Math Problem Statement

For the function f whose graph is given, state the following: (a) lim x→∞ f(x), (b) lim x→−∞ f(x), (c) lim x→1 f(x), (d) lim x→3 f(x), (e) the equations of the asymptotes (vertical and horizontal).

Solution

Let's analyze the graph and the questions presented:

  1. Limit as xx \to \infty (Question a):

    • We need to find limxf(x)\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x), meaning what happens to the function f(x)f(x) as xx approaches positive infinity. From the graph, as xx increases to large positive values, the function appears to approach the horizontal line y=0y = 0, so the limit is 0.
  2. Limit as xx \to -\infty (Question b):

    • Similarly, for limxf(x)\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x), as xx becomes very negative, the function also seems to approach the horizontal line y=0y = 0. Thus, the limit is 0.
  3. Limit as x1x \to 1 (Question c):

    • Around x=1x = 1, the graph shows a vertical asymptote. As xx approaches 1 from either side, the function tends to \infty or -\infty, indicating the function has no limit and tends to infinity.
  4. Limit as x3x \to 3 (Question d):

    • At x=3x = 3, the graph does not show any discontinuity, and the function seems to approach a specific value. Based on the graph, limx3f(x)\lim_{x \to 3} f(x) appears to be about -1.
  5. Asymptotes (Question e):

    • Vertical asymptote: From the graph, there is a vertical asymptote at x=1x = 1.
    • Horizontal asymptote: The function approaches the horizontal line y=0y = 0 as xx \to \infty or xx \to -\infty, so the horizontal asymptote is y=0y = 0.

Answers:

  • (a) limxf(x)=0\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = 0
  • (b) limxf(x)=0\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 0
  • (c) limx1f(x)=\lim_{x \to 1} f(x) = \infty
  • (d) limx3f(x)=1\lim_{x \to 3} f(x) = -1
  • (e) Vertical asymptote: x=1x = 1, Horizontal asymptote: y=0y = 0

Would you like further details on any part? Here are five questions that can deepen your understanding:

  1. Why does the function have no limit at x=1x = 1?
  2. What is the difference between vertical and horizontal asymptotes?
  3. How can you tell if a graph approaches a specific value as xx \to \infty?
  4. Why does the limit at x=3x = 3 exist and equal -1, unlike at x=1x = 1?
  5. What are common behaviors of functions around vertical asymptotes?

Tip: When determining limits graphically, watch for asymptotes and the general trend of the function's behavior.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Asymptotes
Graph Analysis

Formulas

Limit of a function as x approaches a certain value
Identifying vertical and horizontal asymptotes

Theorems

Limit Theorem
Properties of Asymptotes

Suitable Grade Level

High School Calculus