Y=0 would be a horizontal line. An asymptote is a line that a function approaches, but never reaches. Exponential functions such as these are a smooth curve. If both numbers are positive numbers greater than or equal to 1, the curve increases. If at least one of the numbers is a positive number between 0 and 1, the curve decreases. If <em>a</em> is a negative number, the curve decreases as well. If either <em>a</em> or <em>b</em> is zero, then the graph would stay constant at 0. However, as long as neither <em>a</em> nor <em>b</em> is zero, then this graph will never touch that point. The only way to get an answer of y=0 is to multiply by 0. If neither <em>a</em> nor <em>b</em> is zero, this won't happen.
Sometimes it helps to draw it out...
(17)
C_______M_________Q
|___________________|
21
therefore, CM + MQ = CQ
17 + MQ = 21
MQ = 21 - 17
MQ = 4 <===
8 cups lemon juice
8 cups vinegar
16 cups hot water
