To analyze the graph of the function \( y = 2 \cdot 3^{x-1} \) in comparison to its parent function \( y = 3^x \), we can break down the transformation that has taken place:
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Vertical Stretch: The coefficient of 2 indicates a vertical stretch by a factor of 2. This means that for any value of \( x \), the output of the function \( y = 3^x \) will be multiplied by 2.
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Horizontal Shift: The term \( x - 1 \) shows that the function is shifted to the right by 1 unit. In other words, the entire graph of \( y = 3^x \) will be moved to the right.
Given this analysis, the correct description of how \( y = 2 \cdot 3^{x-1} \) compares to its parent function \( y = 3^x \) is:
It is the graph of \( y = 3^x \) with a vertical stretch by a factor of 2 and shifted right 1 unit.