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Ch. 2 - Limits
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh. 2 - LimitsProblem 2.4.18
Chapter 2, Problem 2.4.18

Sketch a possible graph of a function g, together with vertical asymptotes, satisfying all the following conditions.


g(2) =1,g(5) =−1,lim x→4 g(x) =−∞,lim x→7^− g(x) =∞,lim x→7^+ g(x) =−∞

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Identify the given points on the graph. The function g passes through the points (2, 1) and (5, -1). Plot these points on the graph.
Step 2: Analyze the behavior of the function as x approaches 4. The limit \( \lim_{x \to 4} g(x) = -\infty \) indicates a vertical asymptote at \( x = 4 \). This means the graph will approach negative infinity as x gets closer to 4 from either side.
Step 3: Examine the behavior of the function as x approaches 7 from the left. The limit \( \lim_{x \to 7^-} g(x) = \infty \) suggests that as x approaches 7 from the left, the function g(x) goes to positive infinity, indicating a vertical asymptote at \( x = 7 \).
Step 4: Consider the behavior of the function as x approaches 7 from the right. The limit \( \lim_{x \to 7^+} g(x) = -\infty \) implies that as x approaches 7 from the right, the function g(x) goes to negative infinity, confirming the vertical asymptote at \( x = 7 \).
Step 5: Sketch the graph. Start by plotting the points (2, 1) and (5, -1). Draw the vertical asymptotes at x = 4 and x = 7. Ensure the graph approaches these asymptotes as described by the limits, and passes through the given points.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Vertical Asymptotes

Vertical asymptotes occur in a graph when the function approaches infinity or negative infinity as the input approaches a certain value. This typically indicates that the function is undefined at that point, often due to division by zero. In the given question, the limits approaching x = 7 from the left and right suggest the presence of a vertical asymptote at x = 7.
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Limits

Limits are fundamental in calculus, describing the behavior of a function as the input approaches a specific value. They help determine the function's value at points of discontinuity or where it may not be explicitly defined. The limits provided in the question indicate how the function behaves near x = 4 and x = 7, which are crucial for sketching the graph.
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Function Values

Function values at specific points provide critical information about the graph's behavior. In this case, g(2) = 1 and g(5) = -1 indicate the exact points on the graph where the function takes these values. Understanding these points helps in accurately plotting the function and ensuring it meets the specified conditions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Use the precise definition of infinite limits to prove the following limits.


limx→41(x−4)2=∞{\(\displaystyle\]\lim\)_{x\(\to\)4}}\(\frac{1}{\left(x-4\right)^2}\)=\(\infty\)

Textbook Question

Evaluate each limit. 


limx→π2sin(x)−1sin(x)−1{\(\displaystyle\[\lim\)_{x\(\to\]\frac{\pi}{2}\)}{\(\frac{\sin\left(x\right)-1}{\sqrt{\sin\left(x\right)}\)-1}}}

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Textbook Question

Determine the interval(s) on which the following functions are continuous. 

f(x)=x^5+6x+17 / x^2−9

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Textbook Question

Determine whether the following functions are continuous at a. Use the continuity checklist to justify your answer. 

f(x)= √x−2; a=1

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Textbook Question

Use the graph of f(x) = x / (x2 − 2x − 3)2 to determine lim x→−1 f(x) and lim x→3 f(x).

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Textbook Question

A sequence is an infinite, ordered list of numbers that is often defined by a function. For example, the sequence {2,4,6,8,…} is specified by the function f(n) = 2n, where n=1,2,3,….The limit of such a sequence is lim n→∞ f(n), provided the limit exists. All the limit laws for limits at infinity may be applied to limits of sequences. Find the limit of the following sequences or state that the limit does not exist. 


{0,1/2,2/3,3/4,…}, which is defined by f(n) = (n−1) / n, for n=1,2,3,…