Graphing y=-e^x: What Am I Looking At?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the graphing of the function y = -e^x, with participants attempting to clarify the appearance and interpretation of the graph produced by one user. The scope includes conceptual understanding of exponential functions and their transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the graph they produced for y = -e^x, describing it as an "up and down line" and seeking clarification.
  • Another participant suggests that the graph of e^x should be flipped upside down to represent -e^x.
  • A different participant asserts that the posted graph does not accurately represent -e^x.
  • Concerns are raised about the method used to generate the graph, with one participant noting it resembles y = e^x cos(x) instead.
  • Another participant speculates that the graph may be a misinterpretation of (-e)^x, pointing out oscillations in the graph that suggest this possibility.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the ambiguity in the notation -e^x versus (-e)^x, with one participant emphasizing the importance of this distinction.
  • Discussion includes a specific evaluation of f(2), with one participant noting that the expected value does not match the graph's output, suggesting a potential error in the value of e used in plotting.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the accuracy of the graph and the interpretation of the function. There is no consensus on the correct representation or the method used to generate the graph, indicating ongoing confusion and debate.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the notation used for the function, potential miscalculations in the value of e, and the method of graphing that may have contributed to the confusion.

poohbear1986
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ok i was graphing y=-e^x e=2.1783 and i got this up and down line growing from negative to positve, i have no clue what the hell I am looking at, I've attached what i got tell if I am right or wrong, point in the right direction if you could
 

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Take the graph of e^x and flip it upside down.
 
thank you that was driving me nuts
 
The graph you have posted is NOT [itex]- e^x[/itex]
 
Since you don't say HOW you got that graph, there's not much more we can tell you!
(It looks to me something like y= excos(x).)
 
It looks to me like a naive attempt at (-e)^x, judging from the oscillations. Of course, the points between the integers are all wrong. That MAY have been the logic behind it, but I don't know...
 
poohbear, there is still some confusion. Are you trying to graph (-e)^x or -(e^x). There is a big difference, and writing -e^x is slightly ambiguous (although it implies the latter of the two I wrote).

Moo Of Doom, you are right it looks like (-e)^x (with connecting lines drawn in the undefined parts) but when x is 2 f(x) should be around 7.4 and in his document 4 < f(2) < 6 which actually satisfies neither of the two possibilities mentioned.
 
Diffy said:
when x is 2 f(x) should be around 7.4 and in his document 4 < f(2) < 6 which actually satisfies neither of the two possibilities mentioned.

I thought it was odd too, but when you look at the original post, he says

poohbear1986 said:
graphing y=-e^x e=2.1783 and i got this

and 2.17822 is about 4.74. I think he mistyped his value for e when he plotted the points as well. Makes everything pretty confusing, doesn't it?
 

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