Are All Graphs with Asymptotes Hyperbolas?

Click For Summary
The discussion addresses whether all graphs with asymptotes are hyperbolas. Participants note that while some functions, like y = 1/x, are hyperbolas due to their asymptotic behavior, others, such as y = ln(x), have asymptotes but do not represent hyperbolas. The conversation highlights the confusion surrounding the definition of hyperbolas and the nature of asymptotes in various functions. Participants suggest using online resources for better understanding, emphasizing that not all functions with asymptotes fit the hyperbola category. Overall, the thread clarifies that asymptotes can exist in a variety of function types beyond just hyperbolas.
vanmaiden
Messages
101
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


If a graph has an asymptote, does that mean it's always going to be a hyperbola?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I started to think of y=tan(x) and y=cot(x). I believe they would be called trigonometric circular functions as they repeat, but are they still considered hyperbolas because they have asymptotes?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you even know what a hyperbola is...?
 
flyingpig said:
Do you even know what a hyperbola is...?

To be honest, my understanding of them is not that strong. You caught me. This is why I am asking.
 
Do you have a book?
 
The graph of y = ln(x) has a vertical asymptote, but does not represent a hyperbola.
 
flyingpig said:
Do you have a book?

Yep, I have calculus books. Unfortunately, they don't go into hyperbola's hardly at all. The one I have for school just deals with parabolas.
 
Last edited:
Mark44 said:
The graph of y = ln(x) has a vertical asymptote, but does not represent a hyperbola.

Hey, thank you. That's just what I needed :smile:
 
Well you have access to much more than a single textbook. You can use your computer and google 'hyperbola' or 'conic section'.
 
What about reciprocal functions of the form \frac{1}{x} that have asymptotes at y=0,
or rational functions with a constant non-zero asymptote such as \frac{2x}{x+1} or even an asymptote that is a not a line, \frac{x^3-1}{x}\approx\frac{(x-1)(x^2+x+1)}{x-1}=x^2+x+1, x\neq 1. For this function as x gets very large positive or negative, the graph approaches the parabola y=x^2+x+1
 
  • #10
Mentallic said:
What about reciprocal functions of the form \frac{1}{x} that have asymptotes at y=0,
This is a hyperbola. The central axis is rotated by 45°.

Mentallic said:
or rational functions with a constant non-zero asymptote such as \frac{2x}{x+1}
This is the same as 2 + (-2)/(x + 1), so this is just the translation and stretching of y = 1/x, so is also a hyperbola.
Mentallic said:
or even an asymptote that is a not a line, \frac{x^3-1}{x}\approx\frac{(x-1)(x^2+x+1)}{x-1}=x^2+x+1, x\neq 1. For this function as x gets very large positive or negative, the graph approaches the parabola y=x^2+x+1
 
  • #11
Oh yes of course, why did my mind instantly jump to the general form of a hyperbola...?

Yes I'm aware of the second example's translations, but I don't really see why I bothered mentioning it now that you brought it up.

Clearly my brain's still in holiday mode :zzz:
 
  • #13
Mentallic said:
Clearly my brain's still in holiday mode :zzz:

Same here, man. Same here. Just started senior year.

SteamKing said:
Well you have access to much more than a single textbook. You can use your computer and google 'hyperbola' or 'conic section'.

True, I have been doing research on the internet. Every time I get on a site, it just wants to talk about those hyperbola's symmetric along the x or y axis. I have a decent understanding of them, just not these like 1/x lol.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
13K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
4K