Math Problem Statement

Graph the exponential function g(x) = 3^x - 3. Plot two points on the graph, draw the asymptote, and identify the domain and range using interval notation.

Solution

The given function is g(x)=3x3g(x) = 3^x - 3, which is an exponential function. Here's how we can approach this problem step by step:

1. Graphing the Function

We need to plot the graph of g(x)=3x3g(x) = 3^x - 3. Let's first calculate a few points on the graph:

  • At x=0x = 0: g(0)=303=13=2g(0) = 3^0 - 3 = 1 - 3 = -2 So, one point is (0,2)(0, -2).

  • At x=1x = 1: g(1)=313=33=0g(1) = 3^1 - 3 = 3 - 3 = 0 Another point is (1,0)(1, 0).

  • At x=1x = -1: g(1)=313=133=1393=83g(-1) = 3^{-1} - 3 = \frac{1}{3} - 3 = \frac{1}{3} - \frac{9}{3} = -\frac{8}{3} This gives the point (1,83)(-1, -\frac{8}{3}), or approximately (1,2.67)(-1, -2.67).

2. Asymptote

The horizontal asymptote of this function is y=3y = -3, because as xx \to -\infty, 3x3^x approaches 0, so g(x)g(x) approaches 3-3.

3. Domain and Range

  • Domain: The domain of an exponential function is all real numbers, so the domain is (,)(-\infty, \infty).

  • Range: Since the graph never reaches 3-3 but approaches it as xx \to -\infty, and goes to infinity as xx \to \infty, the range is (3,)(-3, \infty).

Summary of Answers:

  • Domain: (,)(-\infty, \infty)
  • Range: (3,)(-3, \infty)
  • Horizontal Asymptote: y=3y = -3
  • Points to plot: (0,2)(0, -2), (1,0)(1, 0), (1,2.67)(-1, -2.67)

Would you like further details on this or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this information:

  1. How does changing the base of the exponential function affect its graph?
  2. What happens to the graph of g(x)=3x3g(x) = 3^x - 3 if we add a constant to xx, like in g(x)=3x+13g(x) = 3^{x+1} - 3?
  3. Can you find the y-intercept of any exponential function in general form?
  4. What is the effect of a vertical shift on the range of an exponential function?
  5. How can you determine the asymptote of a transformed exponential function?

Tip: When graphing exponential functions, always look for the horizontal asymptote first to understand how the function behaves at extreme values of xx.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Functions
Graphing
Domain and Range
Asymptotes

Formulas

Exponential function: g(x) = a^x + c

Theorems

Properties of exponential functions
Horizontal asymptote of exponential functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12