Module 4.

Exponential Functions

Topics.

1. Exponential functions and their transformations

2. Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

3. Graphing Exponential Functions

4. Graphing Transformations of Exponential Functions

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the module, students are expected to understand the key
concepts of exponential functions and formulate and solve real-life problems
involving exponential functions with precision and accuracy.

The best thing about exponential functions is that they are so useful
in real world situations. Exponential functions are used to model popula-
tions, help coroners determine time of death, compute investments, as well
as many other applications. Moreover, exponential function requires your
good knowledge in mathematics especially on graphing ordered pairs, basic
properties of exponents, and be able to recognize function notation.

Recall. An exponent (also called power or degree) tells us how many times
the base will be multiplied by itself. The following are some of the properties
of exponents.

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 1 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS

Properties General Form Application Example

Product Rule am an am+n x2 x3 = x5
am x5
Quotient Rule am−n = x2
an x3
Power Rule I (am )n amn (x2 )3 = x6
Power Rule II (ab)m am bm (3x ) = (32 )(x3 )2 = 9x6
3 2
1 1
Negative Exponent I a−m x−2 = 2
am x
1 1
Negative Exponent II = x3
a−m x−3
Zero Exponent a0 , a 6= 0 a0 = 1 (−2x)0 = 1

1 Exponential functions and their transformations

Exponential functions occur in various real-world situations. Exponential
functions are used to model real-life situations such as population growth,
radioactive decay, carbon dating, growth of an epidemic, loan interest rates,
and investments.

Definition. An exponential function with base b is a function of the

form
f (x) = bx or y = bx
where b > 0, b 6= 1.

Example 1. Complete a table of values for x = −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3 for

1
the exponential functions y = ( )x , y = 10x and y = (0.8)x . Round your
3
answers up to 2 decimal places.

Solution. The table of values is shown as follows.

x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
1 1 1 1
y = ( )x 27 9 3 1
3 3 9 27
1 1 1
y = 10x 1 10 100 1000
1000 100 10
y= (0.8)x 1.95 1.56 1.25 1 0.8 0.64 0.512

Try this. If f (x) = 3x , evaluate f (2), f (−2), f (0.4) and f (π).

Definition. Let b be a positive number not equal to 1. A transformation

of an exponential function with base b is a function of the form

g(x) = a · bx−c + d

where a, c, and d are real numbers.

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 1 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS

Many application involve transformations of exponential functions. Some

of the most common applications in real-life of exponential functions and
their transformations are population growth, exponential decay and
compound interest.

1. Population
On several instances, scientists will start with a certain number of
bacteria or animals and watch how the population grows. For example,
if the population doubles every 3 days, this can be represented as an
exponential function

Example 2. Let t = time in days. At t = 0, there were initially 20

bacteria. Suppose that the bacteria doubles every 100 hours. Give an
exponential model for the bacteria as a function of time t.

Solution. At time t = 0, the number of bacteria is 20, i.e., t(0) = 20.

At time t = 100, the number of bacteria is 20(2) = 40.
At time t = 200, the number of bacteria is 40(2) = 80 = 20(2)2 .
At time t = 300, the number of bacteria is 80(2) = 160 = 20(2)3 .
Looking at this pattern, we find that an exponential model for this sit-
uation is
y = 20(2)t/100 .

Exponential Models and Population Growth

Suppose a quantity y doubles every T units of time. If y0 is the
initial amount, then the quantity y after t units of time is given
by
y = y0 (2)t/T .

2. Exponential Decay
Exponential functions can be used to model radioactive decay.

Definition. The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes

for half of the substance to decay.

Example 3. Suppose that the half-life of a certain radioactive sub-

stance is 10 days and there are 10g initially, determine the amount of
substance remaining after 30 days.

Solution. Le t be the time in days.

Since the substance is halved every 10 days (as given in the problem),
we have:

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 1 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS

at t = 0, the amount of substance is 10 g (initial amount of the sub-

stance).
At t = 10 days, the amount of substance is 5g (halved every 10 days).
At t = 20 days, the amount of substance is 2.5g (half of 5g after 10
days).
At t = 30 days, the amount of substance is 1.25g.
Hence, an exponential model for this situation is

1 t
y = 10 10 .
2

3. Compound Interest
A starting amount of money (called the principal can be invested at
a certain interest rate that is earned at the end of a given period of
time (such as one year).
If the interest rate is compounded, the interest earned at the end of
the period is added to the principal, and this new amount will earn
interest in the next period. The same process is repeated for each
succeeding period, that is, interest previously earned will also earn
interest int he next period. Compound interest will be discussed in
more depth in the later part of this course.
Example 4. Mrs. Dela Cruz invested = P100,000 in a company that of-
fers 6% interest compounded annually. How much will this investment
be worth at the end of each year for the next five years?
Solution. Let t be the time in years. Then we have:
At t = 0, the investment is =
P100,000.
At t = 1 year, the investment is =
P100,000 (1.06) = =
P106,000.
Here we use 1.06 since the investment will earn an interest of 6% (i.e.,
at the end of 1 year, the total investment will amount to 100% plus the
6% earning, hence we multiply the original amount by 1.06).
At t = 2 year, the investment is =
P106,000 (1.06) = = P112,360. Note
= =100,000)
that this amount is equal to (P100,000) (1.06)) (1.06) = (P
2
(1.06) .
At t = 3 year, the investment is = =106,000)(1.06))
P112,360 (1.06) = ((P
= 2 = 3 =
(1.06) = (P106,000)(1.06) = (P100,000)(1.06) = P119,101.60.
At t = 4 year, the investment is = =106,000)(1.06))
P119,101.60 (1.06) = ((P
(1.06) = (P=106,000)(1.06)2 = (P =100,000)(1.06)4 = =P126,247.70.
At t = 5 year, the investment is =
P126,247.70 (1.06) = =
P133,822.56
= 5
which is the same as (P100,000)(1.06) .

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 1 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS

Therefore, an exponential model for this situation is

y = 100, 000(1.06)t .

Compound Interest
If a principal P is invested at an annual rate of r, compounded
annually, then the amount after t years is given by

A = P (1 + r)t .

Example 5. Referring to Example 4, is it possible for Mrs. Dela Cruz

to double her money in 8 years?

Solution. Using the model y = P (1 + r)t with P = 100, 000, r = 0.06

and t=8 years, then
=100, 000)(1.06)8 ≈ =
y = (P P159, 384.81.

Hence, Mrs. Dela Cruz has not doubled her money yet after 8 years.

Try this. Referring to Example 4, is it possible for Mrs. Dela Cruz

to double her money in 15 years? Support your answer.

4. The Natural Exponential Function

While an exponential function may have various bases, a frequently
used base is the irrational number e ≈ 2.71828. Because e is a com-
monly used base, the natural exponential function is defined having e
as the base.

Definition. The natural exponential function is the function

f (x) = ex .

Example 6. A large slab of meat is taken from the refrigerator and

placed in a pre-heated oven. The temperature T of the slab t minutes
after being place in the over is given by

T = 17.01e0.006t

degrees Celsius. Construct a table of values for the following values of

t = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and interpret the results. Round off values
to the nearest integer.

Solution. Simply replace the value of t in T = 17.01e0.006t and com-

pute for T .

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 1 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS

t 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
T 17 18 19 20 22 23 24

It can be seen from the table that the slab of meat is increasing in
temperature at roughly the same rate.

Try this. Suppose that a couple invested = P50,000 in an account when

their child was born, to prepare for the child’s college education. If the
average interest rate is 4.4% compounded annually,

(a) Give an exponential model for the situation.

(b) Will the money be doubled by the time the child turns 18 years old?

Try this. You take out a =P20,000 loan at a 5% interest rate. If the
interest is compounded annually,

(a) Give an exponential model for the situation.

(b) How much will you owe after 10 years?

Try this. Suppose the half-life of a substance is 250 years. If there

were initially 100 g of the substance,

(a) Give an exponential model for the situation.

(b) How much will remain after 500 years?

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 2 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES

2 Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequali-

ties
Definition. An exponential expression is an expression of the form

a · bb−c + d,

where b > 0, b 6= 1.
The definitions of exponential equations, inequalities, and functions are
shown in the table below.

Exponential Equation Exponential Inequality Exponential Function

Definition An equation involving An inequality involving Function of the form
exponential expressions. exponential expresssions. f (x) = bx ,
where b > 0, b 6= 1.
2x−x2 1
Example 7 = 52x − 5x+1 ≤ 0 f (x) = (1.8)x or y = (1.8)x
343

An exponential equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that

satisfy the equation or inequality. An exponential function is not “solved”.
Rather, it expresses a relationship between two variables (such as x and y),
and can be represented by a table of values or a graph.
Example 7. Determine whether the given is an exponential function, an
exponential equation, an exponential inequality of none of these.
1. f (x) = 2x3

2. f (x) = 2x

3. y = ex

4. 22 (5x+1 = 500

5. 625 ≥ 5x+8
Answers.
1. None of these

2. exponential function

3. exponential function

4. exponential equation

5. exponential inequality

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2 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES

Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Try this. Which of the following are exponential equations.

1. 49 = 7x+1

2. 7 = 2x + 3

3. 3x = 32x−1

4. 5x−1 = 125

5. 8x = x2 − 9

6. x2 = 3x3 + 2x − 1

7. 2x + 3 > x − 1

8. 2x−2 > 8

Answers. Only (1), (3) and (4) are exponential equations.

Some exponential equations can be solved by using the fact that expo-
nential functions are one-to-one.

One-to-one Property of Exponential Functions

If x1 6= x2 , then bx1 6= bx2 . Conversely, if bx1 = bx2 , then x1 = x2 .

Example 8. Solve the following.

Note. One strategy to solve exponential equations is to write both sides of

the equation as powers of the same base.

1. 4x−1 = 16

Solution. We write both sides with 4 as the base. Then

4x−1 = 16
4x−1 = 42
x−1=2
x = 3.

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2 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES

Alternate Solution.

4x−1 = 16
(22 )x−1 = 24
2(x − 1) = 4
2x − 2 = 4
x = 3.

You can verify that x = 3 is a solution by substituting it back to the

original equation:
43−1 = 42 = 16.

This example shows that there may be more than one way to solve an
exponential equation. The important thing is to write both sides using
the same base.

2. 125x−1 = 25x+3

Solution. Both 125 and 25 can be written using 5 as the base. Hence,

125x−1 = 25x+3
(53 )x−1 = (52 )x+3
53(x−1) = 52(x+3)
3x − 3 = 2x + 6
x = 9.

2
3. 9x = 3x+3

Solution. Both 9 and 3 can be written using 3 as the base. Hence,

2
(32 )x = 3x+3
2
32x = 3x+3
2x2 = x + 3
2x2 − x − 3 = 0
(2x − 3)(x + 1) = 0
2x − 3 = 0 or x + 1 = 0
3
x = or x = 1.
2

Exponential inequalities can be solved using the following property.

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 2 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES

Property of Exponential Inequalities

If b > 1, then the exponential function y = bx is increasing for all x.
This means that bx < by if and only if x < y.
If 0 < b < 1, then the exponential function y = bx is decreasing for
all x. This means that bx > by if and only if x < y.

Note. Extra care must be taken when solving exponential inequalities such
as bm < bn . The resulting direction of the inequality (m < n or m > n) is
based on whether the base b is greater than 1 or less than 1.
Example 9. Solve the inequality 3x < 9x−2 .
Solution. Both 9 and 3 can be written using 3 as the base. Hence,
3x < (32 )x−2
3x < 32(x−2)
3x < 32x−4
Since the base 3 >1, then this inequality is equivalent to
x < 2x − 4
4 < 2x − x
4 < x.
Note that the direction of the inequality here is retained.
Thus the solution set is (4, +∞].
 1 x+5  1 3x
Example 10. Solve the inequality ≥ .
10 100
1  1 2
Solution. Since = , then we write both sides of the inequality
100 10
1
with as the base. Hence, we have
10
 1 x+5  1 3x
≥
10 100
 1 x+5  1 3x
≥
10 102
 1 x+5  1 6x
≥
10 10
1
Since the base < 1, then this inequality is equivalent to
10
x + 5 ≤ 6x (the direction of the inequality is reversed)
5 ≤ 6x − x
5 ≤ 5x
1 ≤ x.

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 2 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES

Thus, the solution set is [1, +∞).

Example 11. The half-life of Zn-71 is 2.45 minutes (according to http://www.periodictable.com/Isotop
1
Initially, there were y0 grams of Zn-71, but only of this amount remains
256
after some time. How much time has passed?
Solution. Using exponential models we discussed earlier, we can determine
that after t minutes, the amount of Zn-71 in the substance is
 1 t/2.45
y = y0 .
2
Solving the equation
 1 t/2.45 1
y0 = y0 :
2 256

 1 t/2.45 1
=
2 256
 1 t/2.45  1 8
=
2 2
t
=8
2.45
t = 19.6.
Thus, 19.6 minutes have passed since t = 0.
Try this. John and Peter are solving
(0.6)x−3 > (0.36)−x−1 .
a. Solve for the solution set of this inequality.
b. Evaluate the solutions of John and Peters and spot the error/s, if there
are any.

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 2 EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS, EQUATIONS, AND INEQUALITIES

Solution. Peter is correct while John is not. Since the base 0.6 is less than 1,
John should have reversed the direction of the inequality when he transformed
1
(0.6)x−3 > (0.6)−2x−2 to x − 3 > −2x − 2. The correct answer is x < ,
3
which was obtained by Peter.

Try this. Solve for x.

1. 162x−3 = 4x+2
 1 2x 1
2. ≥ 23−x Hint. Write as 2−1 .
2 2
3. 42x+7 ≤ 322x−3
 2 5x−1 25 25  2 −2
4. ≥ Hint. Write as .
5 4 4 5
Answers.
8
1. x =
3
2. x = −3
h 29 
3. , +∞
6
 1i
4. − ∞, −
5
Try this. Solve for x.

1. 7x+4 = 492x−1

2. 4x+2 = 82x
 2 5x+2  3 2x
3. =
3 2
Answers.

1. x = 2

2. x = 1
 2 
3. − , +∞
7

GMath 12 General Mathematics

 3 GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

3 Graphing Exponential Functions

The graph of an exponential function is a necessary tool in describing
its behavior and characteristics – its intercepts, asymptotes, and zeroes. A
graph can also provide insights as to real-life situations that can be modeled
by exponential functions.

Example 12. Sketch the graph of f (x) = 2x by plotting a few points.

Solution. Step 1. Construct a table of values of ordered pairs for the

given function.

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table and connect them using a
smooth curve.

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 3 GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

It can be observed that the funciton is defined for all values of x, is stictly
increasing, and attains only positive y-values. As x decreases without bound,
the function approaches 0. That is, the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.
 1 x
Example 13. Sketch the graph of g(x) = .
2
Step 1. The table of values for g(x) is as follows:

Step 2. Plot the points found in the table above and connect them using
a smooth curve.

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 3 GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

It can be observed that the function is defined for all values of x, is strictly
increasing, and attains only positive values. As x increases without bound,
the function approaches 0. That is, the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.

In general, depending on whether b > 1 or 0 < b < 1, the graph of

f (x) = bx has the following behavior:

a. If b > 1

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 3 GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

b. If 0 < b < 1

Properties of Exponential Functions

The following properties of f (x) = bx , where b > 0 and b 6= 1, can be
observed from the graph:

a. The domain is the set R.

b. The range is the (0, = ∞).

c. It is a one-to-one function. It satisfies the Horizontal Line Test.

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 3 GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

d. The y-intercept is 1. There is no x-intercept.

Note. Although graphs of exponential functions generally look like one of the
two graphs above, the graph changes as the base changes.

Try this. a. Complete the following table of values for f (x) = 2x and g(x) =
3x .

b. Construct a coordinate plane showing x from -4 to 4, and y from -1 to

30. Sketch the graphs of f (x) and g(x) on this coordinate plane. Compare
both graphs.

c. For each function, identify the domain, range, y-intercept, and the hori-
zontal asymptote.

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 3 GRAPHING EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Try this. Graph the function f (x) = 5−x . Identify the domain, range, y-
1  1 x
intercept, and the horizontal asymptote. Hint. Note that 5−x = x =
5 5

GMath 18 General Mathematics

 4 GRAPHING TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

4 Graphing Transformations of Exponential Func-

tions
Try this. Sketch the graph of the following functions. Use a coordinate plane
showing x form -4 to 4, and y from -1 to 30.

(a.) y = 2x

(b.) y = −2x

(c.) y = 3 · 2x
2 x
(d.) y = ·2
5
(e.) y = 2x + 1

(f.) y = 2x − 1

(g.) y = 2x+1

(h.) y = 2x−1

Reflecting Graphs
Example 14. Use the graph of y = 2x to sketch the graphs of the functions
y = −2x and y = 2−x .

Solution. The y-coordinate of each point on the graph of y = −2x is the

negative of the corresponding y-coordinate of the graph of y = 2x . Thus, the
graph of y = −2x is the reflection of the graph of y = 2x about the x-axis.

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 4 GRAPHING TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

The value of y = 2−x at x is the same as that of y = 2x at −x. Thus, the

graph of y = 2−x is the reflection of the graph of y = 2x about the y-axis.

The results in this example can be generalized as follows.

Reflection
The graph of y = −f (x) is the reflection about the x-axis of the
graph of y = f (x).
The graph of y = f (−x) is the reflection about the y-axis of the
graph of y = f (x).

Example 15. Use the graph of y = 2x to graph the functions y = 3(2x ) and
y = 0.4(2x ).

Solution. The y-coordinate of each point on the graph of y = 3(2x ) is 3

times the y-coordinate of the corresponding point on y = 2x . Similarly, the
y-coordinate of each point on the graph of y = 0.4(2x ) is 0.4 times the y-
coordinate of the corresponding point on y = 2x .

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 4 GRAPHING TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

We observe the following:

a. The domain for all three graphs is the set R.

b. The y-intercepts were also multiplied correspondingly. The y-intercept of

y = 3(2x ) is 3, and the y-intercept of y = 0.4(2x ) is 0.4.

c. All three graphs have the same horizontal asymptote y = o.

d. The range of all three graphs is the set (0, +∞).

The results of the above example can be generalized as follows:

Vertical Stretching or Shrinking

Let a > 0 be a constant. The graph of y = af (x) can be obtained by
multiplying the y-coordinate of each point on the graph of y = f (x)
by a. The effect is a vertical stretching if a > 1, or a vertical
shrinking if 0 < a < 1, of the graph of y = f (x).

Example 16. Use the graph of y = 2x to graph the functions y = 2x − 3

and y = 2x + 1.

Solution. The graphs of these functions are shown below.

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 4 GRAPHING TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

We also observe the following:

a. The domain for all three graphs is the set R.

b. The range of y = 2x + 1 is (1, +∞) and the range of y = 2x − 3 is

(−3, +∞).

c. The y-intercepts and horizontal asymptotes were also vertically translated

from the y-intercept and horizontal asymptote of y = 2x .

d. The horizontal asymptote of y = 2x + 1 which is y = 1, and 3 units down

to get the horizontal asymptote of y = 2x − 3, which is y = −3.

The results of Example 16 above can be generalized as follows.

Vertical Shifts Let d be a real number. The graph of y = f (x) + d

is a vertical shift of d units up if d > 0, or a vertical shift of d
units down if d < 0, of the graph of y = f (x).

Example 17. Use the graph of y = 2x to graph the functions y = 2x − 2

and y = 2x+4 .

Solution. The graphs of these functions are shown below:

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 4 GRAPHING TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

The following can be observed from above:

a. The domain of all three functions is the set R.

b. The range of all three functions is the set (0, +∞).

c. The y-intercepts changed. To find them, substitute x = 0 in the function.

Thus, the y-intercept of y = 2x+4 is 24 = 16 and the y-intercept of y =
2x−2 is 2−2 = 0.25.

d. Translating a graph horizontally does not change the horizontal asymptote.

Thus, the horizontal asymptote of all three graphs is y = 0.

The results of 17 can be generalized as follows.

Horizontal Shifts Let c be a real number. The graph of y = f (x −

c) is a horizontal shift of c units to the right if c < 0, or a
horizontal shift of c units to the left if c < 0, of the graph of
y = f (x).

The examples above can be generalized to form the following guidelines

for graphing transformations of exponential functions.

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 4 GRAPHING TRANSFORMATIONS OF EXPONENTIAL
FUNCTIONS

Graph of f (x) = a · bx−c + d

• The value of b, where b > 1 or 0 < b < 1, determines whether

the graph is increasing or decreasing.

• The value of |a| determines the stretch or shrinking of the graph.

Further, if a is negative, there is a reflection of the graph about
the x-axis.

• The vertical shift is d units up if d > 0, or d units down if d < 0.

• The horizontal shift is c units to the right if c < −, or c units to

the left if c < 0.

Try this. For each of the following functions,

a. Use transformations to describe how the graph is related to an exponential

function y = bx ,

b. sketch the graph,

c. identify the domain, range, y-intercept, and horizontal asymptote.

1. y = 3x − 4
 1 x
2. y = +2
2
3. y = 2x−5

4. y = (0.8)x+1
 1 x
5. y = 2
3
6. y = 0.25(3x )

7. y = 2x−3 + 1
 1 x−1
8. y = −2
3

GMath 24 General Mathematics