Exponential Functions: f(x)=3^x

I need to find a way to graph this, but I am kind of lost. I made a "T Table" and inserted -1, -2, and 2 for x. for f(x) I got, respectively, -3, 9, and 9. Am I doing this right? And will this be a parabola?

Question

Exponential Functions: f(x)=3^x

I need to find a way to graph this, but I am kind of lost. I made a "T Table" and inserted -1, -2, and 2 for x. for f(x) I got, respectively, -3, 9, and 9. Am I doing this right? And will this be a parabola?

anonymous · Answer

Hey L2theM...unfortunately, you're not doing it right...

You have$$f(x)=3^x$$which is an exponential function.  It isn't a parabola.  Exponentials grow in the positive x-direction (i.e. go to infinity as x goes to infinity) and shrink to 0 as x goes to minus infinity.  The function is NEVER 0 or negative.

anonymous · Answer

$$f(-1)=3^{-1}=\frac{1}{3^1}=\frac{1}{3}$$$$f(-2)=3^{-2}=\frac{1}{3^2}=\frac{1}{9}$$$$f(2)=3^2=9$$Do you know your power laws?  Follow the pattern and you should be right.