Reciprocal Function

This is the Reciprocal Function:

f(x) = 1/x

This is its graph:

Reciprocal function
f(x) = 1/x

It is a Hyperbola

It is an odd function

Its Domain is the Real Numbers, except 0, because 1/0 is undefined.

Using set-builder notation:

Its Domain is {x member of Reals | x ≠ 0}

Its Range is also {x member of Reals | x ≠ 0}

Asymptotes

Reciprocal function

An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches but never quite touches.

Notice that the graph gets closer and closer to the x-axis (y=0) as x gets very large or very small. This is called a Horizontal Asymptote.

Also, the graph gets closer and closer to the y-axis (x=0) as x gets closer to 0. This is called a Vertical Asymptote.

As an Exponent

The Reciprocal Function can also be written as an exponent :

f(x) = x-1

(it means the same thing)

Plot the graph here