Finding Asymptotes of a Function: Example with Vertical and Slant Asymptotes

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The discussion focuses on finding asymptotes for the function f(x) = x^3 / (x^2 - 1). The identified vertical asymptotes are at x = 1 and x = -1, with a slant asymptote at y = x. A question arises regarding whether to explicitly state that y approaches infinity as x approaches infinity, given the absence of a horizontal asymptote. It is clarified that it is generally understood that the function is unbounded for large or very negative x. Overall, the need to mention y = infinity is considered more of a general inquiry than a requirement for this specific function.
Dell
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if i am given a function y=f(x) for example,

f(x)=\frac{x<sup>3/SUP]{x<sup>2/SUP]-1tex]<br /> <br /> and i am asked to find all asymptotes, i find<br /> <br /> vertical asymptotes : x=1 x=-1<br /> <br /> slant asymptote: y=x<br /> <br /> am i expected to write y=infinity as well since<br /> <br /> Lim<br /> x-&gt;inf = infinity<br /> <br /> or is this just understood since i do not have another horizontalasymptote</sup></sup>
 
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I fixed up your LaTeX tags. I think this is what you meant.
Dell said:
if i am given a function y=f(x) for example,

f(x)=\frac{x^3}{x^2-1}

and i am asked to find all asymptotes, i find

vertical asymptotes : x=1 x=-1

slant asymptote: y=x

am i expected to write y=infinity as well since

Lim
x->inf = infinity

or is this just understood since i do not have another horizontalasymptote
Everything looks fine. I wouldn't expect that you'd need to add that f(x) is unbounded for large or very negative x.
 
thanks, that's exactly it, not that it really matters, more of a general question than this specific case
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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