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jmc

algebra intermediate

Problem

Find if the graph of has vertical asymptotes at and , no horizontal asymptote, and .
Solution
Since the given function has vertical asymptotes at and , we know that (i.e. and are roots of ). Moreover, since the given function has no horizontal asymptote, we know that the degree of must be less than the degree of the numerator, which is .

Hence, is a quadratic with roots and . In other words, we can write it as for some constant . Since , we have .

Solving for gives . Hence .
Final answer
3x^2 - 12