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Study Guides > Intermediate Algebra

Introduction: Exponential Functions

India is the second most populous country in the world with a population of about [latex]1.25[/latex] billion people in [latex]2013[/latex]. The population is growing at a rate of about [latex]1.2\%[/latex] each year.[footnote]http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/. Accessed February [latex]24, 2014[/latex].[/footnote] If this rate continues, the population of India will exceed China’s population by the year [latex]2031[/latex]. When populations grow rapidly, we often say that the growth is "exponential," meaning that something is growing very rapidly. To a mathematician, however, the term exponential growth has a very specific meaning. In this section, we will take a look at exponential functions, which model this kind of rapid growth.

The learning objectives for this lesson include:

  • Identify and evaluate exponential functions.
  • Graph exponential functions
  • Use compound interest formulas.
  • Evaluate exponential functions with base e.
 

The learning activities for this lesson include:

  • Read: Define and Evaluate Exponential Functions
  • Self-Check: Define and Evaluate Exponential Functions
  • Read: Exponential Functions with Base e
  • Self-Check: Exponential Functions with Base e
  • Read: Graph Exponential Functions
  • Self-Check: Graph Exponential Functions

Licenses & Attributions

CC licensed content, Original

CC licensed content, Shared previously

  • College Albebra. Provided by: OpenStax Authored by: Abramson, Jay, et al.. Located at: https://openstax.org/books/precalculus/pages/1-introduction-to-functions. License: CC BY: Attribution.