How do you graph f(x)=-3/(x-1) using holes, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, x and y intercepts?

1 Answer
Feb 6, 2018

Holes: color(green)"Since nothing was cancelled out, there are no holes."

Vertical Asymptote: Use the denominator. The function is undefined when the denominator is zero. At what value of x will the denominator equal zero?

color(green)"Set the denominator to zero, and then solve for x".

color(green)"x - 1 = 0"
color(green)"x = 1"

color(green)"The vertical asymptote will be at x = 1".

Horizontal Asymptote: Use the degrees of the numerator and denominator.

  • If the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, HA is at y=0.
  • If the degree of the numerator is more than the degree of the denominator, there is no HA.
  • If they are equal, divide the coefficient of x^(degree) in the numerator by the coefficient of x^(degree) in the denominator.

color(green)"The degree of the numerator is zero. The degree of the denominator is 1. The HA is at y=0."

x-int: The graph will pass through the x-axis when y is equal to zero.

color(green)"Set y = 0, then solve for x."

color(green)0 color(green)= - color(green)3/color(green)(x-1)

color(green)"In this case, this is not possible, therefore there is no x-intercept."

y-int: The graph will pass through the y-axis when x is equal to zero.

color(green)"Set x = 0, then solve for y."

color(green)y color(green)= - color(green)3/color(green)(0-1)

color(green)y color(green)= color(green)3

color(green)"The graph passes through the y-axis at 3."

Use these values to plot points, then use a table of values if extra points are needed.