Are All Graphs with Asymptotes Hyperbolas?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of graphs with asymptotes and whether all such graphs can be classified as hyperbolas. The original poster questions the relationship between asymptotes and hyperbolas, referencing specific functions such as trigonometric functions and logarithmic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various functions with asymptotes, including trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, and rational functions. Questions arise regarding the definitions and characteristics of hyperbolas in relation to these functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide examples of functions with asymptotes that are not hyperbolas, while others engage in clarifying the definitions and properties of hyperbolas. There is an ongoing exploration of different types of functions and their asymptotic behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in their resources, such as textbooks that do not cover hyperbolas extensively. There is also a recognition of the need for further research and understanding of the topic beyond basic definitions.

vanmaiden
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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?
 
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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 [tex]\frac{1}{x}[/tex] that have asymptotes at y=0,
or rational functions with a constant non-zero asymptote such as [tex]\frac{2x}{x+1}[/tex] or even an asymptote that is a not a line, [tex]\frac{x^3-1}{x}\approx\frac{(x-1)(x^2+x+1)}{x-1}=x^2+x+1, x\neq 1[/tex]. For this function as x gets very large positive or negative, the graph approaches the parabola [itex]y=x^2+x+1[/itex]
 
  • #10
Mentallic said:
What about reciprocal functions of the form [tex]\frac{1}{x}[/tex] 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 [tex]\frac{2x}{x+1}[/tex]
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, [tex]\frac{x^3-1}{x}\approx\frac{(x-1)(x^2+x+1)}{x-1}=x^2+x+1, x\neq 1[/tex]. For this function as x gets very large positive or negative, the graph approaches the parabola [itex]y=x^2+x+1[/itex]
 
  • #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.
 

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