# Homework Help: Graphing functions and identifying features

1. Aug 28, 2012

### zebra1707

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Hi there

I need assistance with two graphs that are causing me some problems

y=e(^-2x)(-1) and y=ln(x-2)+1

2. Relevant equations

I just need some guidence as to where to start - starting with a table - what range is approriate?

3. The attempt at a solution

Stuck

2. Aug 28, 2012

### HallsofIvy

$e^x$ goes to 0 very rapidly for x< 0 and goes up very rapidly for x> 0. I would recommend taking x from -1 or -2 to +4 or +5.

ln(x) is only defined for x> 0 so ln(x- 2) is only defined for x> 2. I would recommend taking x from 2 up to, say 10.

Wouldn't it have been faster to just play around with some numbers rather than wait for someone to respond here? Do you not have a graphing calculator? It would have taken only a few seconds to try various value on a calculator.

3. Aug 28, 2012

### SammyS

Staff Emeritus
I assume you mean $\displaystyle y=(-1)e^{-2x}\,,$ which you could write as y = (e^(-2x))(-1), (the location of parentheses is important) or y = -e^(-2x), or better yet, y = -e-2x,

and y = ln(x-2) + 1 .

Are you familiar with the graphs of:
$\displaystyle y=e^{x}\,,$​
and
$\displaystyle y=\ln(x)\ ?$​
That's the place to start.

Then use what you've (hopefully) been learning about shifting, stretching, shrinking, flipping, etc. graphs.

4. Aug 28, 2012

### zebra1707

Thank you, yes, you are right. I think just a lack of confidence in this aspect of Maths. Sorry to be a bother. Regards

5. Aug 28, 2012

### zebra1707

Many thanks, I appreciate the guidance.