Need help I don't have a clue on how to do this problem.

[ladyjemstar]

Evaluate the exponential equation for three positive values of x, three negative values of x, and at x=0. Transform the second expression into the equivalent logarithmic equation; and evaluate the logarithmic equation for three values of x that are greater than 1, three values of x that are between 0 and 1, and at x=1. Show your work. Use the resulting ordered pairs to plot the graph of each function;

y = 5^x-2 x= 5^y-2

 

[Denis]

Where does the problem come from?
WHY was it given to you if you don't have a clue?

Are you avle to do this one (so we have an idea where you're at):
x = y^2 + 7
If x = 71, what does y equal?

 

[mmm4444bot]

Evaluate the [first] exponential equation for three positive values of x

y = 5^x-2

I'll try to help you with the very first part.

"Evaluate" means to find the value. The instruction above tells you to pick three numbers for x that are each bigger than zero, and then calculate the value y for each of them.

Here's how it works.

I'll pick x = 3, for example.

To find out what value y has when x has the value 3, we first substitute the number 3 for the symbol x in the expression for y. Then, we do the arithmetic.

y = 5^x - 2

y = 5^3 - 2

Now, follow the Order of Operations. Exponentiation is done first.

5^3 = 5*5*5 = 125

So, we have:

y = 125 - 2

y = 123

When x is 3, y is 123. These numbers form an ordered pair (3, 123).

If you also pick 3 as one of your positive numbers, then you will be plotting the point (3, 123), when you draw the graph.

Evaluation works the same way when x is some negative number or zero. Substitute your value for the symbol x, and do the arithmetic.

You need to evaluate this y for seven different values of x total (three positive, three negative, and zero).

You will then have the coordinates for seven points to plot and to connect with a smooth curve.

Hint: To make the graphing easier, don't pick "big" values for x; pick numbers that are fairly close to zero. Like maybe, x = {-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 1.5, 2}.

I welcome specific questions, about this part of the exercise.