Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
1. Limits and Continuity
Introduction to Limits
Problem 2.4.59
Textbook Question
Use analytical methods and/or a graphing utility to identify the vertical asymptotes (if any) of the following functions.
f(x)=x^2−3x+2 / x^10−x^9
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Identify the function's denominator, which is \( x^{10} - x^9 \). Set the denominator equal to zero to find the values of \( x \) that make the function undefined: \( x^{10} - x^9 = 0 \).
Step 2: Factor the denominator. Notice that \( x^{10} - x^9 \) can be factored as \( x^9(x - 1) = 0 \).
Step 3: Solve the factored equation \( x^9(x - 1) = 0 \) to find the critical points. This gives \( x^9 = 0 \) and \( x - 1 = 0 \).
Step 4: Solve \( x^9 = 0 \) to find \( x = 0 \). Solve \( x - 1 = 0 \) to find \( x = 1 \). These are the potential vertical asymptotes.
Step 5: Verify if these points are indeed vertical asymptotes by checking the behavior of the function as \( x \) approaches these values. Since the numerator \( x^2 - 3x + 2 \) does not have \( x = 0 \) or \( x = 1 \) as roots, both \( x = 0 \) and \( x = 1 \) are vertical asymptotes.
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
3mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Finding Limits Numerically and Graphically with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning