Solving Vertical Asymptotes: (x-1)(x-3) / y-1 or (x-1)/(x-1)(x-3)?

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In summary, to find an equation f(x) with vertical asymptotes of x=1 and x=3 and a horizontal asymptote of y=1, we can use either (x-1)(x-3)/y-1 or [(x+1)/(x-1)(x-3)]+1. B is incorrect as it will have a horizontal asymptote of y=0. The numerator of the equation must be of the form x^2+Bx+C where B and C do not allow factors equal to those of the denominator.
  • #1
cowgiljl
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The question is
fine a equation f(x) that has a vertical asymptotes of X=1and X=3 and a horizontal asymptotes of Y=1

A) (x-1)(x-3) / y-1 = x^2-4x+3 / x-1

OR

B) (x-1) /(x-1)(x-3) = just the oppsite of above

is any of these correct?
I think B is correct but right now I can't find any info on it in my book
 
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  • #2
I think it won't be correct, the Horizontal asymtopte for B will be y=0.

If i remember correctly the horizontal asymptote is

[tex] \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{(x-1)}{(x-1)(x-3)} [/tex]

The above case will give y=0. The numerator must of the form
[tex] x^2 + Bx +C [/tex] where B and C don't allow factors equal to those of the denominator.

To make myself clearer:

[tex] \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{Ax^2 +Bx +C}{x^2-4x+3} [/tex]

[tex] \lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{A +\frac{B}{x} +\frac{C}{x^2}}{1-\frac{4}{x}+\frac{3}{x^2}} = \frac{A}{1}[/tex]

[tex] \frac{A}{1} = 1 [/tex]

because horizontal asymptote should be y = 1
 
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  • #3
B gives you a removable discontinuity at x=1.

Try this:

f(x)=[(x+1)/(x-1)(x-3)]+1
 

FAQ: Solving Vertical Asymptotes: (x-1)(x-3) / y-1 or (x-1)/(x-1)(x-3)?

What is a vertical asymptote?

A vertical asymptote is a vertical line on a graph that a function approaches but never touches. It occurs when the value of the function approaches infinity or negative infinity at a particular point on the graph.

How do I find the vertical asymptotes of a function?

To find the vertical asymptotes of a function, set the denominator of the function equal to 0 and solve for the variable. The resulting value(s) will be the vertical asymptote(s) of the function.

How do I solve for vertical asymptotes in a rational function?

In a rational function, the vertical asymptotes occur at the points where the denominator is equal to 0. Set the denominator equal to 0 and solve for the variable to find the vertical asymptotes.

How do I use the given function to find the vertical asymptotes?

To use the given function to find the vertical asymptotes, first simplify the function by factoring. Then, set the denominator equal to 0 and solve for the variable. The resulting value(s) will be the vertical asymptotes.

Can a function have more than one vertical asymptote?

Yes, a function can have more than one vertical asymptote. This occurs when the function has multiple values that make the denominator equal to 0. Each of these points will be a vertical asymptote for the function.

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