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

1 Answer
Mar 19, 2017

see explanation.

Explanation:

color(blue)"Asymptotes"

The denominator of f(x) cannot be zero as this would make f(x) undefined. Equating the denominator to zero and solving gives the values that x cannot be and if the numerator is non-zero for these values then they are vertical asymptotes.

"solve " (x+1)(x-3)=0rArrx=-1" and " x=3

rArrx=-1" and " x=3" are the asymptotes"

Horizontal asymptotes occur as

lim_(xto+-oo),f(x)toc" ( a constant)"

divide terms on numerator/denominator by the highest power of x, that is x^2

f(x)=(x/x^2+3/x^2)/(x^2/x^2-(2x)/x^2-3/x^2)=(1/x+3/x^2)/(1-2/x-3/x^2

as xto+-oo,f(x)to(0+0)/(1-0-0)

rArry=0" is the asymptote"

Holes occur when there is a duplicate factor on the numerator/denominator. This is not the case here hence there are no holes.

color(blue)"Intercepts"

x=0toy=3/(-3)=-1larrcolor(red)" y-intercept"

y=0tox+3=0tox=-3larrcolor(red)" x-intercept"
graph{(x+3)/(x^2-2x-3) [-10, 10, -5, 5]}