Chapter: Exponential Functions – A Comprehensive Guide for DSAT Preparation

1. Introduction to Exponential Functions

In mathematics, exponential functions play a vital role in describing real-world scenarios involving
growth and decay. From population growth and radioactive decay to interest calculations and viral
spread, exponential models allow us to understand how quantities evolve over time.

An exponential function is one in which the variable is in the exponent, rather than the base. This
fundamental structure causes exponential functions to behave very differently from linear or
quadratic functions.

General Form:

f(x)=abxf(x) = ab^x

• aa: initial value or coefficient

• bb: base of the exponential (must be positive and not equal to 1)

• xx: exponent (independent variable)

2. Basic Properties of Exponential Functions

Understanding the behavior of exponential functions begins with recognizing their key properties:

2.1 The Domain and Range

• Domain: All real numbers (−∞,∞)(-\infty, \infty)

• Range: For a>0a > 0, the output is always positive (0,∞)(0, \infty)

• Exponential functions never touch or cross the x-axis.

2.2 Y-Intercept

• For any exponential function f(x)=abxf(x) = ab^x, the y-intercept is always:

f(0)=ab0=af(0) = ab^0 = a

• Therefore, the graph always crosses the y-axis at (0,a)(0, a)

2.3 Horizontal Asymptote

• The graph of an exponential function approaches a horizontal asymptote but never touches
it.

• For basic f(x)=abxf(x) = ab^x, the asymptote is y=0y = 0

• For transformed forms f(x)=abx+df(x) = ab^x + d, the asymptote shifts to y=dy = d

3. Growth vs. Decay

Case Behavior Description

b>1b > 1 Growth Graph increases rapidly

0<b<10 < b < 1 Decay Graph decreases slowly

In both cases, the function is always positive if a>0a > 0, and negative if a<0a < 0.

4. Graphing Exponential Functions

Steps to Graph f(x)=abx+df(x) = ab^x + d:

1. Choose x-values (e.g., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2).

2. Calculate y-values using the equation.

3. Plot the points on a coordinate plane.

4. Sketch a smooth curve through the points.

5. Label the y-intercept and asymptote clearly.

Example 1:

f(x)=2x+1f(x) = 2^x + 1

• Y-intercept: f(0)=20+1=2f(0) = 2^0 + 1 = 2

• Horizontal asymptote: y=1y = 1

• This is an exponential growth function.

Example 2:

f(x)=10⋅(0.5)xf(x) = 10 \cdot (0.5)^x

• Y-intercept: 1010

• Asymptote: y=0y = 0

• This is an exponential decay function.

5. Transformations of Exponential Functions

Exponential graphs can undergo various transformations depending on the values of aa, bb, and
constants added or subtracted.

Transformation Equation Effect

Vertical Stretch/Compression a⋅bxa \cdot b^x Stretch if (

Reflection across x-axis −abx-ab^x Flips the graph

Vertical shift abx+dab^x + d Moves graph up or down

Horizontal shift abx−hab^{x - h} Moves graph left/right

6. Real-World Applications

Exponential functions are especially useful for modeling phenomena that grow or decay over time.

6.1 Population Growth

P(t)=P0⋅(1+r)tP(t) = P_0 \cdot (1 + r)^t

• P0P_0: initial population

• rr: growth rate (decimal)

• tt: time (usually years)

6.2 Exponential Decay (e.g. Radioactive Decay)

N(t)=N0⋅(1−r)tN(t) = N_0 \cdot (1 - r)^t

• N0N_0: starting quantity

• rr: decay rate

• tt: time

6.3 Compound Interest

A=P(1+rn)ntA = P(1 + \frac{r}{n})^{nt}

• PP: principal

• rr: annual interest rate

• nn: number of times interest is compounded per year

• tt: time in years

7. Exponential Equations

To solve equations involving exponentials:

7.1 If bases are equal:

bx=by⇒x=yb^x = b^y \Rightarrow x = y

7.2 If bases differ:

Use logarithms:

3x=81⇒x=log⁡3(81)=43^x = 81 \Rightarrow x = \log_3(81) = 4

5x=20⇒x=log⁡10(20)/log⁡10(5)5^x = 20 \Rightarrow x = \log_{10}(20) / \log_{10}(5)

8. Exponential vs. Linear vs. Quadratic

Type Example Growth Rate

Linear y=2x+1y = 2x + 1 Constant

Quadratic y=x2y = x^2 Increasing (non-constant)

Exponential y=2xy = 2^x Rapid (multiplicative)

Exponential functions outpace linear and quadratic functions as xx increases.

9. Key Vocabulary

• Exponent: The power to which the base is raised.

• Base: The fixed number that is repeatedly multiplied.

• Growth Rate: Percentage increase per time period.

• Decay Rate: Percentage decrease per time period.

• Asymptote: A line that the graph approaches but never touches.

• Y-Intercept: The value of the function when x=0x = 0.

• Initial Value: Starting value when time is 0.

10. Common Misconceptions

1. Confusing growth and decay: Always look at whether b>1b > 1 (growth) or b<1b < 1 (decay).

2. Forgetting about the asymptote: Exponential graphs never cross the horizontal asymptote.

3. Miscalculating exponent values: Always apply exponent rules before arithmetic.

11. Sample DSAT-Style Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following functions shows exponential decay?

A. f(x)=3xf(x) = 3^x
B. f(x)=0.8xf(x) = 0.8^x
C. f(x)=−2xf(x) = -2^x
D. f(x)=x3f(x) = x^3
 Correct Answer: B

Question 2:

What is the y-intercept of f(x)=4⋅2x−3f(x) = 4 \cdot 2^x - 3?

Answer:

f(0)=4⋅20−3=4−3=1f(0) = 4 \cdot 2^0 - 3 = 4 - 3 = 1

Question 3:

A population triples every year. If there are 2,000 people now, how many will there be in 3 years?

P=2000⋅33=2000⋅27=54,000P = 2000 \cdot 3^3 = 2000 \cdot 27 = 54,000

Answer: 54,000

12. Summary and Takeaways

• Exponential functions model real-world growth and decay.

• The base bb determines the shape and direction of the graph.

• Y-intercepts and asymptotes are essential for sketching graphs.

• Exponential functions grow faster than any polynomial.

• Use logarithms to solve exponential equations when necessary.