Julia B.

asked • 06/10/21

How do you find the equations of the vertical and horizontal asymptotes for a graph when you only have the graph and no function?

How do you find the asymptotes for a graph when you don't have the function? Also, is the function f(x) = a/x just when the asymptotes both intersect 0?

Mark M.

What is the definition of an asymptote?
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06/10/21

Julia B.

I have to find the equations of the vertical and horizontal asymptotes on a graph, but I don't have a function. I am unsure how to do this with only the graph. What do you mean by, "what is the definition of an asymptote"?
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06/10/21

Mark M.

Do you know what an asymptote is?
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06/10/21

Julia B.

Isn't it the line the approaches a curve on a graph but never touches it
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06/10/21

Mark M.

Correct. Now locate that line and write its equation. Asymptotes are generally either vertical (x = h) or horizontal (y = k).
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06/10/21

Stanton D.

Oh and by the way, Julie, the function isn't limited to just x^(-1) power. it could be anything of the form ax^n where n<0 . They all look alike, just have differing degrees of "sharpness" to the "bend" nearest (0,0).
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06/16/21

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