Graphing 1/x

1. Aug 26, 2011

vanmaiden

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
What is an easier way to graph 1/x? How I am currently doing it is in the "The attempt as a solution" section.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
The current way I graph some hyperbola like the one mentioned is by first finding the asymptotes. Then, I plug in some x-values and find out where, relative to the asymptotes, the points lie which will show where the curves are. Basically, my method involves plugging and chugging x-values which will show where the curves are on the coordinate plane. I was hoping there was an easier way to do this.

2. Aug 26, 2011

Punkyc7

Use a graphing calculator.... this is one of those graphs you just memorize

3. Aug 26, 2011

vanmaiden

I have one of those. I just don't like remembering things for the sake of remembering :S

Last edited: Aug 26, 2011
4. Aug 26, 2011

Punkyc7

you could just think about what happens when x gets very small or x gets very large. So check
x$\rightarrow$0+
x$\rightarrow$ infinity
x $\rightarrow$ 0-
x$\rightarrow$ negative inifinity

5. Aug 26, 2011

vanmaiden

That's kind of how I was doing it. I guess that's the only real way to get it done lol. Thank you

Know someone interested in this topic? Share this thread via Reddit, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook