# How in the heck do I graph this?!

• Feb 11th 2010, 12:11 PM
MathBlaster47
How in the heck do I graph this?!
I have no clue how to graph this in a workable fashion.

$y=3^x$.

I do know how to graph other equations,(1) put the question into standard form if it isn't already, (2)replace the x or y variable(usually the x gets replaced), (3)work the equation to get y, (4)graph the point, (5)repeat steps 2-4 3 to 6 times, (6) connect the dots.

My problem is that the graph I am working with is fairly small, so the answers are either to high to graph or are decimals meaning that any attempt at accuracy is difficult.

Thank you!
• Feb 11th 2010, 12:23 PM
Hi Mathblaster47,

You can compress the y axis,
or use log-linear graph paper.
• Feb 11th 2010, 12:56 PM
MathBlaster47
Quote:

Hi Mathblaster47,

You can compress the y axis,
or use log-linear graph paper.

Just one question though:
Just note the adjusted scale to compress the y axis,right?

I don't think I can use log-linear graph as I am required to give a (x,y) graph as my answer.
• Feb 11th 2010, 01:20 PM
Yes, in that case just make the difference between units smaller on the y-axis.
This will allow you to draw a graph that looks similar to the .jpg file.
Decide on the highest value of x you want to use, say x=5.

Then since x=5, $3^x=3^5=243$

so scale the y-axis from 0 to 300, using 1 y unit = 100
or something similar.
• Feb 11th 2010, 01:28 PM
MathBlaster47
Many gracious thanks Archie!

Could I ask a side question?

What is the best method to manually graph an ellipse?
• Feb 11th 2010, 02:29 PM
Hi Mathblaster47,

maybe the draughtsman's method at the following link would be most practical.

Constructing Ellipses