Math Problem Statement

The graph of \( y = f(x) \) has the following features: - \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = 3 \) - \( \lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = -5 \) - \( \lim_{x \to -1^{-}} f(x) = \infty \) - \( \lim_{x \to -1^{+}} f(x) = -\infty \) Which of the following might be a graph of \( y = f(x) \)?

Solution

Let's analyze the characteristics given for the function y=f(x)y = f(x):

  1. Limit as xx \to \infty:
    limxf(x)=3\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = 3
    This implies that as xx approaches infinity, the function f(x)f(x) approaches the horizontal asymptote y=3y = 3.

  2. Limit as xx \to -\infty:
    limxf(x)=5\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = -5
    This suggests that as xx approaches negative infinity, f(x)f(x) approaches the horizontal asymptote y=5y = -5.

  3. Limit as x1x \to -1^{-}:
    limx1f(x)=\lim_{x \to -1^{-}} f(x) = \infty
    This means that as xx approaches 1-1 from the left side, f(x)f(x) goes to positive infinity. This indicates a vertical asymptote at x=1x = -1, where f(x)f(x) \to \infty from the left.

  4. Limit as x1+x \to -1^{+}:
    limx1+f(x)=\lim_{x \to -1^{+}} f(x) = -\infty
    As xx approaches 1-1 from the right, f(x)f(x) goes to negative infinity. This again confirms a vertical asymptote at x=1x = -1, where f(x)f(x) \to -\infty from the right.

Summary of Key Features:

  • Horizontal asymptote at y=3y = 3 as xx \to \infty.
  • Horizontal asymptote at y=5y = -5 as xx \to -\infty.
  • Vertical asymptote at x=1x = -1, with f(x)f(x) \to \infty from the left and f(x)f(x) \to -\infty from the right.

To identify which graph matches these features, look for:

  1. A horizontal line approaching y=3y = 3 on the far right.
  2. A horizontal line approaching y=5y = -5 on the far left.
  3. A vertical line at x=1x = -1 where the graph goes up to ++\infty on the left side and down to -\infty on the right side.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What other types of asymptotes can a function have?
  2. How does the limit behavior of f(x)f(x) affect the overall shape of the graph?
  3. Can a function have multiple vertical asymptotes? If so, how do we identify them?
  4. How would the function behave if the limits at infinity were not constants?
  5. How does a vertical asymptote differ from a hole in a function's graph?

Tip: When analyzing graphs of functions, always pay attention to both horizontal and vertical asymptotes to understand long-term behavior and potential discontinuities.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Asymptotes
Behavior of functions
Infinity

Formulas

\( \lim_{x \to a} f(x) \)
Horizontal asymptote
Vertical asymptote

Theorems

Limit behavior of functions at infinity
Asymptote rules

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12