GMAT Math : Graphing inverse variation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Graph Inverse Variation

Give the vertical asymptote of the graph of the equation

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The vertical asymptote is , where  is found by setting the denominator equal to 0 and solving for :

This is the equation of the vertical asymptote.

Example Question #2 : Graphing Inverse Variation

Give the -intercept(s), if any, of the graph of the equation

Possible Answers:

The graph has no -intercept.

Correct answer:

The graph has no -intercept.

Explanation:

Set  in the equation and solve for .

This is impossible, so the equation has no solution. Therefore, the graph has no -intercept. 

Example Question #3 : Graphing Inverse Variation

Give the -intercept(s), if any, of the graph of the equation

Possible Answers:

The graph has no -intercept.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Set  in the equation and solve for .

The -intercept is 

Example Question #4 : Graphing Inverse Variation

Give the horizontal asymptote, if there is one, of the graph of the equation

Possible Answers:

The graph of the equation has no horizontal asymptote.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To find the horizontal asymptote, we can divide both numerator and denominator in the right expression by :

As  approaches positive or negative infinity,  and  both approach 0. Therefore,  approaches , making the horizontal asymptote the line of the equation  .

Example Question #2 : How To Graph Inverse Variation

Give the -intercept of the graph of the equation .

Possible Answers:

The graph has no -intercept.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Set  in the equation:

The -intercept is .

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