Porisma

Worked solution

Use long division for an oblique asymptote

Given the curve y=(x2−3x)/(x+1)y=(x^2-3x)/(x+1), find the equations of the asymptotes and sketch the curve.

CJC · Lecture · Example 3

Retain the vertical restriction

The source identifies x=−1x=-1 as undefined. Independently the numerator there is 4≠04\ne0; the quotient is unbounded as xx approaches −1-1, so x=−1x=-1 is a vertical asymptote.

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Carry out the Teacher long division

The Teacher annotation divides x2−3xx^2-3x by x+1x+1: quotient term xx, subtract x2+xx^2+x to leave −4x-4x; next quotient term −4-4, subtract −4x−4-4x-4 to leave remainder 44. Therefore y=x−4+4x+1.y=x-4+\frac4{x+1}. The printed shorthand says y→x−4y\to x-4. Precisely, y−(x−4)=4/(x+1)→0y-(x-4)=4/(x+1)\to0 as x→±∞x\to\pm\infty, so y=x−4y=x-4 is the oblique asymptote.

How did this part go?

Preserve the complete source sketch

The source labels the origin, (3,0)(3,0), the maximum (−3,−9)(-3,-9) and minimum (1,−1)(1,-1). The Teacher copy adds dashed x=−1x=-1 and y=x−4y=x-4. Independently, y=x(x−3)/(x+1)y=x(x-3)/(x+1) supplies the intercepts, and y′=1−4/(x+1)2y^{\prime}=1-4/(x+1)^2 vanishes at −3,1-3,1. Its sign changes +→−+\to- at −3-3 and −→+-\to+ at 11, verifying the printed turning points. The left branch is below its oblique line and tends to −∞-\infty at −1−-1^-; the right lies above it and tends to +∞+\infty at −1+-1^+. Example 4 next develops turning-point methods in detail; its full continuation remains separate.

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Compare your sketch

Expand diagram

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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

For a sloping asymptote, show the difference tends to zero; the function does not tend to a finite value of x−4.

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