Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Exponential Functions
Exponential functions are mathematical expressions in the form f(x) = a * b^x, where 'a' is a constant, 'b' is the base (a positive real number), and 'x' is the exponent. The function f(x) = e^x is a specific case where the base 'b' is Euler's number (approximately 2.718). These functions are characterized by their rapid growth or decay and have unique properties such as a horizontal asymptote.
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Transformations of Functions
Transformations of functions involve shifting, stretching, compressing, or reflecting the graph of a function. For example, in the function h(x) = e^(x-1) + 2, the graph of f(x) = e^x is shifted right by 1 unit and up by 2 units. Understanding these transformations helps in predicting how the graph will change without having to plot every point.
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Domain & Range of Transformed Functions
Asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches but never touches. For exponential functions, the horizontal asymptote is typically found at y = k, where k is a constant that represents the vertical shift of the function. In the case of h(x) = e^(x-1) + 2, the horizontal asymptote is y = 2, indicating that as x approaches negative infinity, the function values approach 2.
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