Question

How do you graph `f(x)=5^x`?

Answer 1

Find the intercepts and asymptotes, plot a few points, and then sketch the graph.

Explanation:

`f(x)=5^x`

Step 1. Find the domain and range.

`f(x)` is defined for all real values of `x`, so the domain is the set of all real numbers.

`5^x>0`, so the range is `f(x)>0`

Step 2. Find the `y`-intercept.

Let `x=0`.

`y= 5^0 = 1`

The `y`-intercept is at (`0,1`).

Step 3. Find the `x`-intercept.

There is no `x`-intercept, because the range is `f(x)>0`.

Step 4. Find the horizontal asymptote.

As `x` decreases without bound, `5^x` approaches `0`.

The horizontal asymptote is at `y=0`.

Step 5. Calculate some extra points.

We have one point: `f(0) =1`.

`f(1) =5^1 = 5`

`f(-1) = 5^(-1) = 1/5`

Step 6. Plot the axes and your three points.

Step 7. Complete the graph with a smooth curve through the three points.

And you have your graph.