Problem 77

Question

What is an exponential function?

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form \(f(x) = b^{x}\), where \(b\) is a positive real number not equal to 1.
1Step 1: Definition of Exponential Function
An exponential function is a mathematical function of the form \(f(x) = b^{x}\), where \(b\) is a positive real number, and \(b \neq 1\). \(b\) is referred to as the 'base' and \(x\) is the exponent.
2Step 2: Properties of Exponential Functions
1. The base \(b\) is always positive and not equal to 1. \n2. The function is increasing if \(b > 1\) and decreasing if \(01\) and \( \lim_{x \to \infty} b^{x} = 0 \) if \(0
3Step 3: Visualizing Exponential Functions
In a graphical representation, an exponential function is a curved line that gets nearer to the x-axis but never touches it as \(x\) decreases, and rises rapidly as \(x\) increases.\nThe curve passes through the point (0,1) representing the y-intercept.