Example

Example: Graphing f(x)=2xf(x) = 2^x and g(x)=2x1g(x) = 2^{x-1}

To further explore the concept of horizontal shifts, consider graphing the functions f(x)=2xf(x) = 2^x and g(x)=2x1g(x) = 2^{x-1} on the same coordinate plane. By generating a table of coordinate values and plotting the points, you will observe that subtracting 11 from the exponent in the function g(x)g(x) results in a curve that is identical in shape to f(x)=2xf(x) = 2^x, but shifted. Specifically, this mathematical operation represents a horizontal translation of one unit to the right. Recognizing this fundamental pattern allows you to graph related exponential functions more efficiently by shifting the base graph rather than plotting every point individually.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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