Exponential function
The exponential function is the function , exponentiation by e. It is a very important function in analysis, both real and complex.
General Info and Definitions
Exponential functions are functions that grows or decays at a constant percent rate.
- Exponential functions that result in an increase of y is called an exponential growth.
- Exponential functions that result in an decrease of y is called an exponential decay.
An exponential growth graph looks like:
An exponential decay graph looks like:
Exponential functions are in one of three forms.
- , where b is the % change written in decimals
- , where e is the irrational constant 2.71828182846....
- or , where h is the half-life (for decay), or d is the doubling time (for growth).
Whether an exponential function shows growth or decay depends upon the value of its b value.
- If , then the function will show growth.
- If , then the function will show decay.
Solving Exponential Equations
There are two ways to solve an exponential equation. Graphically with a computer/calculator or algebraicly using logarithms.
Example: Solve
- Graphically:
- Algebraically:
There, we will use natural logarithms. The same operation can also be done with common logarithms.