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 70
Textbook Question
Graph each rational function. See Examples 5–9. ƒ(x)=x/(4-x^2)
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1
Identify the rational function: \( f(x) = \frac{x}{4 - x^2} \).
Determine the domain by finding values of \( x \) that make the denominator zero. Set \( 4 - x^2 = 0 \) and solve for \( x \).
Find the vertical asymptotes by setting the denominator equal to zero and solving for \( x \). These are the values where the function is undefined.
Determine the horizontal asymptote by comparing the degrees of the numerator and the denominator. Since the degree of the numerator (1) is less than the degree of the denominator (2), the horizontal asymptote is \( y = 0 \).
Plot the function by choosing test points around the vertical asymptotes and horizontal asymptote to understand the behavior of the graph in different intervals.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Functions
A rational function is a function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials. In the case of f(x) = x/(4 - x^2), the numerator is a polynomial of degree 1, and the denominator is a polynomial of degree 2. Understanding the structure of rational functions is essential for analyzing their behavior, including identifying asymptotes and intercepts.
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Asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches but never touches. For rational functions, vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator equals zero, while horizontal asymptotes describe the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. In f(x) = x/(4 - x^2), vertical asymptotes can be found by solving 4 - x^2 = 0, which helps in sketching the graph accurately.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing rational functions involves plotting key features such as intercepts, asymptotes, and the general shape of the function. Techniques include finding x-intercepts by setting the numerator to zero and y-intercepts by evaluating the function at x = 0. Understanding these techniques is crucial for accurately representing the function f(x) = x/(4 - x^2) on a graph.
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