Finding Vertical Asymptotes Of Rational Functions

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Home > Math > Calculus > Finding Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions Finding Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions An asymptote is a line that the graph of a function approaches but never touches. Rational functions contain asymptotes, as seen in this example: In this example, there is a vertical asymptote at x = 3 and a horizontal asymptote at y = 1. The curves approach these asymptotes but never cross them. To find the vertical asymptote(s) of a rational function, simply set the denominator equal to 0 and solve for x. Examples: Find the vertical asymptote(s) We mus set the denominator equal to 0 and solve: x + 5 = 0 x = -5 There is a vertical asymptote at x = -5 We mus set the denominator equal to 0 and solve: This quadratic can most easily be solved by factoring the trinomial and setting the factors equal to 0. There are vertical asymptotes at . We mus set the denominator equal to 0 and solve: This quadratic can most easily be solved by factoring out the x and setting the factors equal to 0. x(x - 5) = 0 There are vertical asymptotes at . Practice: Find the vertical asymptote(s) for each rational function: Answers: 1) x = -4 2) x = 6 and x = -1 3) x = 0 4) x = 0 and x = 2 5) x = -3 and x = -4

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