Alg2.4 Exponential Functions and Equations

In this unit, students build on their understanding of exponential functions from an earlier course. Previously, they saw functions whose domain is the integers. Here, they write, interpret, and evaluate exponential functions whose domain is the real numbers. In the second half of the unit, students learn about logarithms in base 2 and 10 as a way to express the exponent that makes an exponential equation true. They then use logarithms to solve exponential equations and to answer questions about exponential functions. During this time, students encounter the constant \(e\) and learn that it is used to model situations with continuous growth rates, leading to working with the natural logarithm. The unit ends with an exposure to logarithmic functions.