Checkpoint: Graphing Exponential Functions Solution

Graph the exponential function. Name the value of b and explain if it represents growth or decay.

$y = 4^{- x}$

$b = \frac{1}{4}$

This is a decay factor because $0 < b < 1$ .

Note

Q: How does a negative exponent change the base b?

A: Take the reciprocal of the base when there is a negative exponent.  

Remember that the exponent rules are on your Formula Sheet. 

Q: What would the end behavior of this function be?

A: As x approaches positive infinity, f(x) approaches zero, and as x approaches negative infinity, f(x) approaches positive infinity.