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
Finding Limits Algebraically
Problem 73b
Textbook Question
Find the vertical asymptotes. For each vertical asymptote x = a, analyze lim x→a- f(x) and lim x→a+ f(x).
f(x) = (3x4 + 3x3 − 36x2) / (x4 − 25x2 + 144)
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Identify the points where the denominator is zero, as these are potential vertical asymptotes. Set the denominator equal to zero: \(x^4 - 25x^2 + 144 = 0\).
Step 2: Solve the equation \(x^4 - 25x^2 + 144 = 0\) by substituting \(u = x^2\), which transforms the equation into a quadratic: \(u^2 - 25u + 144 = 0\).
Step 3: Solve the quadratic equation \(u^2 - 25u + 144 = 0\) using the quadratic formula: \(u = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\), where \(a = 1\), \(b = -25\), and \(c = 144\).
Step 4: Once you find the values of \(u\), substitute back \(x^2 = u\) to find the values of \(x\) that make the denominator zero. These are the potential vertical asymptotes.
Step 5: For each potential vertical asymptote \(x = a\), analyze the limits \(\lim_{x \to a^-} f(x)\) and \(\lim_{x \to a^+} f(x)\) to determine the behavior of the function as it approaches the asymptote from the left and right.
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