Effects of Parameters An exponential function is a function of the form . In the previous activity we explored the roles of parameters and In this activity we will examine the parameter more closely. This parameter a b. b determines whether the function is increasing or decreasing and impacts the steepness of the curve. Based on what we have already seen, what does the parameter indicate about the function and the a graph? Now let’s look at functions for which = 2, that is, functions of the form . Let’s see what happens a when we change the value of b. Use your calculator to fill in the tables for questions 2–6. Then plot points by hand and sketch the graph. Answer the questions about each graph. x y –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Where is the y-intercept? Is the function increasing or decreasing? x y –2
Effects of Parameters An exponential function is a function of the form . In the previous activity we explored the roles of parameters a and b. In this activity we will examine the b parameter more closely. This parameter determines whether the function is increasing or decreasing and impacts the steepness of the curve. Based on what we have already seen, what does the parameter a indicate about the function and the graph? Now let’s look at functions for which a = 2, that is, functions of the form . Let’s see what happens when we change the value of b. Use your calculator to fill in the tables for questions 2–6. Then plot points by hand and sketch the graph. Answer the questions about each graph. x y –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Where is the y-intercept? Is the function increasing or decreasing? x y –2