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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 1.251.25 billion people in 20132013. The population is growing at a rate of about 1.2%1.2\% each year.[footnote]http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/. Accessed February 24,201424, 2014.[/footnote] If this rate continues, the population of India will exceed China’s population by the year 20312031. 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

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