1. Exponential Growth
An exponential growth function can be written in the form of y = abx where a > 0 (positive) and b > 1.
The function increases from (-∞, +∞)
When looking at real-world data, we are often given
the percent rate of growth (r).
We can then make our own function by using the formula
a is the starting value
r is the percent growth rate (changed to a decimal)
x is time

2. Exponential Decay
An exponential decay function can be written in the form of
y = abx where a > 0 (positive) and 0 < b < 1.
The graph decreases from (-∞, +∞).
When looking at real-world data, we are often
given the percent rate that it decreases (r).
We can then make our own function by using the formula
a is the starting value
r is the percent decrease/decay rate
(changed to a decimal)
x is time

3. Example 1:
You have purchased a car for $19,550. This car will depreciate at a rate of 12% each year.
Is this an example of a growth or decay? 
Write a formula to represent the amount the car is worth after x number of years.
What is the value of the car after 2 years?

4. Example 2:
In the year 2005, a small town had a population of 15,000 people. Since, then it is growing at a rate of 3% each year.
Is this an example of a growth or decay?
Write a formula that represents the population after x years.
What is the population after 7 years?

5. Example 3:
The week of February 14, storeowner J.C. Nickels ordered hundreds of heart shaped red vacuum cleaners. The next week, he still had hundreds of heart-shaped red vacuum cleaners, so he told his manager to discount the price 25% each week until they were all sold. The original cost was $80.
Write an exponential equation that you can use to find the price of the vacuum cleaners in successive weeks.
What was the price in the second week?
What was the price of the vacuums in the fourth week?