Worked solution
Sketch each curve from its domain, intercepts and asymptotes
Sketch each graph, clearly indicating asymptotes, axial intercepts and coordinates of any turning points.
(a) .
(b) .
(c) .
(d) .
(e) .
(f) , where (i)−1<a<0,0<b<1; or (ii)a<−1,b>1. What happens if ab+1=0?
CJC · Discussion · Question 1
Answer
All nine sketches shown; intercepts, turns and asymptotes listed in the working. If ab+1=0: y=a for x≠b, with a hole at (b,a).
(a) Polynomial intercepts and turns
The source gives intercepts (0,−2) and approximately (2.46,0); local maximum (0.107,−1.95) and local minimum (1.56,−5.02). A polynomial has no vertical, horizontal or oblique line asymptotes here. For verification, has zeros ; the smaller gives the maximum and the larger the minimum.
(b) Positive exponential factor and one-sided asymptote
As , , so y=0 is a horizontal asymptote on the left. Since , only when x=0; hence (0,0) is the only axial intercept. Turning points are a minimum (0,0) and local maximum (−2.00,2.17), the latter exactly . The product limit uses exponential decay dominating polynomial growth; eˣ→0 alone is not a general product-limit argument.
(c) Restrict the logarithm domain
For x>0, asymptotes are x=0 and y=0; the only axial intercept is (1,0), with no y-intercept. The maximum is approximately (2.72,0.184), exactly . As x→0⁺ the curve tends to−∞; as x→∞ it tends to 0 from above.
(d) Divide and factor the denominator
. Thus asymptotes are x=−3,x=1,y=1. Intercepts are (−4,0),(2,0),(0,8/3); the middle branch has a minimum (−1,2.25). Outside the two poles the curve approaches y=1 from below; between the poles it lies above y=1.
(e) Reflect only the negative portions
The absolute-value bars are present in the source image. On 0≤x≤2, ; outside this interval, . Intercepts are (0,0),(2,0), with a smooth local maximum (1,1). The source lists this maximum; the two intercepts are also non-differentiable cusp minima. They must be retained when “turning points” includes changes of direction. There are no asymptotes.
(f) Divide before choosing the branch orientation
, so , with x≠b. Provided 1+ab≠0, the asymptotes are x=b,y=a, and intercepts are and . This retains the source long-division quotient a and remainder 1+ab. For either nondegenerate regime, is never zero, so there are no turning points.
(f)(i) Position the zero to the right of the pole
For −1<a<0 and 0<b<1, , hence . Also 1+ab>0: the branch right of x=b runs from+∞down toward y=a, while the left branch lies below y=a.
(f)(ii) Reverse the branch orientation
For a<−1 and b>1, , so . Here 1+ab<0: the branch left of x=b rises toward+∞near the pole, and the right branch lies below y=a.
(f) Keep the excluded input after cancellation
If ab+1=0, then only for x≠b. The graph is the horizontal line y=a with a hole at (b,a). The source shows both a<0,b>0 and a>0,b<0 sign cases. This cancellation is a general extension: neither of the two strict parameter regimes above allows ab=−1. There is no vertical asymptote at the removable hole.
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Common mistakes
Absolute value reflects negative outputs upward; cancellation does not restore the excluded input. Parameter example plots illustrate regimes, not additional given values.
Solution notes
The absolute-value graph has cusp minima at (0,0) and (2,0), in addition to the smooth local maximum (1,1).
The parameter panels use labelled examples to show branch shapes; the conclusions hold for the full stated regimes.
The cancellation case is a general extension outside both strict parameter regimes. The excluded input remains a hole.