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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a rational function characterized by a zero of multiplicity 2 at x = -1, a vertical asymptote at x = 1, and an oblique asymptote described by the equation y = x + 4. Participants are exploring how these features relate to the function's structure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the zero and vertical asymptote on the function's numerator and denominator. There are attempts to derive the numerator by considering the oblique asymptote and vertical asymptote together. Questions arise regarding the placement of the zero of multiplicity 2 and how to determine the constant C in the function.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered insights into the relationships between the function's components, with some suggesting polynomial long division and the need for additional factors in the numerator and denominator. There is an ongoing exploration of how to correctly formulate the function to meet the given asymptotic behavior.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of the problem, including the requirement for the degrees of the numerator and denominator to satisfy the conditions for an oblique asymptote. There is also mention of the need to substitute specific points to find constants, which adds complexity to the discussion.

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
?
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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