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Worked solution

Sketch a scaled rational curve and verify its asymptote

For x=atx=at, y=a/(1+t2)y=a/(1+t^2), t∈Rt\in\mathbb R, where a>0a>0, find the y-axis intersection and any asymptotes. Sketch the curve.

CJC · Lecture · Example 3

Find the intercept and limiting height

At x=0x=0, at=0at=0 and a>0a>0 give t=0t=0, so the intercept is (0,a)(0,a). As x→±∞x\to\pm\infty, also t→±∞t\to\pm\infty, and y→0y\to0. Thus y=0y=0 is the horizontal asymptote. The denominator is positive for all real t, so there is no finite vertical asymptote.

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Describe the complete sketch

Eliminating t gives y=a3/(a2+x2)y=a^3/(a^2+x^2). It is positive and symmetric about the y-axis, with a smooth maximum at (0,a)(0,a) and both tails approaching but never reaching the x-axis. The source peak is drawn sharply schematically; the actual rational curve is smooth.

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Compare your sketch

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A smooth symmetric rational curve shown in scaled coordinates x/a and y/a, maximum (0,1) corresponding to (0,a), horizontal asymptote y=0 and both unbounded tails.
A smooth symmetric rational curve shown in scaled coordinates x/a and y/a, maximum (0,1) corresponding to (0,a), horizontal asymptote y=0 and both unbounded tails.
A smooth symmetric rational curve shown in scaled coordinates x/a and y/a, maximum (0,1) corresponding to (0,a), horizontal asymptote y=0 and both unbounded tails.

Common mistakes

The horizontal asymptote is not an x-axis intersection.

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