f(n) = n / (n - 5)

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Understand the Problem

The question presents a function f(n) defined as the ratio of n to (n - 5). It is likely seeking an analysis or further calculation related to this function.

Answer

The function has a vertical asymptote at \( n = 5 \) and a horizontal asymptote at \( y = 1 \).
Answer for screen readers

The function ( f(n) = \frac{n}{n - 5} ) has a vertical asymptote at ( n = 5 ), a horizontal asymptote at ( y = 1 ), and an intercept at ( (0, 0) ).

Steps to Solve

  1. Identify the function The function is given as ( f(n) = \frac{n}{n - 5} ).

  2. Determine the domain To find where the function is not defined, set the denominator to zero: $$ n - 5 = 0 $$ This implies ( n = 5 ). Therefore, the function is undefined at ( n = 5 ).

  3. Evaluate limits at critical points To analyze the behavior near the excluded value:

  • As ( n \to 5^+ ), ( f(n) \to +\infty )
  • As ( n \to 5^- ), ( f(n) \to -\infty )
  1. Find intercepts
  • Y-intercept: Set ( n = 0 ) $$ f(0) = \frac{0}{0 - 5} = 0 $$ So the y-intercept is at ( (0, 0) ).

  • X-intercept: Set ( f(n) = 0 ) $$ \frac{n}{n - 5} = 0 $$ This occurs when ( n = 0 ). Therefore, the x-intercept is at ( (0, 0) ).

  1. Analyze end behavior
  • As ( n \to \infty ): $$ f(n) \to 1 $$
  • As ( n \to -\infty ): $$ f(n) \to 1 $$
  1. Summarize findings The function has a vertical asymptote at ( n = 5 ) and horizontal asymptote at ( y = 1 ).

The function ( f(n) = \frac{n}{n - 5} ) has a vertical asymptote at ( n = 5 ), a horizontal asymptote at ( y = 1 ), and an intercept at ( (0, 0) ).

More Information

This function is a hyperbola. Hyperbolas often have vertical and horizontal asymptotes. The value ( n = 5 ) is critical because the function is undefined there.

Tips

  • Confusing the behavior of the function near the vertical asymptote. It is important to differentiate between approaching from the positive and negative sides.
  • Not finding the intercepts correctly. Remember to evaluate where the function is zero and where the input itself is zero.

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