Graphing Exponential Function

[greatwhiteshark]

I was given a problem in summer class today. The teacher said:

Graph: y = -3^x

MY WORK:

1) I created an x and y table.

2) I ploted different values for x to form (x,y) points.

3) I used my calculator to simplify the exponential function.

However, I did NOT get the correct picture of the function.

I got a picture of what looks like an asymptote moving to the right and upward from point (-3, -1/27) to point (0,1). What am I doing wrong?

 

[Guest]

Looks like you're probably evaluating -3^x wrongly. For example, the point (0, 1) is not on the graph. Plug in x = 0, and you get:

y
= -3^0
= -1

Remember that -3^x is -(3^x), not (-3)^x.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

I see

You said:

"Remember that -3^x is -(3^x), not (-3)^x."

I can see where my error took place.