Getting equation from graph of a rational function with an oblique asymptote.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the equation of a rational function with specific characteristics: a zero at x = -1 (with multiplicity 2), a vertical asymptote at x = 1, and an oblique asymptote of y = x + 4. Participants clarify that the numerator must include a factor of (x + 1)^2, while the denominator must include (x - 1). The correct relationship between the degrees of the numerator and denominator is emphasized, as the numerator must be one degree higher than the denominator. One user successfully finds a potential equation but struggles to achieve the correct oblique asymptote, prompting further discussion on how to determine the constant C. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of correctly incorporating all given conditions to derive the appropriate rational function.
Iran11
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Homework Statement


-I have the zero, which is x=-1, however its a squared zero {(x+1)^2)}
-Vertical asymptote is at x=1
-Equation of oblique asymptote is y=x+4


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I tried finding the numerator by multiplying the oblique asymptote by the vertical asymptote, but the equation becomes a degree 4 on top and degree 1 on bottom.

Anyone know how to start me off? Any help is appreciated!
 
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Iran11 said:

Homework Statement


-I have the zero, which is x=-1, however its a squared zero {(x+1)^2)}
-Vertical asymptote is at x=1
-Equation of oblique asymptote is y=x+4


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I tried finding the numerator by multiplying the oblique asymptote by the vertical asymptote
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Iran11 said:
, but the equation becomes a degree 4 on top and degree 1 on bottom.
For there to be an oblique asymptote, the degree of the numerator must be 1 more than the degree of the denominator.
Iran11 said:
Anyone know how to start me off? Any help is appreciated!

From your problem statement,
a zero of multiplicity 2 at x = -1 means that the numerator has to have a factor of (x + 1)2.

For a vertical asymptote at x = 1, there has to be a factor of (x - 1) in the denominator.

For an oblique asymptote of y = x + 4, after doing polynomial long division, the result must be x + 4 + C/(x -1).
 
Mark44 said:
?
For there to be an oblique asymptote, the degree of the numerator must be 1 more than the degree of the denominator.


From your problem statement,
a zero of multiplicity 2 at x = -1 means that the numerator has to have a factor of (x + 1)2.

For a vertical asymptote at x = 1, there has to be a factor of (x - 1) in the denominator.

For an oblique asymptote of y = x + 4, after doing polynomial long division, the result must be x + 4 + C/(x -1).
So to find C, I have to sub in a point, let's say the y-intercept? What I don't understand is where does the zero at x = -1 of multiplicity 2 go? Thanks for the reply btw
 
I got the eqn. (x^2 + 2x+ 1)/(x-1), all the points work out however when I divide them I don't get the oblique asymptote y=x+4, is this ok?
 
Iran11 said:
So to find C, I have to sub in a point, let's say the y-intercept? What I don't understand is where does the zero at x = -1 of multiplicity 2 go? Thanks for the reply btw

Iran11 said:
I got the eqn. (x^2 + 2x+ 1)/(x-1), all the points work out however when I divide them I don't get the oblique asymptote y=x+4, is this ok?
What is the y-intercept?

When you say you have a zero of multiplicity 2 (in the denominator, I presume), is that because the graph goes to +∞ on both sides of the vertical asymptote (or -∞ on both sides)?

I suggest that the rational function can be written as \displaystyle f(x)=x+4+\frac{C}{(x+1)^2}\,.
 
No, it's not OK because you don't have the right oblique asymptote.

You want to find polynomials p(x) and q(x) so that p(x)/q(x) = x + 4 + C/q(x).

p(x) will have a factor of (x + 1)2 and q(x) will have a factor of (x -1), but each of these will have other factors.
 
i have the similar givens to as well y-int is -1 x-int is -1 oblique asymptote at y=x+4
vertical asymptote x=1
 
madeincanada said:
i have the similar givens to as well y-int is -1 x-int is -1 oblique asymptote at y=x+4
vertical asymptote x=1
madeincanada, welcome to PF.

You should really start your own thread for this.

How would you approach this problem after reading the above posts?
 
well the my problem was similar to the topic starters.
well i would use the equation above, and sub in y intercept to solve for c, and multiply the equation x-1 to find the quadratic equation.
 
  • #10
so i got c = 5 y=x+4+[5/(X-1)] (x-1)
(x^2+3x+1)/(x-1) except i don't get all the correct givens.
 
  • #11
I think you need c = 6 .
 
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