Solving Vertical Asymptotes: (x-1)(x-3) / y-1 or (x-1)/(x-1)(x-3)?

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The discussion focuses on finding a function f(x) that has vertical asymptotes at x=1 and x=3, and a horizontal asymptote at y=1. Two proposed equations are analyzed: A) (x-1)(x-3) / (y-1) and B) (x-1) / [(x-1)(x-3)]. The conclusion is that option B is incorrect due to yielding a horizontal asymptote of y=0, while the correct formulation is f(x) = [(x+1)/((x-1)(x-3))] + 1, which satisfies the asymptotic conditions.

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cowgiljl
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The question is
fine a equation f(x) that has a vertical asymptotes of X=1and X=3 and a horizontal asymptotes of Y=1

A) (x-1)(x-3) / y-1 = x^2-4x+3 / x-1

OR

B) (x-1) /(x-1)(x-3) = just the oppsite of above

is any of these correct?
I think B is correct but right now I can't find any info on it in my book
 
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I think it won't be correct, the Horizontal asymtopte for B will be y=0.

If i remember correctly the horizontal asymptote is

\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{(x-1)}{(x-1)(x-3)}

The above case will give y=0. The numerator must of the form
x^2 + Bx +C where B and C don't allow factors equal to those of the denominator.

To make myself clearer:

\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{Ax^2 +Bx +C}{x^2-4x+3}

\lim_{x \rightarrow \infty} \frac{A +\frac{B}{x} +\frac{C}{x^2}}{1-\frac{4}{x}+\frac{3}{x^2}} = \frac{A}{1}

\frac{A}{1} = 1

because horizontal asymptote should be y = 1
 
Last edited:
B gives you a removable discontinuity at x=1.

Try this:

f(x)=[(x+1)/(x-1)(x-3)]+1
 
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