Graphing rational functions

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to determine the intercepts, zeros, and
asymptotes of rational functions, and graph rational functions.
This lesson requires your skills in solving equations and determining the degree and leading
coefficient. Hence, before you proceed to the lesson, let us recall first these two important skills.

Solving an equation involves finding the value/s that satisfies it. Consider the example
below.
6x2+7x−3=0
(3x−1)(2x+3)=0
3x−1=0;2x+3=0
x=13,−32
The degree of a polynomial refers to the highest exponent while the leading coefficient is the
numerical coefficient of the term with the highest exponent. In the polynomial −4x3+2x2−x+1, the
degree is 3 and the leading coefficient is −4.
Learn about It!

Draw the graph of f(x)=3x+62x−4.

What are the intercepts, zeros, and asymptotes of the function?
Graphs of Rational Functions
 Intercepts are the points where a graph crosses the x- and y-axes.
 Zeros are solutions or roots that make the function equal to zero.
 Asymptotes are lines that a curve approaches but never intersects.
 A vertical asymptote is found by equating the denominator of the rational function to zero
while a horizontal asymptote is determined by comparing the degrees of the numerator and
denominator of the function.

If the degree of the numerator is less than that of the denominator, the horizontal asymptote
is y=0.
If the degree of the numerator is greater than that of the denominator, there is no horizontal
asymptote (because the asymptote is oblique or slanted).
If the degree of the numerator is equal to that of the denominator, the horizontal asymptote
is y=leading coefficient of numerator leading coefficient of denominator.
Step 1: Find the intercepts.
For the x-intercept, let f(x)=0.
f(x)=3x+62x−4
0=3x+62x−4
3x+6=0
x=−2
For the y-intercept, let x=0.
f(0)=3(0)+62(0)−4=−64=−32
The graph passes through the points (−2,0) and (0,−32).

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 1
Step 2:  Find the asymptotes.
Vertical asymptote:  Set the denominator to zero.
2x−4=0
x=2
Horizontal asymptote:  Compare the degrees of the numerator and the denominator.
In the function f(x)=3x+62x−4, the degrees of the numerator and the denominator are both
equal to 1. Thus, the horizontal asymptote is the quotient of the leading coefficients, which is y=32.
Step 3:  Make a table of values.
Step 4:  Draw the asymptotes and plot the points in the table of values along with the
intercepts. Connect these points using a smooth curve.

Try It!
Draw the graph of g(x)=x2+5x−6x2−9.
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Find the intercepts.
x2+5x−6x2−9=0
x2+5x−6=0
(x+6)(x−1)=0
x=−6,1
The graph passes through the points (−6,0) and (1,0).
g(0)=02+5(0)−602−9=69=23
The graph contains the point (0,23).
Step 2: Find the asymptotes.
Vertical asymptotes:
x2−9=0
(x+3)(x−3)=0
x=−3 and x=3
Horizontal asymptote:
The degrees of the numerator and the denominator are the same. Hence, the horizontal
asymptote is y=1.

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 2
Step 3:  Make a table of values.

Step 4:  Draw the asymptotes and plot the points in the table of values along with the
intercepts. Connect these points using a smooth curve.

Tips
The asymptotes of a rational function should be written in equation form since they are
straight lines.
The number of vertical asymptotes of a rational function determines the number of parts it
has.
The zeros of the rational function are the x-intercepts of its graph.
Key Points
Intercepts are points where a graph crosses the x- and y-axes.
Zeros are solutions or roots that make the function equal to zero.
Asymptotes are lines which a curve approaches but never intersects.

ONE-TO-ONE FUNCTION
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to represent real-life situations using one-to-one
functions.
Study the sets carefully.

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How many elements of set B correspond to each of the elements of set A?
Learn about It!
A set of ordered pairs is called a relation. The set of first elements is called the domain while
the set of second elements is called the range.
A relation where each element of the domain corresponds to exactly one element of the range
and vice versa is called a one-to-one function.

Examples
1. Set A=(2,1),(3,4),(4,7),(5,10)

2. 
3.
Explore
1. Look around your classroom. Every student in the class has a unique thumb print and each thumb
print belongs to exactly one person.
2. Now think about your home during dinner time. Every family member eats his/her own food, and
each quantity of food belongs to exactly one person.
3. In a medical clinic, each patient is assigned a different appointment slot and each slot is assigned
to only one patient.
The situations above are all examples of one-to-one functions in real life. Can you think of other
examples?
Try It!
Identify if the given shows one-to-one function (✓) or not (χ).
1. {(2,1),(3,1),(4,1)}

2. 

3. the students and their school IDs

4. the cars in Metro Manila and their license plate numbers
Try It! Answers
1. χ. The element 1 of the range is repeatedly paired with the elements of the domain.
2. χ. The elements −3 and −6 have both been paired with 1, while −4 and −7 have both been
paired with 2.
3. ✓. The arrows indicate a one-to-one correspondence between the elements of the domain
and the elements of the range.
4. ✓. Every student has only one school ID and each school ID belongs to only one student.
5. ✓. A car has only one license plate number and a number can only be assigned to one car.
What Do You Think?
There are relations that do not show a one-to-one correspondence. What kinds of correspondences
can you think of?
Key Point
GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 4
 A one-to-one function is a set of ordered pairs where each element of the domain is paired
with only one element of the range and vice versa.\

Inverse Function
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to determine the inverse of a one-to-one function and
solve problems involving inverse functions.
In a function y=f(x), the value of the output y is determined by a series of operations performed on
the input x. If f(x)=3x+4, then f(−3)=3(−3)+4=−5.
But what if you already have an output in mind and you would like to know what input would
produce that number? In f(x)=3x+4, what value of x would result in y=−5?
Learn about It!
Find the inverse function of f(x)=3x+4.
In a function y=f(x) where x determines y, the inverse
function is f−1(x) where y determines x. The inverse function interchanges the x and y values. Its
domain is the range of the original function, and its range is the domain of the original function.
Given a function f(x) with inverse f−1(x), the expressions f−1(f(x)) and f(f−1(x)) are both equal to x.
Thus, it can be said that the inverse function reverses the function.
Note: One-to-one functions have inverse functions, but many-to-one functions do not. The
inverse of a many-to-one function is a one-to-many relation, which is not a function.
How to Do
Step 1:  Replace f(x) with y.
y=3x+4
Step 2:  Interchange x and y.
x=3y+4
Step 3:  Solve for y using appropriate properties of equality.
x=3y+4
x−4=3y
x−43=y
y=x−43
Step 4:  Replace the new y with f−1(x).
f−1(x)=x−43
Step 5:  Check your answer by substituting it into the original function. Remember
that f(f−1(x))=x.
f(x)=3x+4
f(f−1(x))=3(x−43)+4
f(f−1(x))=x−4+4
f(f−1(x))=x
Thus, when the output needed for f(x)=3x+4 is −5, the input can be calculated as:
f−1(x)=x−43
f−1(−5)=−5−43
f−1(−5)=−93
f−1(−5)=−3

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 5
Try It!
Find the inverse of f(x)=x−22x+3.
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Replace f(x) with y.
y=x−22x+3
Step 2:  Interchange x and y.
x=y−22y+3
Step 3:  Solve for y using appropriate properties of equality.
x(2y+3)=y−2
2xy+3x=y−2
2xy−y=−3x−2
y(2x−1)=−3x−2
y=−3x−22x−1

Step 4:  Replace y with f−1(x).

f−1(x)=−3x−22x−1
Step 5:  Check your answer by substituting it into the original function. Remember
that f(f−1(x))=x.
f(x)=x−22x+3
f(f−1(x))=(−3x−22x−1)−22(−3x−22x−1)+3
f(f−1(x))=[−3x−2−2(2x−1)2x−1][2x−1−6x−4+3(2x−1)]
f(f−1(x))=−3x−2−4x+2−6x−4+6x−3
f(f−1(x))=−7x−7
f(f−1(x))=x
Try It!
In January, the average temperature in Metro Manila is 26°C, while the average temperature
in Tokyo is 41°F. What is the difference between the average temperatures in Manila and Tokyo in
°C if ∘F=95(∘C)+32?
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Read and understand the problem carefully. Take note of the given facts.
average temperature in Manila =26°C
average temperature in Tokyo =41°F
∘F=95(∘C)+32
Step 2:  Make representations.
Let x be the temperature in °C, f(x) be the temperature in °F if given the temperature
in °C, and f−1(x) be the temperature in °C if given the temperature in °F.
Step 3:  Set up the working equation.
f(x)=95x+32
Step 4:  Solve for the inverse function.
y=95x+32
x=95y+32
x−32=95y

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 59(x−32)=y
y=59(x−32)
f−1(x)=59(x−32)
Step 5:  Solve for the answer to the problem.
f−1(x)=59(x−32)
f−1(41)=59(41−32)
f−1(41)=59(9)
f−1(41)=5
Therefore, the difference in temperature is 26−5=21°C.
What Do You Think?
Can you find a one-to-one function whose inverse is equal to itself?
Key Points
The inverse function interchanges the x and the y values of a given function.
Given a function f(x) with inverse f−1(x), we have f−1(f(x))=x and f(f−1(x))=x.
Not all functions have inverse functions.
Representing Inverse Functions through table of Values and Graph
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to represent an inverse function through its table
of values and graph.
A relation is a set of ordered pairs. A function is a special kind of relation where there
corresponds exactly one y for every x.
There are some functions that do the opposite of other functions. They are called inverse functions.
Learn about It!
A function f(x) generates an output y from an input x.

On the other hand, the inverse function f−1(x) finds the input x that produces the given output y.

In an inverse function, the original output y becomes the new input while the original
input x becomes the new output. In other words, an inverse function interchanges the x and
the y values.
Explore
Observe the graphs of a function and its inverse. Are their graphs symmetrical?
Try It!
What is the graph of the inverse of the linear function below?

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 7
Try It! Answer
The inverse of the given function simply exchanges the x- and y-coordinates of each point.

Plot these points to find the graph of the inverse of the linear function.

Notice that the graphs of the original function and its inverse are reflections of each other along the
line y=x. When the images are folded along that line, the graphs will coincide.
Key Points
The inverse of a function interchanges the x and y values of every point.
The graphs of a function and its inverse are reflections of each other with respect to the line y=x.
Finding the Domain and the range of inverse functions
Objective
GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 8
 At the end of this lesson, you should be able to find the domain and the range of an inverse
function.
Before you proceed with this lesson, you should be able to recall how to find the inverse of a
function.
Given  f(x)=3x−2, find f−1(x).
Step 1:  Replace f(x) with y.
f(x)=y
y=3x−2
Step 2:  Interchange x and y.
y=3x−2
x=3y−2
Step 3:  Solve for y using appropriate properties of equality.
x=3y−2
3y=x+2
y=x+23
Step 4:  Replace the new y with f−1(x).
f−1(x)=x+23
Learn about it!
What is the domain and the range of the inverse of f(x)=2x−1?
Domain and Range of Inverse Functions
If f(x) is a one-to-one function, then the domain of f(x) is the range of f−1(x) and the range
of f(x) is the domain of f−1(x).
How to Do
We mentioned in the previous chapter that the domain of f(x) is the range of f−1(x) and the
range of f(x) is the domain of f−1(x). Therefore, we can find the domain and range of f−1(x) once
we obtain the domain and range of f(x).
The domain of the function f(x)=2x−1 is the set of real numbers; in symbols, D:{ │x│x∈R}.
Similarly, the range of f(x) is the set of real numbers, or R:{│y│y∈R}.
Thus, the domain of f−1(x) is the range of f(x), which is D:{│x│x∈R}. Also, the range of f−1(x) is
the domain of f(x), which is R:{│y│y∈R}.
How to Do
Alternatively, we may find the inverse first, then obtain its domain and range like any other
function.
Step 1: Find the inverse of the function.
f(x)=2x−1
y=2x−1
x=2y−1
2y=x+1
y=x+12
Thus, the inverse function of f(x)=2x−1 is y=x+12 or f−1(x)=x+12.
Step 2:  Determine the domain and the range of the obtained inverse function.
The domain is the set of all real numbers; in symbols, D:{│x│x∈R}.
The range is also the set of all real numbers; in symbols, R:{│y│y∈R}.

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 9
Try It!
What is the domain and the range of the inverse of f(x)=3x+2?
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Find the domain and range of the given function.
The domain of f(x) is the set of all real numbers except those that make the
denominator zero, or D:{│x│x≠2}.
The range of f(x) is R:{│y│y≠0}.
Step 2:  Interchange the domain and range obtained in the previous step.
The domain of f−1(x) is the range of f(x), which is D:{│x│x≠0}.
The range of f−1(x) is the domain of f(x), which is R: {y|y≠2}.
Notice that the variable x is always used for the domain whether the function being
referred to is f(x) or f−1(x). Similarly, the variable y is always used for the range,
regardless of the function being considered.
Key Points
The domain of a one-to-one function f(x) is the range of its inverse f−1(x).
The range of a one-to-one function f(x) is the domain of its inverse f−1(x).
Graphing Inverse Function
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to graph inverse functions.
Before you proceed with this lesson, you should be able to recall how to find the inverse of a
function. For instance, the inverse function of f(x)=2x+1 is obtained as follows:
Step 1:  Replace f(x) with y.
y=2x+1
Step 2:  Interchange y and x.
x=2y+1
Step 3:  Solve for y in terms of x.
2y=x−1
y=x−12
Step 4: Replace y with f−1(x).
f−1(x)=x−12
Learn about It!
Graph the inverse of the function f(x)=xx+3.
Graph of an Inverse Function
If the point (x,y) lies on the graph of f(x), then the point (y,x) lies on the graph of f−1(x).
This means that the graph of inverse function f−1(x) is a mirror image or reflection of the graph of
the function f(x) along the line y=x.
How to Do
Step 1:  Find the domain and the range of the function.
D: {x|x≠−3}
R: {y|y≠1}
Step 2:  Find the inverse of the function.
f(x)=xx+3
y=xx+3

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 10
 x=yy+3
xy+3x=y
xy−y=−3x
f−1(x)=−3xx−1
Step 3:  Make a table of values of the inverse.
Since the range of a function is the domain of its inverse, x should not be equal to 1.

Step 4:  Plot the points and graph the inverse of the function.
Try It!
Draw the graph of the inverse of g(x)=x−1.
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Find the domain and the range of the function.
D: {x|x≥1}
R: {y|y≥0}
Step 2:  Find the inverse of the function.
g(x)=x−1
y=x−1
x=y−1
x2=(y−1)2
x2=y−1
y=x2+1
g−1(x)=x2+1
Step 3:  Make a table of values of the inverse.
Since the range of the function is the domain of its inverse, the values of x should be greater than or
equal to zero.

Step 4:  Plot the points and graph the inverse of the function.

Tip
In graphing the inverse of a function, the domain and the range of the function should be
taken into consideration.
Key Point

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 11
 The graph of the inverse function f−1(x) is a mirror image or reflection of the graph of the
function f(x) along the line y=x.
Distinguishing exponential functions, equation, and inequalities
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to represent real-life situations using exponential
functions and distinguish between exponential function, exponential equation, and exponential
inequality.
Pendon University will be having a Foundation Day celebration. Each student should
invite two individuals to attend the event, and then the two people who accepted the invitation will
also invite two individuals and so on. This scenario is illustrated below.

Based on the diagram, how can you describe the number of persons on the fourth set of
invitations? On the fifth set? On the sixth set?
Learn about It!
Exponential Function
An exponential function is a function of the form f(x)=bx where b>0, b≠1, and x is any real number.
Examples
1. f(x)=(13)x
2. y=22x
Exponential Equation
An exponential equation is an equation in which a variable occurs as part of the index or exponent.
Examples
1. 2x=8
2. 3x+2=127
Learn about It!
Exponential Inequality
An exponential inequality is an inequality that has an algebraic exponent.
Examples
1. 2x+3>8
GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 12
2. 32x+3≤127

Try It!
Determine whether the given is an exponential function, an exponential equation, or an exponential
inequality.
1. 4x+2x=8
2. 42x+3≤164
3. 53x(125)<5x
4. 62x+1+62x+1=36
5. y=63x+1
Try It! Answers
1. exponential equation - The exponents are algebraic expressions and the given quantities are
related by an = sign.
2. exponential inequality - The exponent is an algebraic expression and the given quantities are
related by an ≤ sign.
3. exponential inequality - The exponents are algebraic expressions and the given quantities are
related by a ≤ sign.
4. exponential equation - The exponents are algebraic expressions and the given quantities are
related by an = sign.
5. exponential function - It is in the form y=bx
What Do You Think?
Jordan joined an investment company. To earn, he needs to invite three persons who will
each invite three persons and so on. Write an exponential equation that represents the number of sets
of invitation needed to have 243 manpower.
Key Points
An exponential function is a function of the form f(x)=bx where b>0, b≠1, and x is any real number.
Exponential equation is an equation in which the unknown occurs as part of the index or exponent.
Exponential inequality is an inequality which has variables in the exponent(s).
Solving Exponential Function
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to solve exponential equations and solve
problems involving exponential equations.
Before you proceed with this lesson, you should be able to recall the following:
Express a given number in exponential form with integral base.
a. 4=2×2=22
b. 81=3×3×3×3=34
c. 64=4×4×4=43
Solve linear equations.
a. 2x=12
2x2=122
x=6
b. 3+x=5

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 13
3+(−3)+x=5+(−3)
x=2

Learn about It!

Find the value of x in the equation 3x+1=81.
An exponential equation is an equation in which the unknown occurs as part of the index or
exponent.
How to Do
Step 1:  Make the bases the same.
3x+1=34
Step 2:  Copy the exponents and equate them.
x+1=4
Step 3:  Solve the resulting equation.
x+1=4
x=4−1
x=3
Step 4:  Check if the obtained value satisfies the given equation.
33+1=81
34=34
Therefore, x=3.

Try It!
Jordan joined a company where he needs to invite three persons to be a member of the company.
Those three persons will invite three persons each, and so on. At a certain number of levels, there are
already 243 members. How many levels of members are there?
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Read and understand the problem carefully. List down the given facts.
number of members in a certain level=243
three new members for every member
Step 2:  Make representations.
Let  x be the number of levels.
Step 3:  Set up the working equation.
3x=243
Step 4:  Solve the equation.
3x=343
3x=35
x=5
Step 5:  Verify if the answer is reasonable.
3x=243
35=243
243=243
Therefore, there are 5 levels of members.
What Do You Think?

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 14
 The weight of a radioactive substance t years after being set aside is given
by W(t)=250(0.0001)t grams. Find the number of years that the weight of the substance will
be 2.5 grams.
Key Points
In solving an exponential equation, do the following steps:
Step 1:  Make the bases the same.

Step 2:  Copy the exponents and equate them.

Step 3:  Solve the resulting equation.

Step 4:  Check if the obtained value satisfies the given equation.
Solving exponential inequalities
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to solve exponential inequalities and solve
problems involving exponential inequalities.
Before you proceed with this lesson, you should be able to recall the following:
Express a given number in exponential form with integral base.
a. 4=2×2=22
b. 81=3×3×3×3=34
c. 64=4×4×4=43
Solve linear inequalities.
a. 2x>12
2x2>122
x>6
b. 3−x<5
3+(−3)−x<5+(−3)
−x<2
x>−2
Learn about It!
Find the possible values of x in 23x+1>32.
An exponential inequality is an inequality that has an algebraic exponent.
How to Do
Step 1:  Make the bases the same.
23x+1>32
23x+1>25
Step 2:  Copy the exponents and the relational symbol.
3x+1>5
Step 3:  Solve the resulting inequality.
3x+1+(−1)>5+(−1)
3x>4
x>43
Step 4:  Test a value to check if it satisfies the given inequality.

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 15
 x>43
Let x=53
23(53)+1>25
25+1>25
64>32
Thus, the solution set is x>43.
Try It!
Lhea wants to have at least 256 members in her club. If each member will invite 4 members and the
four members will also invite 4 members and so on, how many levels of groups of 4 does she need
to invite?
Try It! Solution
Step 1: ` Read and understand the problem carefully. List down the given facts.
The minimum number of members is 256.
Four members will invite four members each and so on.
Step 2:  Make representations.
Let x be the number of groups of 4 to be invited.
Step 3:  Set up the working inequality.
4x≥256
Step 4:  Solve the inequality.
4x≥256
4x≥44
x≥4
Step 5:  Verify if the answer is reasonable.
4x≥256
45≥256
1024≥256
Thus, at least 4 levels of groups of 4 should be invited to achieve the minimum number of members.
What Do You Think?
Your family purchased a new car for ₱25000. Its value depreciates by 12% each year. During what
interval of time does the car’s value exceed ₱16000?
Key Points
Steps in solving exponential inequalities:
Step 1:  Make the bases the same.

Step 2:  Copy the exponents and the relational symbol.

Step 3:  Solve the resulting inequality.

Step 4:  Test a value to check if it satisfies the given inequality.

Representing Exponential Functions through table of Values and Graph
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to represent exponential function through its
table of values, graph, and equation.

GENERALMATHEMATICS Page 16
Before you proceed with this lesson, you should be able to recall exponential functions.
An exponential function can be written as f(x)=bx where b>0, b≠1, and x is any real number.
Examples:
1. f(x)=(13)x
2. y=22x
Learn about It!
Three days ago, it was observed that the amount of water in a drum is quintupled every day.
How many liters of water are there in the drum today? Represent this situation using an exponential
function, then construct its table of values.
To find the exponential function represented by a table of values, identify the common ratio.
The common ratio is the ratio of a term to the previous term.

How to Do
Step 1:  Formulate the exponential function of the given problem/statement.
Since the amount of water is quintupled every day, the exponential function is f(x)=5x, where x is
the time elapsed (in days).
Step 2:  Assume values for the input variable.

Step 3:  Evaluate the function at the assumed values of the input variable.

Step 4:  Plot the points and connect them using a smooth curve.
Try It!
There were originally 1000 bacteria in a culture. Every hour, the number of bacteria doubles.
Represent the population P(t) of the bacteria at any given time t using an exponential function.
Construct the table of values, then draw the graph.
Try It! Solution
Step 1:  Formulate the exponential function of the given problem/statement.
There are 1000 bacteria and the number of bacteria doubles every hour. Therefore, the exponential
function is P(t)=1000(2t).
Step 2:  Assume values for the input variable.

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Step 3:  Evaluate the function at the assumed values of the input variable.

Step 4:  Plot the points and connect them using a smooth curve.
Since t cannot be negative, the graph should
start at t=0.

What Do You Think?

Is it possible for the value of an
exponential function to be equal to zero?
Investigate using the following functions:
1. f(x)=3x
2. f(x)=3x+1
3. f(x)=20(3x)

Key Points
To represent exponential functions through table of values, graph and equations, follow these steps:
Step 1:  Formulate the exponential function of the given problem/statement.

Step 2:  Assume values for the input variable.

Step 3:  Evaluate the function at the assumed values of the input variable.

Step 4:  Plot the points and connect them using a smooth curve.
Graphing Exponential Functions
Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to determine the intercepts, zeros, and asymptotes of an
exponential function, and graph exponential functions.
Before you proceed with this lesson, you should be able to recall how to evaluate exponential
functions.
Example:
Given f(x)=2−x−1, find f(3).

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f(x)=2−x−1
f(3)=2−3−1
f(3)=2−4
f(3)=124
f(3)=116

Sketch the graph of f(x)=2x.

Properties of the Graph of Exponential Functions of the Form f(x)=bx
If b>1:
1. The y-intercept is 1.
2. The graph passes through the point (0,1).
3. The graph is asymptotic to the x-axis as x approaches −∞; there is no x-intercept.
4. As x increases, f(x) also increases.
5. As x decreases, f(x) also decreases and gets closer and closer to 0.
An asymptote is an imaginary line that a graph approaches but never intersects.
If 0<b<1:
1. The y-intercept is 1.
2. The graph passes through the point (0,1).
3. The graph is asymptotic to the x-axis as x approaches ∞; there is no x-intercept.
4. As x increases, f(x) decreases.
5. As x decreases, f(x) increases.
How to Do
Step 1: Find the x- and y-intercepts, if there are any.
To find the x-intercept, equate the function to zero.
f(x)=0
2x=0
This equation does not have a solution since the function should be greater than zero. The graph
of f(x) does not have an x-intercept.
To find the y-intercept, evaluate f(0).
f(x)=2x
f(0)=20
f(0)=1
The y-intercept of the graph of f(x) is (0,1).
Step 2: Create a table of values.

Step 3: Identify the asymptote.

As x decreases, 2x approaches 0. Thus, the horizontal asymptote is y=0.

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 Step 4: Plot the points and connect them using a smooth curve.

Try It!
Sketch the graph of f(x)=(12)x+1.
Try It! Solution
Step 1: Find the x- and y- intercepts, if there are any.
To find the x-intercept, equate the function to zero.
f(x)=0
(12)x+1=0
(12)x=−1
This equation does not have a solution since the function should be greater than zero. The graph
of f(x) does not have an x-intercept.
To find the y-intercept, evaluate f(0).
f(x)=(12)x+1
f(0)=(12)0+1
f(0)=1+1
f(0)=2
The y-intercept of the graph of f(x) is (0,2).
Step 2: Create a table of values.

Step 3: Identify the asymptote.

As x increases, f(x) approaches 1. Thus, the horizontal asymptote is y=1.
Step 4: Plot the points and connect them using a smooth curve.

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What Do You Think?
What would be the graph of f(x)=−2x+1+1?
Key Points
Steps in graphing exponential functions:
Step 1: Find x- and y-intercepts, if there are any.

Step 2: Create a table of values.

Step 3: Identify the asymptote.

Step 4: Plot the points and connect them using a smooth curve.

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