Math Problem Statement

Identify the domain Identify the transition points Identify the asymptotes

Identify the domain, transition points, and asymptotes for the function f(x) = 1/x - 1/(x-2).

Solution

To analyze the given function f(x)=1x1x2f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x-2}, let's determine the following:

1. Domain of the function:

The domain of f(x)f(x) is all xx values except those that make the denominators xx or x2x - 2 equal to zero.

  • For 1x\frac{1}{x}, x=0x = 0 is excluded.
  • For 1x2\frac{1}{x-2}, x=2x = 2 is excluded.

Domain: x(,0)(0,2)(2,)x \in (-\infty, 0) \cup (0, 2) \cup (2, \infty).


2. Transition Points:

Transition points occur where the function is undefined or undergoes a major structural change. Here, the transition points are:

  • x=0x = 0: A discontinuity (undefined at x=0x = 0).
  • x=2x = 2: Another discontinuity (undefined at x=2x = 2).

Transition Points: x=0x = 0 and x=2x = 2.


3. Asymptotes:

Vertical Asymptotes:

Vertical asymptotes occur at the values of xx that make the denominator zero, leading to infinite behavior in the function:

  • x=0x = 0: The term 1x\frac{1}{x} dominates.
  • x=2x = 2: The term 1x2\frac{1}{x-2} dominates.

Horizontal Asymptotes:

To find the horizontal asymptote, analyze the behavior of f(x)f(x) as x±x \to \pm\infty: f(x)=1x1x2.f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - \frac{1}{x-2}. For large xx, both terms approach zero. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is: y=0.y = 0.

Asymptotes:

  • Vertical asymptotes: x=0x = 0, x=2x = 2.
  • Horizontal asymptote: y=0y = 0.

Would you like further clarification or a graph of this function?

Related Questions:

  1. How does the behavior of f(x)f(x) change near the vertical asymptotes?
  2. What happens to f(x)f(x) as x0x \to 0^- and x0+x \to 0^+?
  3. How can f(x)f(x) be rewritten to simplify analysis?
  4. Can f(x)f(x) have oblique asymptotes instead of horizontal ones?
  5. What is the symmetry of this function?

Tip:

To verify asymptotes and transitions visually, graph the function and examine it near critical points.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Rational Functions
Asymptotes
Domains

Formulas

f(x) = 1/x - 1/(x-2)

Theorems

Domain of Rational Functions
Behavior of Asymptotes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12