Evaluating exponential functions, step by step

Evaluating an exponential function is two moves in a fixed order.

The question

Evaluate f(x) = 10 · 4^x at x = 2.

Evaluate f(x) = 10 · 4ˣ at x = 2

f(2) = 10 · 4²
=16
10 · 16=160
  1. Substitute x = 2: f(2) = 10 · 4².
  2. Do the power first: 4² = 16.
  3. Then multiply by the coefficient: 10 · 16 = 160.

How it works.

  1. 01

    Substitute x = 2: f(2) = 10 · 4².

  2. 02

    Do the power first: 4² = 16.

  3. 03

    Then multiply by the coefficient: 10 · 16 = 160.