Applications of Exponential Functions

 Introduction:

This is a set of guiding questions for creating your own lesson plan on applications of exponential functions.

 

 Common Core State Standards:

F.BF.1

F.LE.2

F.IF.8

 Learning Objectives:

    1. To apply mathematical models that use basic exponential functions.

    2. To solve basic equations involving exponential functions using graphs.

     

     Guiding Questions:

    • What have we learned about exponential functions?

    • What is a basic model of an exponential function? (y = bx)

    • What restrictions do we put on the base? Why?

    • What is the domain of those functions?

    • What is the range?

    • How is the graph of a basic exponential function (and its range) affected when we multiply it by a positive integer? How about a negative integer?

    • How can we generalize this? (y = abx)

    • What happens to y = abx when x = 0?

    • What do you think we can predict with these functions?

    • Can we represent growth or decay? How?

    • If we let x represent time, what would a be? What about y? What about b?

    • How and why do we count the population of North Carolina? The United States? The

      world?

    • How can we solve the equation ? What about ?

    • Would you like to try graphs? How would that help?

     

     Notes for Teachers:

    • You may want to graph those functions using an online graphing calculator, like the Desmos Links to an external site.. You can graph several graphs with different colors on the same coordinate axis.

     

     Video of the Day:

    Why is the growth/decay factor equal to 1 + rate of growth/decay?

    We answer this question, which often befuddles students.

    Play media comment.

    Play media comment.

    Play media comment.Play media comment.

    Play media comment.