Identify the base, coefficient, and transformations in the function
Find the horizontal asymptote
Plot the y-intercept
Choose several x-values on both sides of the y-intercept
Compute the corresponding y-values
Apply reflections, shifts, stretches, or compressions if present
Plot the points on the coordinate plane
Draw a smooth curve through the points
Make sure the graph approaches the asymptote but never crosses it
Check the graph for increasing or decreasing behavior based on the base