Math Problem Statement

Analyze the graph of a rational function with vertical asymptotes at x = -3 and x = 1, and a horizontal asymptote at y = 0.

Solution

The graph you uploaded represents a rational function with both vertical and horizontal asymptotes. From the image, we can gather the following key features of the function:

  1. Vertical Asymptotes:

    • At x=3x = -3
    • At x=1x = 1

    This means the function approaches infinity or negative infinity as xx approaches these values, but never crosses them.

  2. Horizontal Asymptote:

    • At y=0y = 0 (the x-axis)

    This suggests that as xx approaches positive or negative infinity, the function approaches zero.

These asymptotes typically occur in functions where the denominator of a rational function becomes zero at certain points for vertical asymptotes, and where the degree of the numerator is less than or equal to the degree of the denominator for horizontal asymptotes.

Would you like help finding the function equation or further details on this graph?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you determine vertical asymptotes algebraically?
  2. What does the horizontal asymptote y=0y = 0 tell you about the long-term behavior of the function?
  3. How would the graph change if one of the vertical asymptotes was removed?
  4. How are asymptotes related to the domain of a rational function?
  5. What happens to the function’s graph near the asymptotes?

Tip: When sketching rational functions, always plot the asymptotes first. They help guide the behavior of the function in different regions of the graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Asymptotes
Graphing

Formulas

The equation of a rational function in the form f(x) = (numerator) / (denominator)
Asymptote conditions for vertical asymptotes (denominator equals 0)
Horizontal asymptote conditions based on degrees of polynomials

Theorems

Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero
Horizontal asymptote behavior is determined by the degrees of the numerator and denominator

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12