Math Problem Statement

features are: horizontal asymptotes, vertical asymptotes, coordinates of holes, x and y intercepts

Determine each feature of the graph of the function f(x) = (4(x - 1))/(3(x - 1)^3), including horizontal asymptotes, vertical asymptotes, coordinates of holes, x and y intercepts.

Solution

Let's break down the given function f(x)=4(x1)3(x1)3f(x) = \frac{4(x - 1)}{3(x - 1)^3} and determine each feature of the graph as requested:

1. Simplifying the function:

The function simplifies as follows: f(x)=4(x1)3(x1)3=43(x1)2f(x) = \frac{4(x - 1)}{3(x - 1)^3} = \frac{4}{3(x - 1)^2} Since the (x1)(x - 1) in the numerator and denominator cancel out, we are left with the simplified function: f(x)=43(x1)2f(x) = \frac{4}{3(x - 1)^2}

This will help us identify key features.

2. Vertical Asymptote:

A vertical asymptote occurs where the denominator equals zero and the function is undefined. Setting the denominator to zero: 3(x1)2=03(x - 1)^2 = 0 This gives x=1x = 1. Therefore, there is a vertical asymptote at x=1x = 1.

3. Horizontal Asymptote:

To determine the horizontal asymptote, observe the behavior of the function as xx \to \infty or xx \to -\infty. The term (x1)2(x - 1)^2 in the denominator grows large, making the whole fraction approach zero. Therefore, the function approaches: limx±f(x)=0\lim_{x \to \pm \infty} f(x) = 0 Thus, there is a horizontal asymptote at y=0y = 0.

4. Holes:

Holes occur when a factor cancels out from both the numerator and denominator, making the function undefined at that point. However, after simplifying the original function, we see that x=1x = 1 does not result in a hole, but instead leads to a vertical asymptote. There are no holes in this graph.

5. X-intercept:

The x-intercept is found by setting f(x)=0f(x) = 0. However, in the simplified function, the numerator is a constant (4), meaning the function never equals zero. There is no x-intercept.

6. Y-intercept:

To find the y-intercept, we evaluate the function at x=0x = 0: f(0)=43(01)2=43f(0) = \frac{4}{3(0 - 1)^2} = \frac{4}{3} Therefore, the y-intercept is at (0,43)\left(0, \frac{4}{3} \right).

Summary of Features:

  1. Vertical Asymptote: x=1x = 1
  2. Horizontal Asymptote: y=0y = 0
  3. Holes: None
  4. X-intercept: None
  5. Y-intercept: (0,43)\left(0, \frac{4}{3} \right)

Would you like more details on any of these features?

Here are five related questions to expand this topic:

  1. How would the function change if the numerator were 4(x2)4(x - 2) instead of 4(x1)4(x - 1)?
  2. What would happen to the vertical asymptote if the denominator were (x2)3(x - 2)^3?
  3. Can a function have multiple vertical asymptotes? Provide an example.
  4. What is the significance of a hole in a function graph, and how does it differ from an asymptote?
  5. How can we find oblique asymptotes for rational functions, and when do they occur?

Tip: Always start by simplifying a rational function to better understand its behavior and features like asymptotes and intercepts.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Asymptotes
Intercepts
Holes

Formulas

Vertical Asymptote: Set denominator equal to 0
Horizontal Asymptote: Examine limit as x approaches infinity
X-intercept: Set numerator equal to 0
Y-intercept: f(0) = value of the function at x = 0

Theorems

Limit Theorem for Horizontal Asymptotes
Rational Function Asymptote Rules

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12