Difference between revisions of "Asymptote (geometry)"
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To find the vertical asymptotes, <math>x^2</math> must equal zero. Solving the equation: | To find the vertical asymptotes, <math>x^2</math> must equal zero. Solving the equation: | ||
− | <math>\begin{eqnarray*}x^2&=&0\x&=&\boxed{0\end{eqnarray*}</math> | + | <math>\begin{eqnarray*}x^2&=&0\x&=&\boxed{0}\end{eqnarray*}</math> |
So the vertical asymptote is <math>x=0</math>, or just the y-axis | So the vertical asymptote is <math>x=0</math>, or just the y-axis | ||
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== Horizontal Asymptotes == | == Horizontal Asymptotes == | ||
The horizontal asymptote can be found in the same method as vertical asymptotes, but in relation to <math>y</math> instead of <math>x</math>. | The horizontal asymptote can be found in the same method as vertical asymptotes, but in relation to <math>y</math> instead of <math>x</math>. |
Revision as of 21:16, 8 November 2007
This is an AoPSWiki Word of the Week for Nov 8-14 |
- For the vector graphics language, see Asymptote (Vector Graphics Language).
An asymptote is a line or curve that a certain function approaches.
Asymptotes can be of three different kinds: horizontal, vertical or slanted (oblique).
Contents
[hide]Vertical Asymptotes
The vertical asymptote can be found by finding values of that make the function undefined. One of the common ways is to have the function divided by zero, which is undefined. This can be shown by example.
Example Problem
Find the vertical asymptotes of .
Solution
To find the vertical asymptotes, must equal zero. Solving the equation:
$
So the vertical asymptote is , or just the y-axis
Horizontal Asymptotes
The horizontal asymptote can be found in the same method as vertical asymptotes, but in relation to instead of .
Example Problem
Find the horizontal asymptote of .
Solution
First, we divide by :
Clearly, the asymptote is .
Slanted Asymptotes
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