Second week of Exponentials and Missy Elliot

Last Week
We learned exponential growth and decay function key features and  end behavior.

- The y-intercept (0,a) is always a good feature to inspect and 
the end behavior either grows rapidly towards infinity or approaches the x-axis asymptotically.  [Unless the function is transformed of course]

- We learned the basic structure of exponential equations:  y=ab^x and y = a (1+r)^x
and it is all about the base (if "it" means determining growth versus this decay.

Next Step(s):  Apply and interpret more sophisticated exponential models, like models for compounded interest and models to display scientific phenomenon.

- We learned how to interpret patterns (mainly from tables) and determine if it represents an exponential or linear function.  Then, actually write the formula using the appropriate structure of an equation.

Next Step(s):  Contrast exponential functions with Quadratic Functions, and learn about the Exponential Function's Evil Twin Function which can undo it.  If we can undo an operation, we can solve equations.  

Mathematician's call it the Inverse Function, and Missy Elliot refers to it in one of her songs, Work it.  If it is worth it, we can work it and then something about flipping it and reversing it.

Expect a paper pencil quiz this week and one more tenmarks track that will also count as a quiz.