Math Problem Statement

Which of the following best represents the graph of f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1 for the interval [-2, 2]?

Solution

The image contains three graphs with the prompt asking which of the following best represents the graph of the function f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1 for the interval [2,2][-2, 2].

Let’s first analyze the function f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1.

Key Features of f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1:

  1. Asymptotes:

    • There is a vertical asymptote at x=0x = 0, because 1x\frac{1}{x} is undefined at x=0x = 0.
    • The horizontal asymptote is y=1y = -1, because as xx \to \infty or xx \to -\infty, the 1x\frac{1}{x} term approaches 0, leaving y=1y = -1.
  2. Behavior in Intervals:

    • For x>0x > 0 (positive values of xx), 1x\frac{1}{x} is positive, and the graph is above y=1y = -1.
    • For x<0x < 0 (negative values of xx), 1x\frac{1}{x} is negative, and the graph will be below y=1y = -1.
  3. Near the Vertical Asymptote ( x=0x = 0):

    • As x0+x \to 0^+ (from the right), f(x)f(x) \to \infty.
    • As x0x \to 0^- (from the left), f(x)f(x) \to -\infty.

Now, let's compare this with the given graphs:

  • Graph A: This graph shows a function that passes through the origin and resembles an SS-shaped curve. This doesn't match the behavior of f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1 since f(x)f(x) has an asymptote at x=0x = 0, and the curve should not pass through the origin.

  • Graph B: This graph shows a parabolic shape, which suggests the graph of a quadratic function. This doesn't match f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1, which has asymptotic behavior.

  • Graph C: This graph shows a hyperbolic shape with a vertical asymptote at x=0x = 0 and a horizontal asymptote at y=1y = -1. This is consistent with the behavior of f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1, making it the correct choice.

Conclusion:

Graph C best represents the graph of f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1 for the interval [2,2][-2, 2].

Would you like more details, or do you have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What happens to the function f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1 as xx \to \infty?
  2. How do horizontal and vertical asymptotes affect the graph of a function?
  3. What is the domain and range of f(x)=1x1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1?
  4. How would the graph change if the function was f(x)=1x+1f(x) = \frac{1}{x} + 1?
  5. What is the behavior of the function f(x)=1xf(x) = \frac{1}{x} around x=0x = 0 without any vertical shift?

Tip: Always check for asymptotes when dealing with rational functions, as they provide essential information about the graph's behavior.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Asymptotes
Graph Analysis

Formulas

f(x) = \frac{1}{x} - 1

Theorems

Behavior of Rational Functions Near Asymptotes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12