4-6: Graphing Exponential Functions

The base exponential function f(x) = bx may be transformed using the parameters a, k, d
and c. The transformed function is written in the form:

f(x) = [b (x )
]+ .
Recall: Any function, including exponential functions can be graphed in two ways using:

1. Order of Operations
Graph base function y b x (use x=-1, 0, 1)
Graph y ab x (multiply ay)
x
Graph y ab kx (divide )
k
Graph y ab k ( xd ) c (add/subtract d and c; x+d, y+c)

2. Mapping Rule
transform key points of base function onto image points on the final function
x
P ( x, y ) P ' d , ay c , where a = vertical dilatation factor
k
k = horizontal dilatation factor
d = horizontal translation value
c = vertical translation value
x 1
Ex. 1 : Graph f ( x ) 2(3 )

Order of Operations Mapping Rule

f ( x) 3 x f ( x ) 2(3 x 1 )

P(x,y)
(-1, )
(0, )
(1, )
Use a table of values to help:

f ( x) 3 x 2 f ( x) 2 f ( x 1)

(-1, )
(0, )
(1, )

Ex.2: Graph f ( x )
2
4 3 using a mapping rule.
1 2 x2
Step 1: Factor to give the form: f(x) = a[bk(x d)] + c

Step 2: Identify parameters a=

k=
d=
c=

Step 3: Apply mapping rule to base function key points. Use x = -1, 0, 1

f ( x) 4 x
f ( x)
2
4 3
1 2 ( x 1)

x
d , ay c =
k
(x, y)

Step 4: Graph.

Draw asymptote 1st at y=c or y= .