Graphing Functions With Asymptotes and Discontinuity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around graphing functions that exhibit asymptotes and discontinuities. Participants are addressing specific problems related to continuity, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, and the characteristics of their graphs based on given conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a discontinuous graph that decreases except for an interval where it increases, questioning the continuity at specific points.
  • Another participant challenges the claim of discontinuity, suggesting that the limits at x=2 and x=4 approach the same values from both sides, indicating continuity.
  • There is a discussion about vertical asymptotes, with some participants asserting that crossing out a factor does not create an asymptote but a hole, while others argue for the presence of a vertical asymptote at x=-1.
  • Participants propose different domains based on their interpretations of discontinuities and asymptotes, with some suggesting the domain excludes certain points while others provide alternative formulations.
  • One participant mentions the need for open circles on graphs to indicate points of discontinuity.
  • Several participants share their computed asymptotes and intercepts, with some expressing uncertainty about the correctness of their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the continuity of the function at specific points, the identification of asymptotes, or the correct domain. Multiple competing views remain regarding these aspects of the graphing problems.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions of continuity and asymptotes, and there are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the limits and domain calculations.

ardentmed
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Hey guys,

I have a couple more questions about this problem set I've been working on. I'm doubting some of my answers and I'd appreciate some help.

Question:
08b1167bae0c33982682_8.jpg


Sorry guys, I can't upload my sketched graph. But I can describe it:

Given the four conditions, I got a dicontinuous graph that decreases on all intervals except for [2,4] in which case it increases.

for 1b, the function is not continuous because $\lim_{{x}\to{a}}$ DNE since different values are approached for the left-hand and right-hand limits.

As for 2, I got a vertical asymptote at x=-2 since "x+2" crosses out in both the nominator and denominator after factoring the function to f(x) = (2x-3)(x+2) / (x+2)(x+1)

And the domain is just (-infinity, infinity)

For 2c, I got x=/1 and y=/2 for horizontal and vertical asymptotes respectively.
Thanks in advance.

Moreover, for 2d, seeing as to how x =/ -1 because the limits approach different values from both sides, I computed the following domain:

(-infinity, -1) u (-1, infinity)

Thanks a ton for the help. You guys are the best.
 
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Can anyone help me out with this question?

Thanks in advance.
 
I think the massive block of text and/or questions makes people less inclined to answer your question, but I will do so now.

Your description of the graph seems accurate. 1b) is not correct, check x = 2 and x = 4 and tell me what values they approach as you approach them from the left and right side.
 
2) If you cross a factor from the numerator and denominator, you don't get an asymptote, you get a hole. You have an asymptote (vertical) only at x = -1. The domain is slightly wrong, because you did not include where the domain is undefined or doesn't exist. 2c) Your asymptotes are wrong, 2d) You left out the point discontinuity (hole). The domain is continuous for all x-values such that it doesn't equal x = -1 and 2.
 
Rido12 said:
I think the massive block of text and/or questions makes people less inclined to answer your question, but I will do so now.

Your description of the graph seems accurate. 1b) is not correct, check x = 2 and x = 4 and tell me what values they approach as you approach them from the left and right side.

x=2 approaches 0 for both sides and f(2) = 0.

Also, x=4 approaches 2 for both sides and f(4) = 2.

Wouldn't that constitute continuity, or am I missing something crucial here?

Thanks for the help, guys.

- - - Updated - - -

Rido12 said:
2) If you cross a factor from the numerator and denominator, you don't get an asymptote, you get a hole. You have an asymptote (vertical) only at x = -1. The domain is slightly wrong, because you did not include where the domain is undefined or doesn't exist. 2c) Your asymptotes are wrong, 2d) You left out the point discontinuity (hole). The domain is continuous for all x-values such that it doesn't equal x = -1 and 2.

Alright, so for the domain, I computed:

(-$\infty$,-2)u(-2,-1)u(-1,$\infty$)

Am I on the right track?
 
ardentmed said:
x=2 approaches 0 for both sides and f(2) = 0.

Also, x=4 approaches 2 for both sides and f(4) = 2.

Wouldn't that constitute continuity, or am I missing something crucial here?

Thanks for the help, guys.

Yes, that constitutes continuity, and it was what I was trying to point out. In your original post, you said that the function wasn't continuous. I was merely pointing out that it is indeed continuous at 2 and 4.
ardentmed said:
Alright, so for the domain, I computed:

(-$\infty$,-2)u(-2,-1)u(-1,$\infty$)

Am I on the right track?

Yes, that is correct.
 
Rido12 said:
Yes, that constitutes continuity, and it was what I was trying to point out. In your original post, you said that the function wasn't continuous. I was merely pointing out that it is indeed continuous at 2 and 4. Yes, that is correct.

Here is my graph for 1a, by the way. Sorry, the webcam photos come out as inverted.

Thanks. View attachment 2909
 

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Almost! Remember to use an open circle when the endpoint is not included in the interval. If you have two dots filled-in with one directly above the other, then your graph would fail the vertical line test.
 
Also, here is the (inverted) graph for 2.

As for asymptotes, I computed a vertical asymptote at x= -1, and horizonta asymptote at y=2.

The intercepts are: (3/2, 0) for the x intercept and (0, -3) for the y intercept. I rejected x = -2 as a possibility since that is where the point of discontinuity is situated at.

Thanks in advance. View attachment 2910

Edit: Oh, so for the first one, there should be a hole for x=0, right?
 

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  • #10
ardentmed said:
Also, here is the (inverted) graph for 2.

As for asymptotes, I computed a vertical asymptote at x= -1, and horizonta asymptote at y=2.

The intercepts are: (3/2, 0) for the x intercept and (0, -3) for the y intercept. I rejected x = -2 as a possibility since that is where the point of discontinuity is situated at.

Thanks in advance. View attachment 2910

Edit: Oh, so for the first one, there should be a hole for x=0, right?

Yup, and your graph looks correct.
 

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