ ℝ
o The range is 𝒚𝒚 > 𝒒𝒒

• Determine the equation of a given graph by using: 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎. 𝑏𝑏 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑞𝑞

o Get the value of 𝑞𝑞 from the horizontal asymptote
o Find the value of 𝑎𝑎 by substituting the other point into the equation
o Usually 𝑏𝑏 will be given: if the graph is increasing then 𝑏𝑏 > 1; when the graph is decreasing, 𝑏𝑏 is a fraction
otherwise substitute another point to determine b

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 Directorate: Curriculum

EXERCISES on the Exponential function

Siyavula Chapter 5 pg. 145
pg. 157 Ex 5.5; pg. 185 End of chapter Ex nrs. 3; 10f; 11; 12

Mind Action Series Grade 10

pg. 131− 133 Ex 4 a – h; pg. 153 – 154 Ex 11; pg. 116 – 117 Consolidation and Revision

Classroom Mathematics pg’s.142−178:

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