LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

General Mathematics, Quarter 1, Week 5

Exponential Functions, Equations

and Inequalities

Objectives
Objectives:

After going through this LAS, you are expected to:

1. represent real-life situations using exponential functions;
2. distinguish among exponential function, exponential equation, and exponential
inequality; and
3. solve exponential equations and inequalities.

Lesson

Lesson 1. Representing Real-Life Situation Using Exponential

Functions
Exponential functions take place in many real-life circumstances. They are used to represent
real-world situations such as population growth, radioactive decay, carbon dating, growth of
an epidemic, loan interest rates, and investments.

Definition
An exponential function with base 𝑏 is a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 or 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥
where > 0 , 𝑏 ≠ 1.

Example 1. Complete a table of values for 𝑥 = −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, and 3 for the exponential
functions 𝑦 = (1/4)𝑥 , 𝑦 = 5𝑥 , and 𝑦 = (0.6) 𝑥 .

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Solution:
x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
𝑦 = (1/4)𝑥 64 16 4 1 1/4 1/16 1/64
𝑦 = 5𝑥 1/125 1/25 1/5 1 5 25 125
𝑦 = (0.4)𝑥 15.625 6.25 2.5 1 0.4 0.16 0.064

Example 2. If 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 , evaluate 𝑓(3), 𝑓(−3), 𝑓(1/2), 𝑓(0.6) and 𝑓(𝜋).

Solution:
𝑓(3) = 23 = 8
1 1
𝑓(−3) = 2−3 = =
23 8
1
𝑓(1/2) = 22 = √2
3
5 5
𝑓(0.6) = 20.6 = 25 = √23 = √8

Since 𝜋 ≈ 3.14159 is irrational, the rules for rational exponents are not applicable. We
define 2𝜋 using rational numbers: 𝑓(𝜋) = 2𝜋 can be approximately by 23.14 . A better
approximation is 23.14159 . Intuitively, one can obtain any level of accuracy for 2𝜋 by
considering sufficiently more decimal places of 𝜋. Mathematically, it can be proved that
these approximations approach a unique value, which we define to be 2𝜋 .

Definition
Let 𝑏 be a positive number not equal to 1. A transformation of an exponential function
with base 𝑏 is a function of the form
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 + 𝑑

where 𝑎, 𝑐 and 𝑑 are real numbers.

Various real-life situations can be modeled using exponential functions and their
transformations. Some of them are population growth, exponential decay, and compound
interest.

Population Growth
Example 3. Let t = time in days. At t = 0, there were initially 50 bacteria. Suppose that the
bacteria double every 20 hours. Give an exponential model for the bacteria as a
function of t.

Solution:
Initially, at t = 0 Number of bacteria = 50
at t = 20 Number of bacteria = 50(2)
at t = 40 Number of bacteria = 50(2)2
at t = 60 Number of bacteria = 50(2)3
at t = 80 Number of bacteria = 50(2)4

𝑡
An exponential model for this situation is 𝑦 = 50(2)20 .
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 Exponential Models and Population Growth
Suppose quantity y doubles every T units of time. If y0 is the initial amount, then the
quantity y after t units of time is given by 𝑦 = 𝑦0 (2)𝑡/𝑇 .

Radioactive Decay

Definition
The half-life of a radioactive substance is the time it takes for half of the substance to
decay. The exponential decay formula is 𝑦 = 𝑦0 (1/2)𝑡/𝑇

Example 4. A certain radioactive substance decays half of itself every 15 days. Suppose,
there are 20 grams. (a) Determine the amount of substance left after 45 days,
and (b) give an exponential model for the amount of remaining substance.

Solution: Let t = time in days. We use the fact that the mass is halved every 15 days (from
the definition of half-life). Thus, we have:

Initially, at t = 0 Amount of substance = 20 g

at t = 15 days Amount of substance = 20 (1/2) = 10 g
at t = 30 days Amount of substance = 20 (1/2)2 = 5 g
at t = 45 days Amount of substance = 20 (1/2)3 = 2.5 g

(a) The amount of substance remaining after 45 days is 2.5 g

𝑡
(b) An exponential model for this situation is 𝑦 = 20(1/2)15 .

Compound Interest
The principal or starting amount of money can be invested at a certain interest rate that is
earned at the end of a given time (such as one year). If the interest rate is compounded, the
interest earned at the end of the period is added to the principal, and this new amount will
earn interest in the next period. The same process is repeated for each succeeding period:
interest previously earned will also earn interest in the next period.

Example 5. In a certain bank, Mr. Jerry Santos invested ₱80,000.00 in a time deposit that
pays 4% compound interest annually. Define an exponential model for this
situation. How much will his money be after 4 years?

Solution: Let t be the time in years. Thus, we have:

Initially, at t = 0 Investment = ₱80,000

at t = 1 Investment = ₱80,000 (1.04) = ₱83,200
at t = 2 Investment = ₱83,200 (1.04) = ₱88,200
at t = 3 Investment = ₱88,200 (1.04) = ₱86,528
at t = 4 Investment = ₱86,528 (1.04) = ₱86,528

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An exponential model for this situation is 𝑦 = 80,000(1.04)𝑡 . The investment of Mr. Jerry
Santos after 4 years is ₱86,528.

Compound Interest
If a principal P is invested at an annual rate of r, compounded annually, then the
amount after t years is given by 𝐴 = 𝑃(1 + 𝑟)𝑡 .

Example 6. Referring to example 5, is it possible for Mr. Jerry Santos to double his money in
9 years? in 12 years?

Solution: Using the model 𝑦 = 80,000(1.04)𝑡 , substitute t = 9 and t = 12:

If t = 9, 𝑦 = ₱80,000(1.04)9 ≈ ₱113,864.94

If t = 12, 𝑦 = ₱80,000(1.04)12 ≈ ₱128,082.58

Since his money still has not reached ₱160,000 after 12 years, therefore he has not doubled
his money during this time.

The Natural Exponential Function

Exponential functions have various bases, one that is frequently used as a base is the
irrational number e, whose value is approximately 2.71828. Since e is a commonly used
base, the natural exponential function is defined having e as the base.
Example 7. The population of N City according to the function is P = 260,534e0.012t, where
t = 0 represents the population in the year 2005. How much is the population of
N City after 15 years?
Solution: Substitute t = 15 to the given function: Using a scientific calculator, we have
P = 260,534𝑒 0.012(15) ≈ 311,915.83.

Since we are dealing with the population of a city, we usually round to a whole number. The
result will be 311,916 people in the year 2020.

Definition
An exponential expression is an expression of the form 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏 𝑥−𝑐 + 𝑑 ,where 𝑏 > 0 ,
𝑏 ≠ 1.

Lesson 2. Exponential Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

The definition of exponential equations, inequalities, and functions are shown below.
Exponential Equation Exponential Inequality Exponential function
Definition An equation involving An inequality involving Function of the form
exponential expressions exponential expressions 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 𝑥 ,where 𝑏 > 0,
𝑏 ≠ 1.
Example 2 1 𝑓(𝑥) = (1.8)𝑥 or
72𝑥−𝑥 = 52𝑥 − 5𝑥+1 ≤ 0
343 𝑦 = (1.8)𝑥

4 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10
An exponential equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation
or inequality. An exponential function is not ‘solved’, rather it expresses the relationship
between two variables (such as x and y), and can be represented by a table of values or a
graph.

Solved Examples. Determine whether the given is an exponential function, an exponential

equation, an exponential inequality, or none of these.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 5 (Answer: None of these)

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 6𝑥 (Answer: Exponential function)
3. 𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥 (Answer: Exponential function)
4. 23 (4𝑥+1 ) = 512 (Answer: Exponential equation)
5. 243 ≤ 3𝑥−7 (Answer: Exponential inequality)

Lesson 3. Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities

Recall the following definitions and theorems.

Definition
Let 𝑎 ≠ 0. We define the following:
(1) 𝑎0 = 1
1
(2) 𝑎−𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛

Theorem
Let r and s be rational numbers. Then
(1) 𝑎𝑟 𝑎 𝑠 = 𝑎𝑟+𝑠
𝑎𝑟
(2) 𝑎𝑠 = 𝑎𝑟−𝑠
(3) (𝑎𝑟 )𝑠 = 𝑎𝑟𝑠
(4) (𝑎𝑏)𝑟 = 𝑎𝑟 𝑏𝑟
𝑎 𝑟 𝑎𝑟
(5) (𝑏) = 𝑏𝑟

Solving Exponential Equation

Some exponential equations can be solved by using the fact that exponential functions are
one-to-one.

One-to-one Property of Exponential Functions

If 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑥2 , then 𝑏 𝑥1 ≠ 𝑏 𝑥2 . Conversely, if 𝑏 𝑥1 = 𝑏 𝑥2 then 𝑥1 = 𝑥2

(One strategy to solve exponential equations is to write both sides of the equation as powers
of the base.)

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Example 1. Solve the equation 9𝑥−2 = 81.
Solution: Write both sides with 9 as the base.
9𝑥−2 = 81 → Write the number in exponential form with the base of 9
9𝑥−2 = 92 → Since the bases are the same, set the exponents equal
𝑥−2=2 → Move the constant to the right-hand side and change its sign
𝑥 = 2 + 2 → Add the numbers
𝑥=4
Alternate Solution. Write both sides with 3 as the base.
9𝑥−2 = 81 → Write the number in exponential form with the base of 3
(32 ) 𝑥−2 = 34
32(𝑥−2) = 34 → Since the bases are the same, set the exponents equal
2(𝑥 − 2) = 4 → Use distribution method on the left-hand side
2𝑥 − 4 = 4 → Move the constant to the right-hand side and change its sign
2𝑥 = 8 → Divide 2 on both sides
2𝑥 8
=2 → Divide numbers
2

𝑥=4
You can verify that 𝑥 = 4 is a solution by substituting it back to the original equation 9𝑥−2 =
92 = 81 .

Example 2. Solve the equation 16𝑥−1 = 4𝑥+4 .

Solution: Both 16 and 4 can be written using 2 as the base.
16𝑥−1 = 4𝑥+4 . → Write the expression in exponential form with the base of 2
(24 ) 𝑥−1 = (22 ) 𝑥+4
24(𝑥−1) = 22(𝑥+4) → Since the bases are the same, set the exponents equal
4(𝑥 − 1) = 2(𝑥 + 4) → Use distribution method on both sides
4𝑥 − 4 = 2𝑥 + 8 → Move the variable to the left-hand side and the constant to the
right-hand side then change its sign
4𝑥 − 2𝑥 = 8 + 4 → Combine like terms
2𝑥 = 12 → Divide 2 on both sides
2𝑥 12
= → Divide numbers
2 2

𝑥=6

2
Example 3. Solve the equation 25𝑥 = 5𝑥+6 .
Solution: Both 25 and 5 can be written using 5 as the base.
2
(52 ) 𝑥 = 5𝑥+6
2
52𝑥 = 5𝑥+6 → Since the bases are the same, set the exponents equal

6 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10
 2𝑥 2 = 𝑥 + 6 → Move the expression to the left-hand side and change its sign
2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 6 = 0 → Factor the expression
(2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 → Separate into possible cases
2𝑥 + 3 = 0 or 𝑥 − 2 = 0 → Solve the equation for x
3
𝑥 = −2 or 𝑥=2

Property of Exponential Inequalities

If 𝑏 > 1, then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is increasing for all x. This means that
𝑏 𝑥 < 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.
If 0 < 𝑏 < 1, then the exponential function 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑥 is decreasing for all x. This means that
𝑏 𝑥 > 𝑏 𝑦 if and only if 𝑥 < 𝑦.

Solving Exponential Inequality

Some exponential inequalities can be solved using the following property
(Be careful when solving exponential inequalities such as 𝑏𝑚 < 𝑏𝑛 . The resulting direction of
the inequality (𝑚 < 𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑚 > 𝑛) is based on whether the base b is greater than 1 or less
than 1)

Example 4. Solve the inequality 2𝑥 < 4𝑥−3 .

Solution: Both 4 and 2 can be written using 2 as the base.

2𝑥 < (22 ) 𝑥−3
2𝑥 < 22(𝑥−3)
2𝑥 < 22𝑥−6

Since the base 2 > 1, then the inequality is equivalent to

𝑥 < 2𝑥 − 6 (the direction of the inequality is retained)
6 < 2𝑥 − 𝑥
6<𝑥

Thus, the solution set is (6, +∞). You can verify that 𝑥 = 7 and above are solutions, but not
𝑥 = 6 and below.

1 𝑥+6 1 2𝑥
Example 5. Solve the inequality ( ) ≥ ( ) .
7 49

1 1 2 1
Solution: Since = (7) , then we write both sides of the inequality with as the base.
49 7

1 𝑥+6 1 2𝑥
(7) ≥ (49)
1 𝑥+6 1 2𝑥
(7) ≥ (72 )
1 𝑥+6 1 2(2𝑥)
(7) ≥ (7)

7 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10
 1 𝑥+6 1 4𝑥
(7) ≥ (7)

1
Since the base 7 < 1, then the inequality is equivalent to

𝑥 + 6 ≤ 4𝑥 (the direction of the inequality is reversed)

6 ≤ 4𝑥 − 𝑥
6 ≤ 3𝑥

6 3𝑥
≤
3 3

2≤𝑥

Thus, the solution set is [2, +∞). You can verify that 𝑥 = 2 and above are solutions, but not
𝑥 = 1 and below.

Example 6. The half-life of Zn-71 is 2.45 minutes. Initially, there were y0 grams of Zn-71, but
1
only of this amount remains after some time. How much time has passed?
256

Solution: We can determine that after t minutes, the amount of Zn-71 in the substance is
1 𝑡/2.45 1 𝑡/2.45 1
𝑦 = 𝑦0 (2) . We solve the equation 𝑦0 (2) = 256 𝑦0 :

1 𝑡/2.45 1
(2) = 256

1 𝑡/2.45 1 8
(2) = (2 )
𝑡
=8
2.45

𝑡 = 19.6

Thus, 19.6 minutes have passed since 𝑡 = 0.

8 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10
 Learning Activities

General Directions: Work on Activities 1-3 that follow. Do them on separate sheets of
paper.

Activity 1. Model Me On!

a. In a certain barangay, there are people infected with Covid-19. At t = 0, there is
initially one person infected with Covid-19. Suppose that the infected persons double
each day. Give an exponential model for the infected people as a function of t.

b. Suppose that the half-life of a substance is 150 years. If there are initially 50g of the
substance, give an exponential model for the situation.

c. The couple loan the amount ₱150,000 in Sonic Company with the interest rate of 5%
compounded annually. Give an exponential model for the situation.

Activity 2. Guess Me Right!

Directions: Determine whether the given is an exponential function, an exponential
equation, an exponential inequality, or none of these.

a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2.5𝑥
b. 225 = 32 (5𝑥−5 )
c. 𝑦 = 8𝑥 3
d. 𝑦 = 38𝑥
e. 6𝑥+4 > 216

Activity 3. Show Me!

Directions: Solve for x in the following equations and inequalities.

a. 64𝑥−1 = 16𝑥+2
3 3𝑥−1 16
b. ( ) ≥
4 9

c. 25𝑥+1 = 625
d. 343𝑥 > 72𝑥−2
e. An isotope of 320 grams with a half-life of 25 hours is present at time t = 0. How
much time will have elapsed when only 40 grams remain?

9 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10
 Reflection

Directions: Complete the 3-2-1 Chart about your discoveries in Exponential Functions,
Equations and Inequalities. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

10 SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10
SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10 11
Learning Activities
Activity 1
𝑡
1. 𝑦 = 1(2)1
𝑡
2. 𝑦 = 50(1/2)150
3. 𝑦 = 150,000(1.05)𝑡
Activity 2
1. Exponential function
2. Exponential equation
3. None of these
4. Exponential function
5. Exponential inequality
Activity 3
a. 𝑥=7
1 1
b. 𝑥 ≤ − 3 , and the solution set is (−∞, − 3ቃ
c. 𝑥=1
d. 𝑥 > −2 , and the solution set is (−2, +∞)
e. t = 75 hours
Reflection
Learners answers may Vary
Answer Key
 References

Books:

Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, Paolo Luis Apolinario, Regina M. Tresvalles, Francis Nelson M. Infante, Jose Lorenzo
M. Sin, Len Patrick Dominic M. Garces. 2016. General Mathematics - Learner's Material First Edition.
Pasig City: Department of Education.

Leo Andrie A. Crisologo, Shirlee R. Ocampo, Eden Delight P. Miro, Regina M. Tresvalles, Lester C. Hao, Emelie
G. Palomo. 2016. General Mathematics - Teacher's Guide First Edition. Pasig City: Department of
Education.

Online:

Gallanao-Mercado, Azenith A. "Module 17: Exponential Functions, Equations and Inequalities." DepEd
Commons. December 20, 2020. https://commons.deped.gov.ph/documents/9fda30b1-e0cf-4715-b0be-
47795f790954 (accessed September 5, 2021).

Gallanao-Mercado, Azenith A. "Module 18: Solving Exponential Equations and Inequalities." DepEd Commons.
December 20, 2020. https://commons.deped.gov.ph/documents/9fda30b1-e0cf-4715-b0be-
47795f790954 (accessed September 5, 2021).

General Mathematics – Grade 11

Learning Activities Sheets (LAS)
Quarter 1 – LAS 5: Exponential Functions, Equations and Inequalities
Second Edition, 2022

Published by the Department of Education, Caraga Region

Schools Division Office of Surigao City
Schools Division Superintendent: Karen L. Galanida
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent: Laila F. Danaque

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Writer : Contesa C. Demaraye

Editor : Roxan G. Laodenio
Evaluators : Noemi D. Lim, Rufina M. Creencia, Jeferson A. Mosa
Layout Artists : Contesa C. Demaraye, Roderick C. Estrella
Management Team : Karen L. Galanida
Laila F. Danaque
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Elizabeth S. Larase
Noemi D. Lim

Printed in the Philippines by the Schools Division Office of Surigao City

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Telephone : (086) 826-1268; (086) 826-3075; (086) 826-8931
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SDO_SC_Q1_GenMath11_LAS5of10