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Printjmc
algebra intermediate
Problem
For what values of the constant does the graph of have exactly one vertical asymptote?
Enter all possible values, separated by commas.
Enter all possible values, separated by commas.
Solution
We can factor the denominator to get Hence, the graph of has vertical asymptotes at and , unless there is a factor of or in the numerator that cancels out the corresponding factor in the denominator (in this case there will be a hole at that point rather than an asymptote). So, we need to find such that has a factor of or but not both.
That is to say, we need such that either or is a root. If is a root, we must have which gives us If is a root, then we must have or
Thus, the values that work are
That is to say, we need such that either or is a root. If is a root, we must have which gives us If is a root, then we must have or
Thus, the values that work are
Final answer
-12 \text{ or } -30