Hyperbolic Function with Asymmetric Asymptotes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a hyperbolic function that possesses asymmetric asymptotes, specifically one with a horizontal asymptote and another with a slope of 1. Participants explore the feasibility of such a function and its characteristics, including comparisons to exponential functions and traditional hyperbolas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of a hyperbolic function with one horizontal asymptote and another with a slope of 1, similar to the equation y^2 - x^2 = 1.
  • Another participant suggests that all hyperbolas typically have asymptotes of equal slope magnitude but opposite signs, indicating a potential limitation in achieving the desired asymptotic behavior.
  • A different participant proposes a method to write the equation of a hyperbola with specific asymptotic slopes (±pi/8) and suggests that rotating the graph could yield the desired equation, introducing the possibility of an xy term.
  • Another participant presents a simpler equation, xy - y^2 = -k^2, indicating that the value of k will affect the y-intercept, potentially contributing to the exploration of asymptotic behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of achieving the desired asymptotic configuration with hyperbolic functions. There is no consensus on whether such a function exists or how it might be constructed.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific slopes and configurations for asymptotes, but the discussion remains open-ended regarding the mathematical derivation and implications of these conditions.

hadron23
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Hello,

I wish to find a function similar to,

y^2-x^2=1

but instead of the slope of the asymptotes being +/- 1, I need one of the asymptotes to be of slope 0. That is, I wish to find a hyperbolic function with one horizontal asymptote and the other of slope 1.

Is this possible?
 
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I suppose all hyperbolas have asymptotes of equal slope magnitude but opposite sign, since they can just be thought of as a vertical conic cross section.

The function I am after essentially has to look like exp(x) for negative x and be linear for positive x. Think of an exponential function with a positive linear asymptote. I was hoping a hyperbolic function may be able to do this, but I don't believe it will. Any ideas?
 
Do you know how to write the equation of a hyperbola aligned with the xy axes, centered at the origin whose asymptotes are lines through the origin with slope ±pi/8 and with intercepts on the y axis? If so, then rotate the graph by pi/8 and you will have your equation. Besides the x2 and y2 term you will also have an xy term in your answer.
 
If you are still here, think about this much simpler equation:

xy - y^2 = -k^2

The value of k will determine the y intercept.
 

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