how to find vertical and horizontal asymptotes

HOW TO FIND VERTICAL ASYMPTOTE OF A FUNCTION

We will be able to find vertical asymptotes of a function, only if it is a rational function.

That is, the function has to be in the form of

f(x) = g(x) / h(x)

Rational Function - Example :

Steps to Find Vertical Asymptotes of a Rational Function

Step 1 :

Let f(x) be the given rational function. Make the denominator equal to zero.

Step 2 :

When we make the denominator equal to zero, suppose we get x = a and x = b.

Step 3 :

The equations of the vertical asymptotes are

x = a and x = b

Examples

Example 1 :

Find the equation of vertical asymptote of the graph of

f(x) = 1 / (x + 6)

Solution :

Step 1 :

In the given rational function, the denominator is

x + 6

Step 2 :

Now, we have to make the denominator equal to zero.

That is,

x + 6 = 0

x = - 6

Step 3 :

The equation of the vertical asymptote is

x = - 6

Example 2 :

Find the equation of vertical asymptote of the graph of

f(x) = (x² + 2x - 3) / (x² - 5x + 6)

Solution :

Step 1 :

In the given rational function, the denominator is

x² - 5x + 6

Step 2 :

Now, we have to make the denominator equal to zero.

That is,

x² - 5x + 6 = 0

(x - 2)(x - 3) = 0

x - 2 = 0 or x - 3 = 0

x = 2 or x = 3

Step 3 :

The equations of two vertical asymptotes are

x = 2 and x = 3

Example 3 :

Find the equation of vertical asymptote of the graph of

f(x) = (2x - 3) / (x² - 4)

Solution :

Step 1 :

In the given rational function, the denominator is

x² - 4

Step 2 :

Now, we have to make the denominator equal to zero.

That is,

x² - 4 = 0

x² - 2² = 0

(x + 2)(x - 2) = 0

x = - 2 or x = 2

Step 3 :

The equations of two vertical asymptotes are

x = - 2 and x = 2

Example 4 :

Find the equation of vertical asymptote of the graph of

f(x) = (2x - 3) / (x² + 4)

Solution :

Step 1 :

In the given rational function, the denominator is

x² + 4

Step 2 :

Now, we have to make the denominator equal to zero.

That is,

x² + 4 = 0

x² = - 4

x = ± √-4

x = ± 2i

x = 2i or x = - 2i (Imaginary)

Step 3 :

When we make the denominator equal to zero, we don't get real values for 'x'.

So, there is no vertical asymptote.

Apart from the stuff given above , if you need any other stuff in math, please use our google custom search here.

If you have any feedback about our math content, please mail us :

v4formath@gmail.com

We always appreciate your feedback.

You can also visit the following web pages on different stuff in math.

WORD PROBLEMS

HCF and LCM word problems

Word problems on simple equations

Word problems on linear equations

Word problems on quadratic equations

Algebra word problems

Word problems on trains

Area and perimeter word problems

Word problems on direct variation and inverse variation

Word problems on unit price

Word problems on unit rate

Word problems on comparing rates

Converting customary units word problems

Converting metric units word problems

Word problems on simple interest

Word problems on compound interest

Word problems on types of angles

Complementary and supplementary angles word problems

Double facts word problems

Trigonometry word problems

Percentage word problems

Profit and loss word problems

Markup and markdown word problems

Decimal word problems

Word problems on fractions

Word problems on mixed fractrions

One step equation word problems

Linear inequalities word problems

Ratio and proportion word problems

Time and work word problems

Word problems on sets and venn diagrams

Word problems on ages

Pythagorean theorem word problems

Percent of a number word problems

Word problems on constant speed

Word problems on average speed

Word problems on sum of the angles of a triangle is 180 degree

OTHER TOPICS

Profit and loss shortcuts

Percentage shortcuts

Times table shortcuts

Time, speed and distance shortcuts

Ratio and proportion shortcuts

Domain and range of rational functions

Domain and range of rational functions with holes

Graphing rational functions

Graphing rational functions with holes

Converting repeating decimals in to fractions

Decimal representation of rational numbers

Finding square root using long division

L.C.M method to solve time and work problems

Translating the word problems in to algebraic expressions

Remainder when 2 power 256 is divided by 17

Remainder when 17 power 23 is divided by 16

Sum of all three digit numbers divisible by 6

Sum of all three digit numbers divisible by 7

Sum of all three digit numbers divisible by 8

Sum of all three digit numbers formed using 1, 3, 4

Sum of all three four digit numbers formed with non zero digits

Sum of all three four digit numbers formed using 0, 1, 2, 3

Sum of all three four digit numbers formed using 1, 2, 5, 6