To analyze and graph the function \( y = \frac{1}{2}^{(x - 1)} - 5 \), we will follow these steps:
1. Identify the Asymptote
The function is in the form of an exponential function, where the base \( \frac{1}{2} \) reflects that as \( x \) approaches infinity, \( y \) approaches \(-5\). Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is:
\[ y = -5 \]
2. Generate Points
To find points with integer coordinates, we will substitute integer values for \( x \) and calculate the corresponding \( y \).
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For \( x = -2 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(-2 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{-3} - 5 = 8 - 5 = 3 \] Point: \((-2, 3)\)
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For \( x = 0 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(0 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{-1} - 5 = 2 - 5 = -3 \] Point: \((0, -3)\)
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For \( x = 1 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(1 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{0} - 5 = 1 - 5 = -4 \] Point: \((1, -4)\)
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For \( x = 2 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(2 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{1} - 5 = \frac{1}{2} - 5 = -4.5 \] Point: \((2, -4.5)\) (This point is not an integer coordinate)
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For \( x = 3 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(3 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{2} - 5 = \frac{1}{4} - 5 = -4.75 \] Point: \((3, -4.75)\) (Not an integer either)
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For \( x = 4 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(4 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{3} - 5 = \frac{1}{8} - 5 = -4.875 \] Point: \((4, -4.875)\) (Not an integer)
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Let's try \( x = -1 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(-1 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{-2} - 5 = 4 - 5 = -1 \] Point: \((-1, -1)\)
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For \( x = 5 \): \[ y = \frac{1}{2}^{(5 - 1)} - 5 = \frac{1}{2}^{4} - 5 = \frac{1}{16} - 5 = -4.9375 \] Point: \((5, -4.9375)\) (Not an integer)
Integer Points
Here are four points with integer coordinates derived from our evaluations:
- \( (-2, 3) \)
- \( (0, -3) \)
- \( (1, -4) \)
- \( (-1, -1) \)
3. Graph the Function
You can graph the function using graphing software or a graphing calculator. The horizontal asymptote at \( y = -5 \) should be represented, along with the points plotted.
Points summary:
- \((-2, 3)\)
- \((-1, -1)\)
- \((0, -3)\)
- \((1, -4)\)
Plotting Steps:
- Draw the axes.
- Mark the horizontal line for the asymptote \( y = -5 \).
- Plot the points listed above on the graph.
- Connect the points smoothly to reflect the shape of the exponential graph.
This will accurately represent the function over the specified range.