MCR 3U – Unit 4 1

Exponential Functions

4.2 Working with Integer Exponents

Learning Goal:
I can investigate powers that have integer or zero exponents.

Recall:
𝒂𝒏

When you have a negative base and an ODD exponent the answer will be
_________________

When you have a negative base and an EVEN exponent the answer will be
_________________

Exponent Laws

1. Multiplication 𝒂𝒎  𝒂𝒏 =
• To multiply powers with the __________ ____________, keep the base the
same and _________ their exponents

2. Division 𝒂𝒎  𝒂𝒏 =
• To divide powers with the __________ ____________, keep the base the same
and ________________ their exponents

3. Power (𝒂𝒎 𝒃𝒎 )𝒏 =

Zero Exponent Negative Exponents

𝒂 −𝒏
𝒂𝟎 = 𝒂−𝒏 = (𝒃)

When asked to simplify an exponential expression or write it as a single power, your

final answer must have _____________________ _____________________ only.

Example 1
Evaluate. Express answer in rational form where necessary.
3 −2
a) 30 = b) (−6)0 = c) −50 = d) − 2−4 e) (4)
MCR 3U – Unit 4 2
Exponential Functions
Example 2
Write each expression as a single power with a positive exponent.
a) 6−7 × 6 ÷ 6−2 b) (−2−2 )−3

Example 3
Simplify then evaluate each expression. Express answers in rational form.
5−3 (55 )
a) [(−6−1 )−2 ]−1 b) 5−4

Example 4
Evaluate. Express answers in rational form.
4−2 × 2−3
a) 5−2 − 10−2 + 50 b) 4−1 × 2−4

(−9)3 (3)−6
c) (5−1 + 5−3 )−2 d) (−9)−4

Example 5
Simplify each expression and evaluate when 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = −4 and 𝑐 = −1.
[(𝑎−𝑏 )𝑐 ]𝑎
𝑐 −𝑎
MCR 3U – Unit 4 3
Exponential Functions

4.3 Working with Rational Exponents

Learning Goal:
I can investigate powers involving rational exponents and evaluate expressions
containing them.

Investigation: Simplify each of the following pairs.

1 2
a) (𝑥 2 ) √ 𝑥 × √𝑥

1 3
3 3 3
b) (𝑥 3 ) √ 𝑥 × √𝑥 × √𝑥

What patterns do you see in the above?

𝟏
In General, if 𝒏 > 𝟏 (a positive integer), then 𝒃𝒏 =

Example 1
Write in radical form, then evaluate.
1
1 1
1 2
a) 92 b) (−27) 3 c) (25)

In General, if the numerator of the rational expression is not 𝟏, and 𝒎 and 𝒏 are
positive integers, then
𝒎 𝒎
𝒃𝒏 = or 𝒃𝒏 =

This is read as the ___________ of b to the ___________ of m.

MCR 3U – Unit 4 4
Exponential Functions
Evaluate _____________________ rational exponents the same way that you would
evaluate negative integer exponents.
𝑚
1
If m and n are both positive integers, then 𝑥 − 𝑛 = 𝑚 which can be written as:
𝑥𝑛

Example 2
Write in radical form, then evaluate.
2 1 3
a) 273 b) 8−3 c) 164

2 5
d) (−125)3 e) −252

Some roots of negative numbers do not have real solutions.

• Ex: √−16 =
o It does _______ have a real-number square root, since whether you
square a positive or negative number, the result is positive.

• Odd roots can have ___________________ bases, but even roots CANNOT.
3
o Ex: √−64

Exponent laws that apply to powers with _____________ exponents also apply to
powers with ________________ exponents.

Example 3
2
−
9 7
Write as a single power. 3
97

Example 4
5 2 1
Evaluate: 128−7 − 8−3 + 643
MCR 3U – Unit 4 5
Exponential Functions

4.4 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Involving Exponents

Learning Goal:
I can simplify algebraic expressions involving powers and radicals.

KEY IDEAS
• Don’t forget to follow the order of ____________________ (BEDMAS), as well
as the laws and rules for ___________________
• Express all answers using __________________ exponents
• Express all answers in _______________ form

Example 1
Simplify.
3
(2𝑥 −3 𝑦 2 )
a) (𝑥 3 𝑦 −4 )2

1
(27𝑎−3 𝑏 12 )3
b) 1
(16𝑎−8 𝑏 12 )2
MCR 3U – Unit 4 6
Exponential Functions
5 3
√𝑥 8
c) ( √𝑥 3 )

Example 2
Evaluate the expression for the given values. Express answers in rational form with
positive exponents.
1
(25𝑎4 )−1 2
( ) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 = 11, 𝑏 = 10
(7𝑎−2 𝑏)2
NOTE: when evaluating an algebraic
expression by substituting in values,
always simplify first
 MCR 3U – Unit 4 7
Exponential Functions

4.5 Exploring the Properties of Exponential Functions

Learning Goal:
I can determine the characteristics of the graphs and equations of exponential functions.

COMPARING RATES OF CHANGE: For each function, complete the table of values,
then determine the first and second differences.
Linear Function Quadratic Function Exponential Function
𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒙 𝒉(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐 𝒌(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙
1st 1st 2nd 𝒙 𝒚 Ratio of y
𝒙 𝒚 𝒙 𝒚
Differences Differences Differences
−4
−4 −4

−3
−3 −3

−2
−2 −2

−1
−1 −1

0
0 0

1
1 1

2
2 2

3
3 3

4
4 4

5
5 5

Patterns observed in Patterns observed in differences: Patterns observed in differences

differences: and/or ratios:
MCR 3U – Unit 4 8
Exponential Functions
The following graphs represent each of the above functions.

State the domain and range of each function.

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑘(𝑥) = 2𝑥
DOMAIN

RANGE

For each function, describe how the values of the dependent variable, 𝑦, change as the
values of the independent variable, 𝑥, increase and decrease.
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 𝑘(𝑥) = 2𝑥

INVESTIGATION:
Use DESMOS to graph the functions 𝑦 = 2𝑥 , 𝑦 = 5𝑥 , and 𝑦 = 10𝑥 . Sketch all three
on the same given grid.
MCR 3U – Unit 4 9
Exponential Functions
For each function, state:
Domain Range Y-intercept

X-intercept Equation of any asymptotes, if present

Examine the y-values as x increases and decreases. Which curve increases faster as
you trace to the right?

On DESMOS leave the graph y = 2x, and delete the other two. Replace them with
1 𝑥 1 𝑥
𝑦 = (2) and 𝑦 = (10) . Sketch all 3 on the same grid.

For the two new functions, state the:

Domain Range Y- intercept

X- Intercept The Equations of any Asymptotes

MCR 3U – Unit 4 10
Exponential Functions
1 𝑥 1 𝑥
Describe how each of the graphs of 𝑦 = (2) and 𝑦 = (10) differs from 𝑦 = 2𝑥 as the
𝑥-values increase and as they decrease.

Properties of Exponential Functions in the form 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒃𝒙

Domain

Range

x-intercept

y-intercept

Asymptotes

Increasing function if

Decreasing function if

Explain how you can distinguish an exponential function from a quadratic and linear
function by using a:

Graph Table of Values Equation

Linear

Quadratic

Exponential
MCR 3U – Unit 4 11
Exponential Functions

4.6A Transformations of Exponential Functions

Learning Goal:
I can investigate the effects of a, k, d, and c on the graphs and equations of
exponential functions.

Using DESMOS, graph 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 .

What will happen to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 if it’s changed to:

𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 1 ℎ(𝑥) = 2𝑥 − 1 𝑝(𝑥) = 2𝑥+1 𝑞(𝑥) = 2𝑥−1

What will happen to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 if it’s changed to:

𝑔(𝑥) = 3(2𝑥 ) ℎ(𝑥) = 0.5(2𝑥 ) 𝑗(𝑥) = −(2𝑥 )

What will happen to the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 if it’s changed to:

𝑔(𝑥) = 22𝑥 ℎ(𝑥) = 20.5𝑥 𝑗(𝑥) = 2−𝑥

Name of Effect on Points

Transformation Effect on Graph
Transformation

2x + c

2x – d

a(2x)

2kx
MCR 3U – Unit 4 12
Exponential Functions

In summary, transformed exponential functions are of the form: 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑏 𝑘(𝑥−𝑑) + 𝑐

Which transformation changed the shape of the curve?

Which transformation changes the location of the asymptote?

The domain is always ______________

The range depends on the location of the _______________ ___________________

and whether the function is above or below the asymptote.

You might have to factor the exponent (factor the argument) to see what the
transformations are.
Ex. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 2𝑥+2

When Graphing an Exponential Function Given Its Equation, Ensure You Plot Its:

1. ______________________ (let x = _____ )

2. ______________________

3. One new __________ (transform a known point from the original)

Example 1
Use transformations to sketch the function
𝑓(𝑥) = −2(3𝑥−4 ). State the domain and range.
MCR 3U – Unit 4 13
Exponential Functions
Example 2
Use transformations to sketch the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 4−2𝑥−4 + 3. State the domain and
range.

Example 3
An exponential function with a base of 2 has been stretched vertically by a factor of 1.5
and reflected in the 𝑦-axis. Its asymptote is the line 𝑦 = 2. Its 𝑦-intercept is (0, 3.5).
Write an equation of the function and state its domain and range.
MCR 3U – Unit 4 14
Exponential Functions

4.6B TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Learning Goal:
I can determine the equation of a transformed exponential function from its graph.
Recall: 𝒈(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒇[𝒌(𝒙 − 𝒅)] + 𝒄
Pick a starting point. Usually the y-intercept. Solve for ‘a’
k → set equal to 1 → Doesn’t change the graph
c → is the location of the horizontal asymptote
d → is the x value of the y-intercept.
Example 1
Each graph represents a transformation of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 . Write an equation for
each graph.

a)

b)
MCR 3U – Unit 4 15
Exponential Functions
Example 2
Find the equations of the exponential functions given. If you don’t know the base, create
a table of values and find the ratio of the y values.
MCR 3U – Unit 4 16
Exponential Functions

4.7 APPLICATIONS INVOLVING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Learning Goal:
I can determine an equation for and solve problems involving exponential functions.

Intro Activity:
What is another way you could express the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 9𝑥 ?

Exponential growth and decay can be modeled using the exponential function of the
form:

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒂𝒃𝒙 where 𝑓(𝑥) is the

𝑎 is the

𝑥 is the

For exponential growth, 𝒃 > 𝟏 For exponential decay, 𝟎 < 𝒃 < 𝟏

𝒃 = 𝟏 + 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒃 = 𝟏 − 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆

i.e. value increases by 20% each year i.e. value decreases by 13% each year

Example 1
Identify the following relations as exponential growth or decay, name their initial amount
and their growth or decay factor.

a) 𝑦 = 3(2)𝑥 b) 𝑦 = 0.4(1. 25)𝑥 c) 𝑦 = 200(0.99)𝑥

MCR 3U – Unit 4 17
Exponential Functions
Example 2
The price of a new car is $24 599. Its value depreciates by 30% each year. What is the
depreciated value of the car after 4 years?

Example 3
In 2001, the population of Canada was 31 051 000. The annual growth rate is assumed
to be 1%. Predict the population of Canada in 2005.

Half-Life Exponential Relations – have a decay factor of 0.5

where 𝑎 =
𝑡 =
ℎ =

Example 4
A 200 𝑔 sample of radioactive polonium-210 has a half-life of 138 days. This means
that every 138 days, the amount of polonium left in a sample is half of the original
amount. The mass of polonium, in grams, that remains after days can be modeled by
𝑡
1 138
𝑀(𝑡) = 200 (2) .
a) Determine the mass that remains after 5 years.

b) How long does it for this 200 𝑔 sample to decay to 110 𝑔?

MCR 3U – Unit 4 18
Exponential Functions
Example 5
The hydrogen isotope tritium is radioactive, with a half-life of 12.5 years. A sample
contains 35.2 units of radioactive tritium. What amount would remain after 25 years?

Example 6
A bacteria culture doubles in size every 30𝑚𝑖𝑛. If the initial population of the culture is
10 bacteria, how long will the population take to reach 327 680?