Exponential graphs

As with graphing other functions, follow the same rules:

• Select a relevant domain.
• Draw up the table of values.
• Plot the points.

For example, plot the curve \(y=2^x\):

• Simple exponential growth graphs all have the same shape as the figure above.
• The range includes only real numbers greater than zero.
• There will be a \(y\)-intercept, in this case \(y=1\).
• As the independent variable decreases (approaches negative infinity, \( -\infty \)) the dependent variable approaches zero.
• As the independent variable increases (approaches infinity) the dependent variable increases rapidly.