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Reciprocal Function

The document discusses the reciprocal function y = 1/x, highlighting its properties such as asymptotes, domain, range, and symmetry. It also covers calculus-related aspects, applications in various fields, and numerical computation considerations. Additionally, it provides references for further reading on the topic.

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Info Spreadinson
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5 views11 pages

Reciprocal Function

The document discusses the reciprocal function y = 1/x, highlighting its properties such as asymptotes, domain, range, and symmetry. It also covers calculus-related aspects, applications in various fields, and numerical computation considerations. Additionally, it provides references for further reading on the topic.

Uploaded by

Info Spreadinson
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Reciprocal Function y = 1x

Generated on January 31, 2026


10.0

7.5

5.0

2.5

0.0
y

2.5

5.0

7.5

10.0
Two branches due to discontinuity at x=0.
10.0 7.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0
x
Overview
The reciprocal function captures inverse proportionality. It has a vertical asymptote at x=
and a horizontal asymptote at y=0.
Domain, Range, Symmetry
Domain: ( ,0) (0, ). Range: ( ,0) (0, ). Symmetry: odd, so f( x)= f(x). No intercep
Calculus
Derivative: d/dx (1/x)= 1/x² (negative for x>0). Integral: (1/x) dx=ln|x|+C. Curvature:
d²/dx² (1/x)=2/x³, changing sign across quadrants.
Series & Local Behavior
Around a nonzero a, use 1/x 1/a (x a)/a² + (x a)²/a³ . Near zero the function di
and does not admit a power series around 0.
Asymptotics
As |x| , 1/x 0 with rate O(1/x). This makes it a prototypical example of algebraic decay
Applications
Models inverse relationships: Boyle s law (p 1/V), harmonic means, resistances in paralle
1/R, and learning curves that diminish over time.
Transformations
Composing with logs yields ln|1/x|= ln|x|. Scaling: 1/(ax)= (1/a)·(1/x). Sign flips reflect
across axes.
ODE/PDE Context
Appears in differential equations describing inverse square laws when combined with pow
primitive ln|x| is fundamental in potential theory in 2D.
Computation Notes
Numerically, avoid division by values extremely close to zero to prevent overflow. Use
thresholds or regularization in algorithms.
References & Further Reading
References 1. Apostol, Tom M. Calculus, Vol. 1. 2. Stewart, James. Calculus: Early
Transcendentals. 3. Weisstein, Eric W. MathWorld entries for the function. 4. Kreyszig, Erw
Advanced Engineering Mathematics. Generated on January 31, 2026.

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