Worked solution
Use completing the square before drawing a rational graph
where and b,c are real constants. C has oblique asymptote y=x−5.
(i) Find b. marks
(ii) Given c>9, show C does not cut the x-axis. mark
(iii) For c=13 sketch C, clearly indicating asymptotes, axial intercepts and turning points. marks
[2012/SRJC/Promo/8]
CJC · Review problems · Question 8
Answer
b=−12; no x-intercept for c>9; the c=13 graph has the labelled asymptotes and turns.
(i) Divide and compare the constant term
. The oblique asymptote is . Hence , so b=−12.
(ii) Complete the square in the numerator
For c>9, for every real x. Therefore the numerator never vanishes and C does not cut the x-axis; x=−2 is excluded from its domain.
(iii) Label the two branches for c=13
. Asymptotes: x=−2 and y=x−5. The y-intercept is (0,13/8). Stationary points are , a maximum≈(−5.64,−14.3), and , a minimum≈(1.64,0.280). These retain the source rounded labels. The source also marks (5,0) and (0,−5) on the oblique asymptote: these belong to the line, not the curve.
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Common mistakes
Do not mistake the dashed asymptote’s x-intercept for an intercept of C.
Solution notes
The labelled (5,0) and (0,−5) belong to the oblique asymptote.