Algebra and Trigonometry, 5th Edition

Graphs of Exponential Functions, Base e

We now demonstrate ways in which to graph exponential functions.

Example 6

Graph $f(x)=e^x$ and $g(x)=e^{-x}$.

Solution

We can compute points for each equation using the key on a calculator. (See the following table.) Then we plot these points and draw the graphs of the functions.

x	$f(x)=e^x$	$g(x)=e^{-x}$
−2	0.135	7.389
−1	0.368	2.718
0	1	1
1	2.718	0.368
2	7.389	0.135

Note that the graphs are reflections of each other across the y-axis.

Now Try Exercise 23.

TRANSFORMATIONS

REVIEW SECTION 2.5