I have a question about HA, VA and minimum points

  • Thread starter Thread starter Roni1985
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Minimum Points
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the function h(x)=\frac{x^2*e^x}{x} and its graphical properties, specifically concerning vertical and horizontal asymptotes, as well as the identification of minimum points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the validity of statements regarding asymptotes and minimum points, with some questioning the cancellation of terms affecting the vertical asymptote. Others discuss limits to determine horizontal asymptotes and the nature of critical points derived from derivatives.

Discussion Status

There is a mix of agreement and disagreement on the correctness of the statements regarding the function's properties. Some participants provide insights into methods for proving or disproving the statements, while others express uncertainty about specific interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the original poster's background in calculus and their desire to refresh foundational concepts, as well as the allowance of calculator use for the problem.

Roni1985
Messages
200
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


For the function h(x)=[tex]\frac{x^2*e^x}{x}[/tex] , which of the following are true about the graph of y=h(x)?

I. The graph has a vertical asymptote at x=0
II. The graph has a horizontal asymptote at y=0
III. The graph has a minimum point

Homework Equations



h(x)=[tex]\frac{x^2*e^x}{x}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



'I' is wrong because we can cancel X in the denominator and it becomes a hole (or I am wrong?), so its not an asymptote.

For 'II', I tried different ways.
My first way was putting 'lan' on each side, and trying to find the limit of that function when x goes to infinite.

For the third one, when I take the derivative, I get X=-1 when the derivative is equal to 0 and a critical point at X=0...
But I am getting a max point and not a min point.

Plus, according to my answers, 'II' and 'III' are correct.

The thing is that I haven't took cal I since the 10th grade and now I am tutoring cal I at my college, so, I need to refresh the very basic things (even though it doesn't look very basic)
Also, this question allows using a calculator, but I want to know how to solve it without.

P.S: I posted it in precal, but I think its more cal than precal.

Thanks,
Roni
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are correct for I being wrong. I also believe II is wrong as xex=0 can be solved to give a real value for x.EDIT: plotted the wrong graph :redface: ignore my post please. :)
 
Last edited:
2 and 3 are indeed correct. X=-1 is a minimum. You can prove 2 by taking the limit as x goes to -infinity, and using lhospital's rule
 
This problem has already been discussed and solve https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=342328", as the original poster made a double post.

I'm also not really for sure what rock.freak667 meant by solving xex=0 for number II, because it's asking for a horizontal asymptote.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K