Is long division for a non-polynomic function possible?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of decomposing a function ##F(x)## with an asymptote at ##x=x*## into two functions, ##G(x)## and ##H(x)##. It is mentioned that this decomposition is commonly done for polynomials in order to approximate the behavior of ##F(x)##. The conversation also includes a complicated example of such a function, where the value of ##x^*## is given. It is explained that the decomposition is not unique and the slope of ##G(x)## at ##x=x*## can have any value. It is suggested that describing the behavior of the function for large values of ##x## may be easier than finding the exact value of ##
  • #1
ecneicScience
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My question is: suppose you have a function ##F(x)## which has an asymptote at ##x=x*##. Can you decompose ##F(x)## so that
$$F(x) = G(x) + H(x)$$
where ##G(x)## is defined at ##x=x*## and ##H(x)## contains the asymptotic behaviour at ##x=x*## and goes to ##0## at plus or minus ##\inf##? This is commonly done when ##F(x)## is a polynomial in order to approximate ##F(x)##'s behaviour with the function ##G(x)## when ##x## is sufficiently far away from ##x^{*}##.

I have a very complicated function ##F(x)## that I would like to extract ##G(x)## from. If you're curious here it is:

$$F(x) = \frac{(2 a_1 z^{-a_2} -2 a_1 z^{-a_1} + z^{-a_1} - z^{-a_2}+ a_1^2 z^{-a_1} - a_2^2 z^{-a_2}) ln(z)^2 + (2 a_2 z^{-a_2} -2 a_1 z^{-a_1}+2 z^{-a_2} - 2 z^{-a_1}) ln(z) + 2 z^{-a_1} - 2 z^{-a_2}}
{(a_1 z^{-a_1} - a_2 z^{-a_2} + z^{-a_2} - z^{-a_1}) ln(z)^2 + (z^{-a_1}-z^{-a_2}) ln(z)}$$

where
$$z = 10^{x-x^{*}}$$
and ##a_2>a_1>0## and ##x^*>0##. I've attached a graph for an instance of the function where ##x^{*}=2##. As you can see there is an asymptote at ##x=2##. I want either ##G(x)## or the slope of ##G(x)## at ##x=x^{*}##. Has anyone encountered a similar problem?

Screen%20Shot%202016-03-04%20at%207.08.13%20PM.png
 
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  • #2
Such a decomposition is always possible and never unique (e.g. for every solution you can add a Gaussian to G and subtract it from H). That also means that the slope of G(x) is not fixed at x=x*, it can have any value you like.

To find a possible decomposition, it is sufficient to describe the behavior either for x around x* or for x to +- infinity. The latter is probably easier here as it does not involve finding x*.
 
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  • #3
mfb said:
Such a decomposition is always possible and never unique (e.g. for every solution you can add a Gaussian to G and subtract it from H). That also means that the slope of G(x) is not fixed at x=x*, it can have any value you like.

To find a possible decomposition, it is sufficient to describe the behavior either for x around x* or for x to +- infinity. The latter is probably easier here as it does not involve finding x*.

Thank you very much for your insight. You made the arbitrariness of G(x) very clear to me. Sorry it took so long to get back to you.
 
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Related to Is long division for a non-polynomic function possible?

1. Is it possible to use long division for non-polynomial functions?

No, long division can only be used for polynomials. Non-polynomial functions do not have a set pattern or structure that allows for long division to be applied.

2. Why can't long division be used for non-polynomial functions?

Long division relies on the structure of polynomials, which have a constant term, a variable term, and possibly higher degree terms. Non-polynomial functions may not have these characteristics, making it impossible to use long division.

3. What other methods can be used for non-polynomial functions?

For non-polynomial functions, other methods such as synthetic division, the quadratic formula, or graphing can be used to solve or simplify the function.

4. Can long division be used for functions with fractional exponents?

No, long division is only applicable for functions with integer exponents. Functions with fractional exponents require different methods such as the quotient rule or taking the derivative.

5. Are there any cases where long division can be used for non-polynomial functions?

In some cases, long division may be used for non-polynomial functions if the function can be rewritten or manipulated into a polynomial form. However, this is not always possible and other methods should be considered for non-polynomial functions.

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