1. **State the problem:** Graph the function $$y=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{x+1} - 7$$ using the given table of values and identify the horizontal asymptote. 2. **Formula and rules:** The function is an exponential decay of the form $$y=a^{x+h}+k$$ where $$a=\frac{1}{2}$$ (between 0 and 1, so decay), $$h=1$$ (horizontal shift), and $$k=-7$$ (vertical shift). 3. **Horizontal asymptote:** For $$y=a^{x+h}+k$$ with $$0