1. The problem is to graph the function $y = a^x$ where $a > 0$ and $a \neq 1$. 2. The general form of an exponential function is $y = a^x$. 3. Important rules: - The base $a$ must be positive and not equal to 1. - The graph passes through the point $(0,1)$ because $a^0 = 1$. - If $a > 1$, the function is increasing. - If $0 < a < 1$, the function is decreasing. 4. Since no specific base $a$ was given, we can graph a general example such as $y = 2^x$. 5. The graph will show exponential growth, passing through $(0,1)$, increasing as $x$ increases, and approaching zero as $x$ decreases.