Math Problem Statement

verify with limits

Solution

To verify the vertical asymptote of the function f(x)=x2xf(x) = \frac{x - 2}{x} using limits, we can analyze the behavior of f(x)f(x) as xx approaches the suspected vertical asymptote, which is x=0x = 0.

We need to evaluate the left-hand limit and the right-hand limit as xx approaches 0:

1. Right-Hand Limit (xx approaches 0 from the right):

This is the limit as xx approaches 0 from the positive side (x0+x \to 0^+).

limx0+x2x=limx0+(xx2x)=limx0+(12x)\lim_{x \to 0^+} \frac{x - 2}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0^+} \left(\frac{x}{x} - \frac{2}{x}\right) = \lim_{x \to 0^+} \left(1 - \frac{2}{x}\right)

As xx approaches 0 from the right, 2x\frac{2}{x} becomes very large (positive), so:

limx0+(12x)=1(+)=\lim_{x \to 0^+} \left(1 - \frac{2}{x}\right) = 1 - (+\infty) = -\infty

2. Left-Hand Limit (xx approaches 0 from the left):

This is the limit as xx approaches 0 from the negative side (x0x \to 0^-).

limx0x2x=limx0(xx2x)=limx0(12x)\lim_{x \to 0^-} \frac{x - 2}{x} = \lim_{x \to 0^-} \left(\frac{x}{x} - \frac{2}{x}\right) = \lim_{x \to 0^-} \left(1 - \frac{2}{x}\right)

As xx approaches 0 from the left, 2x\frac{2}{x} becomes very large (negative), so:

limx0(12x)=1()=+\lim_{x \to 0^-} \left(1 - \frac{2}{x}\right) = 1 - (-\infty) = +\infty

Conclusion:

Since the left-hand limit and right-hand limit as xx approaches 0 are ++\infty and -\infty respectively, this confirms that x=0x = 0 is indeed a vertical asymptote of the function f(x)=x2xf(x) = \frac{x - 2}{x}.

Would you like to dive deeper into any part of this solution?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do the limits help in identifying horizontal asymptotes?
  2. What is the significance of different signs in left-hand and right-hand limits at the asymptote?
  3. Can a function have more than one vertical asymptote? How?
  4. How does the vertical asymptote affect the graph of the function near x=0x = 0?
  5. What is the end behavior of f(x)f(x) as xx approaches \infty or -\infty?

Tip: When verifying asymptotes using limits, it's essential to check both the left-hand and right-hand limits, as they can provide different insights into the behavior of the function near the asymptote.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Vertical Asymptotes
Function Behavior

Formulas

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Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School