how do i identify the asymptotes af the function and graph it .


f(x)=1/x+3-1

graph and identify the horizontal asymptote

y=7(1/4)x

To identify the asymptotes of the function f(x) = 1/(x+3) - 1, you need to look at the behavior of the function as x approaches certain values. There are two types of asymptotes: vertical and horizontal.

1. Vertical Asymptote:
A vertical asymptote occurs when the function approaches infinity or negative infinity as x approaches a certain value.

To find the vertical asymptote, set the denominator of the function equal to zero and solve for x:

x + 3 = 0
x = -3

Therefore, vertical asymptote x = -3.

2. Horizontal Asymptote:
A horizontal asymptote occurs when the function approaches a specific value as x approaches either positive or negative infinity.

To find the horizontal asymptote, compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator.

In this case, the numerator has a degree of 0 (a constant term), and the denominator has a degree of 1. Since the degree of the denominator is higher than the numerator, the horizontal asymptote is at y = 0.

Now, let's graph the function:

- Plot the vertical asymptote x = -3 as a vertical dashed line on the graph.
- Plot the horizontal asymptote y = 0 as a horizontal dashed line on the graph.
- Choose some x-values on both sides of the vertical asymptote and calculate their corresponding y-values using the given function.
- Plot these points on the graph.
- Draw a smooth curve that connects the plotted points, respecting the behavior near the asymptotes.

Here is an example graph:

```
y
| .
| .
| .
| .
0 | ------------------------------
| | |
| | |
-3|-------------------------
| .
| .
| .
| .
|___________________________
x
```

The vertical asymptote x = -3 divides the graph into two distinct parts. As x approaches -3 from either side, the function approaches positive infinity or negative infinity. The horizontal asymptote y = 0 indicates that the function tends towards zero as x approaches positive or negative infinity.

To identify the asymptotes of a function and graph it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Analyze the Denominator
Identify the values of x where the denominator of the function is equal to zero. In this case, the denominator is x + 3. Set it equal to zero and solve for x:
x + 3 = 0
x = -3

Step 2: Vertical Asymptotes
The values of x where the denominator is equal to zero (-3 in this case) represent the vertical asymptotes. In other words, the function will approach positive or negative infinity as x approaches -3.

Step 3: Horizontal Asymptotes
To find the horizontal asymptote(s), compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator. In this case, the degree of the numerator is 0, and the degree of the denominator is 1. When the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, there is a horizontal asymptote at y = 0.

Step 4: Oblique Asymptotes (if applicable)
If the degree of the numerator is exactly one greater than the degree of the denominator, an oblique asymptote exists. Since the degree of the numerator is 0 and the degree of the denominator is 1 in this case, there is no oblique asymptote.

Step 5: Graphing the Function
Now that we have identified the asymptotes, we can plot the graph of the function. Start by plotting the vertical asymptote at x = -3. Then, plot some points to sketch the curve of the function, keeping in mind the behavior near the asymptote. Choose values of x that are slightly greater and slightly lesser than -3, such as -4, -2, and -1. Calculate the corresponding y-values using the equation f(x) = 1/(x + 3) - 1.

Step 6: Finalize the Graph
Once you have enough points plotted, connect them with a smooth curve that approaches the asymptotes as x moves away from them. Be mindful of the direction of the curve based on the sign of the equation. In this case, since the equation is 1/(x + 3) - 1, the function will approach positive infinity as x approaches -3 from the left and negative infinity as x approaches -3 from the right.

Remember, these steps are a general approach, and it's always good to double-check with a graphing tool or calculator to ensure accuracy.