Y=3 times 2 to the x power

Question

I already did the table thing with the numbers -2,1,0,1,2 like usual so I understand that part of it I just don't know how to put it on the graph with fractions help will be appreciated :)

Answer 1

Hello Emily.  When you have an exponent to a negative power, it essentially means the exponent is on the wrong side of the fraction.  In math to get rid of the negative exponent, you flip the base attached to the exponent to the denominator.  For instance, in your problem, when you substitute -2 for the exponent you get y = 3 • 2^-2 power.  Flip 2^-2 and make it 1 over 2² which becomes 1 over 4 or 1/4.  Then multiply 1/4 times 3, so your y is 3/4.  Your point for the graph would be (-2, 3/4).  Hope this helps.