Key Similarities and Differences

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 25 views

Comparing the Graphs of $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ and $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$

The graph of a function is a visual representation of the relationship between the input and output values of the function. When comparing the graphs of two functions, we can identify key similarities and differences. In this article, we will compare the graphs of $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ and $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$ .

Understanding the Parent Function $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$

The parent function $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$ is a rational function with a single point of discontinuity at $x=0$ . The graph of this function has a vertical asymptote at $x=0$ and a horizontal asymptote at $y=0$ . The graph of the parent function is a hyperbola that opens in the first and third quadrants.

Understanding the Function $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$

The function $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ is also a rational function with a single point of discontinuity at $x=5$ . The graph of this function has a vertical asymptote at $x=5$ and a horizontal asymptote at $y=2$ . The graph of the function $g(x)$ is a hyperbola that opens in the first and third quadrants, shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of the parent function $f(x)$ .

Comparing the Graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$

To compare the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ , we need to identify the key similarities and differences between the two functions. The graph of $g(x)$ is a hyperbola that opens in the first and third quadrants, while the graph of $f(x)$ is also a hyperbola that opens in the first and third quadrants. However, the graph of $g(x)$ is shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of $f(x)$ .

Key Similarities and Differences

The key similarities between the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ are:

Both functions are rational functions with a single point of discontinuity.
Both functions have a vertical asymptote and a horizontal asymptote.
Both functions are hyperbolas that open in the first and third quadrants.

The key differences between the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ are:

The graph of $g(x)$ is shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of $f(x)$ .
The graph of $g(x)$ has a vertical asymptote at $x=5$ , while the graph of $f(x)$ has a vertical asymptote at $x=0$ .
The graph of $g(x)$ has a horizontal asymptote at $y=2$ , while the graph of $f(x)$ has a horizontal asymptote at $y=0$ .

Conclusion

In conclusion, the graph of $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ is a hyperbola that opens in the first and third quadrants, shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of the parent function $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$ . The key similarities and differences between the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ are identified, and the graph of $g(x)$ is compared to the graph of $f(x)$ .

Key Takeaways

The graph of $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ is a hyperbola that opens in the first and third quadrants.
The graph of $g(x)$ is shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$ .
The graph of $g(x)$ has a vertical asymptote at $x=5$ and a horizontal asymptote at $y=2$ .
The graph of $f(x)$ has a vertical asymptote at $x=0$ and a horizontal asymptote at $y=0$ .

Further Exploration

To further explore the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ , you can use a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system to visualize the graphs and identify key similarities and differences. You can also use the graphing calculator or computer algebra system to explore the behavior of the functions as the input values approach the vertical asymptotes.

References

[1] "Graphing Rational Functions" by Paul Dawkins, Lamar University.
[2] "Rational Functions" by James Brennan, University of California, Berkeley.
[3] "Graphing Functions" by Michael Corral, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Glossary

Hyperbola: A type of conic section that opens in the first and third quadrants.
Vertical Asymptote: A line that the graph of a function approaches as the input values approach a certain value.
Horizontal Asymptote: A line that the graph of a function approaches as the input values approach positive or negative infinity.
Rational Function: A function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials.
Q&A: Comparing the Graphs of $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ and $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$

In our previous article, we compared the graphs of $g(x)=\frac{1}{x-5}+2$ and $f(x)=\frac{1}{x}$ . We identified the key similarities and differences between the two functions and discussed how the graph of $g(x)$ is shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of $f(x)$ . In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ .

Q: What is the difference between the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ ?

A: The graph of $g(x)$ is shifted 5 units to the right and 2 units up from the graph of $f(x)$ . This means that the graph of $g(x)$ has a vertical asymptote at $x=5$ and a horizontal asymptote at $y=2$ , while the graph of $f(x)$ has a vertical asymptote at $x=0$ and a horizontal asymptote at $y=0$ .

Q: Why is the graph of $g(x)$ shifted 5 units to the right?

A: The graph of $g(x)$ is shifted 5 units to the right because of the term $x-5$ in the denominator of the function. This term causes the graph of $g(x)$ to be shifted 5 units to the right compared to the graph of $f(x)$ .

Q: What is the significance of the vertical asymptote at $x=5$ ?

A: The vertical asymptote at $x=5$ is significant because it indicates that the graph of $g(x)$ approaches positive or negative infinity as the input values approach $x=5$ . This means that the function is undefined at $x=5$ .

Q: What is the significance of the horizontal asymptote at $y=2$ ?

A: The horizontal asymptote at $y=2$ is significant because it indicates that the graph of $g(x)$ approaches $y=2$ as the input values approach positive or negative infinity. This means that the function approaches a constant value as the input values become large.

Q: How can I visualize the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ ?

A: You can visualize the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ using a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system. These tools allow you to enter the functions and visualize their graphs.

Q: What are some real-world applications of the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ ?

A: The graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ have many real-world applications. For example, the graph of $g(x)$ can be used to model the behavior of a population that is growing at a constant rate, while the graph of $f(x)$ can be used to model the behavior of a population that is declining at a constant rate.

Q: Can I use the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ to solve problems?

A: Yes, you can use the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ to solve problems. For example, you can use the graph of $g(x)$ to determine the maximum or minimum value of a function, or to find the intersection points of two functions.

Q: How can I use the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ to compare the behavior of two functions?

A: You can use the graphs of $g(x)$ and $f(x)$ to compare the behavior of two functions by comparing their vertical and horizontal asymptotes, as well as their maximum and minimum values.