How do we work out the asymptotes of the graph y=1/x -5

In most core 1 papers this kind of question is usually asked. First of all an asymptote is a line that is close to an axis but never touches it. Now look at the graph as a normal reciprocal graph of y=1/x the only difference now is that it has -5 added to the end. Draw the graph y=1/x and move it down the y-axis 5 spaces. This will be your y=1/x -5. You can then work out the x-intercept which would be 2/5. What you will see is two asymptotes along the y and x axis. The asymptote along the y-axis must be x=0 as that asymptote hadn't changed from the previous y=1/x graph. However, the asymptote along the x-axis has changed, since we moved the graph down 5 spaces along the y-axis, the asymptote must be y=-5. 

AB
Answered by Aniqah B. Maths tutor

8748 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

I don't understand chain rule for differentiation especially when combined with more complex functions.


Express 5cosx - 3sinx in the form Rcos(x+a).


Express (16x^2 + 4x^3)/(x^3 + 2x^2 - 8x) + 12x/(x-2) as one fraction in its simplest form.


Simplify (7+sqrt(5))/(sqrt(5)-1), leaving the answer in the form a+b*sqrt(5)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning