Teaching Real-Life Applications of Exponential Functions to Undergraduate Students Majoring in Science

The paper is dedicated to the problem of optimization of teaching real-life applications of exponential functions at undergraduate level (as a part of Pre-Calculus course). The authors’ original method of using real-life problems for teaching exponential functions is presented. Concrete recommendations for increasing effectiveness of teaching exponential functions are given. The paper contains original courseware which was proved to promote deep understanding of the concept of exponential functions in students, as well as their ability to apply this concept to solving real-life problems. All conclusions and recommendations are based on the results of modern research in education and on the authors’ teaching experience. The effectiveness of presented technique was proven in practical teaching at Voorhees University, South Carolina, USA and at Denmark Technical College, South Carolina, USA.