Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
5. Rational Functions
Graphing Rational Functions
Problem 87
Textbook Question
In Exercises 81–88, a. Find the slant asymptote of the graph of each rational function and b. Follow the seven-step strategy and use the slant asymptote to graph each rational function. f(x)=(x^3+1)/(x^2+2x)
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1
<Step 1: Identify the degree of the numerator and the denominator. The degree of the numerator \(x^3 + 1\) is 3, and the degree of the denominator \(x^2 + 2x\) is 2. Since the degree of the numerator is one more than the degree of the denominator, there is a slant asymptote.>
<Step 2: Perform polynomial long division to divide \(x^3 + 1\) by \(x^2 + 2x\). This will help us find the equation of the slant asymptote.>
<Step 3: Set up the division: Divide the first term of the numerator \(x^3\) by the first term of the denominator \(x^2\) to get \(x\). Multiply the entire divisor \(x^2 + 2x\) by \(x\) and subtract from the original numerator.>
<Step 4: Continue the division process: Bring down the next term and repeat the division process until the degree of the remainder is less than the degree of the divisor.>
<Step 5: The quotient obtained from the division (ignoring the remainder) is the equation of the slant asymptote. Use this equation to sketch the slant asymptote on the graph of the rational function.>
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Slant Asymptote
A slant asymptote, or oblique asymptote, occurs in rational functions when the degree of the numerator is exactly one higher than the degree of the denominator. It represents the linear behavior of the function as x approaches infinity or negative infinity. To find the slant asymptote, perform polynomial long division on the rational function, where the quotient (ignoring the remainder) gives the equation of the slant asymptote.
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Polynomial Long Division
Polynomial long division is a method used to divide a polynomial by another polynomial of lower degree. It involves dividing the leading term of the numerator by the leading term of the denominator, multiplying the entire denominator by this result, and subtracting it from the numerator. This process is repeated until the degree of the remainder is less than that of the divisor, allowing us to find the quotient and remainder, which are essential for determining the slant asymptote.
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Graphing Rational Functions
Graphing rational functions involves analyzing key features such as intercepts, asymptotes, and end behavior. The seven-step strategy typically includes finding the domain, intercepts, asymptotes (both vertical and slant), and testing points in intervals to understand the function's behavior. The slant asymptote provides a guide for the function's behavior at extreme values of x, helping to sketch the graph accurately.
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