Porisma

Worked solution

Justify vertical and horizontal asymptotes

Given the curve y=1+1/(x−3)y=1+1/(x-3), find the equations of the asymptotes and sketch the curve.

CJC · Lecture · Example 2

Check each side of the excluded input

The source identifies x=3x=3 as undefined. For x→3+x\to3^+, x−3x-3 is small and positive, so 1/(x−3)→+∞1/(x-3)\to+\infty and y→+∞y\to+\infty. For x→3−x\to3^- it is small and negative, giving y→−∞y\to-\infty. Thus x=3x=3 is a vertical asymptote. These one-sided limits justify it; an undefined input alone could instead be a removable hole.

How did this part go?

Find the horizontal asymptote

As x→±∞x\to\pm\infty, 1/(x−3)→01/(x-3)\to0, so y→1y\to1. Hence the horizontal asymptote is y=1y=1. The Teacher note warns that a calculator has limited capabilities for finding asymptotes: establish the limits analytically.

How did this part go?

Draw the source-labelled branches

The printed sketch labels (2,0)(2,0) and (0,2/3)(0,2/3). Independently, solve 1+1/(x−3)=01+1/(x-3)=0 to get x=2x=2 and substitute x=0x=0 to get 2/32/3. Draw the asymptotes first using dotted lines, as the next-page source remark directs. The Teacher copy adds the dashed lines and labels x=3,y=1x=3,y=1. The right branch lies above y=1y=1 and the left branch below it; neither crosses these asymptotes for this function. The QR invitation to explore asymptotes is retained in the original artwork; no remote activity is asserted reviewed.

How did this part go?

Compare your sketch

Expand diagram

Use the scrollbars or arrow keys to inspect details.

Two branches plotted from the original formula with dashed labelled asymptotes and all printed intercept/turning-point labels. Branches are separate across the excluded input.
Two branches plotted from the original formula with dashed labelled asymptotes and all printed intercept/turning-point labels. Branches are separate across the excluded input.
Two branches plotted from the original formula with dashed labelled asymptotes and all printed intercept/turning-point labels. Branches are separate across the excluded input.

Common mistakes

An undefined input is a candidate, not proof of a vertical asymptote; check the limiting behaviour.

Solution notes

Both original copies visually compared. Independent checks and qualifications are identified in the working. No printed marks or external attribution.

Read the hint