Graphing Exponential Functions
Example
Graph
Solution
Step 1 Make a table of ordered pairs.
We will let x be integers from -3 through 3.
Note:
Recall this useful property of
negative exponents:
Thus,
Step 2 Plot the ordered pairs.
See the graph.
Step 3 Sketch a smooth curve through the plotted points.
The smooth curve represents all the ordered pairs that satisfy
The x-axis acts as a horizontal asymptote for
This is because
as the values of x approach positive infinity, +∞, the values of
 approach 0, but never reach 0.
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