The equation given is $y = 2^x$. This is an exponential function, characterized by rapid growth as $x$ increases. Key characteristics of the graph of this function are:

1. Asymptote: The graph approaches but never touches the x-axis (i.e., $y = 0$) for negative values of $x$.
2. Y-intercept: The graph crosses the y-axis at $(0, 1)$ since $2^0 = 1$.
3. Exponential Growth: For positive values of $x$, the graph increases rapidly.

Let's now match these features with the provided graphs:

• Graph A: This is a linear graph, so it does not match.
• Graph B: This is a curve that rises quickly for positive $x$ values but does not approach an asymptote for negative $x$, so it does not match.
• Graph C: This is a parabola, suggesting a quadratic equation, so it does not match.
• Graph D: This graph starts flat near the x-axis for negative $x$, crosses at $(0, 1)$, and grows rapidly for positive $x$. This matches the behavior of the exponential function $y = 2^x$.

Thus, the correct match is Graph D.

Would you like more details on how exponential functions behave or any other clarification?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. How does the base of the exponential function affect the steepness of the graph?
2. What are the differences between exponential growth and decay?
3. Can exponential functions ever have negative y-values?
4. How would the graph of $y = 3^x$ compare to $y = 2^x$?
5. What is the effect of adding or subtracting constants to the equation $y = 2^x$?

Tip: Exponential functions always have a horizontal asymptote, which helps to identify their graphs easily.