Evaluate the expoential equation for positive values

[caligirl350]

Evaluate the exponential equation for three positive values of x, three negative values of x, and at x=0. Show your work. Use the resulting ordered pairs to plot the graph State the equation of the line asymptotic to the graph (if any).

y=-(1/5)^x

I really am not understanding how to come up with the positive values of x and the negative values????

 

[JeffWest]

The Problem asks you to pick three positive x values. You can pick any ones you want.
Example \(\displaystyle y=-(1/5)^x\) ... Pick x=3

\(\displaystyle y=-(1/5)^3=-0.008\)

This means when ... \(\displaystyle x=3\)

Then ...\(\displaystyle y=-0.008\)

Next just pick a few more values of x and plug them in

 

[caligirl350]

how are you getting the -0.008? I understand so my next one I can use 2?

 

[JeffWest]

You get -0.008 from putting 3 into the equation instead of x. Then all you have in your equation is numbers and when you put them in your calculator then
you get -0.008.

You are exactly right. you can use x=2 for you next one.

 

[mmm4444bot]

how are you getting the -0.008?

Are you asking how to use your calculator to raise 1/5 to the third power?