Study Guide 11-4
Graphing Exponential Functions

 

An equation in the form y = ax where a > 0 and a ≠ 1 is called an exponential function. You can use a calculator to evaluate exponential functions.

Example: Use a calculator to approximate 0.5-3.5 + 2 to the nearest hundredth.

Calculator steps

You can use values of exponential expressions to find ordered pairs that satisfy exponential functions. Then you can use the ordered pairs to graph the function.

Chart

Prepare a chart of ordered pairs and then graph each of the following functions.

1. y = 0.3x

Table low origin

2. y = 3x + 1

Table low origin

3. y = 32x-1

Table low origin

4. y = (½)x - 2

Table origin