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
Asymptotes
Problem 71
Textbook Question
In Exercises 57–80, follow the seven steps to graph each rational function. f(x)=(x+2)/(x^2+x−6)
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1
Identify the domain of the function by finding the values of x that make the denominator zero. Set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x: \(x^2 + x - 6 = 0\).
Factor the quadratic equation \(x^2 + x - 6\) to find the values of x that are not in the domain. The equation factors to \((x - 2)(x + 3) = 0\), so the domain excludes x = 2 and x = -3.
Determine the vertical asymptotes by setting the factors of the denominator equal to zero. The vertical asymptotes are at x = 2 and x = -3.
Find 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.
Identify any x-intercepts by setting the numerator equal to zero and solving for x. The x-intercept is found by solving \(x + 2 = 0\), which gives x = -2.
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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 given function f(x) = (x + 2) / (x^2 + x - 6), the numerator is a linear polynomial, and the denominator is a quadratic polynomial. Understanding the behavior of rational functions, including their asymptotes and intercepts, is crucial for graphing them accurately.
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Asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that the graph of a function approaches but never touches. For rational functions, vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero (and the numerator is not), while horizontal asymptotes describe the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. Identifying these asymptotes is essential for sketching the graph and understanding its limits.
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Intercepts
Intercepts are points where the graph of a function crosses the axes. The x-intercept occurs when f(x) = 0, which is found by setting the numerator equal to zero, while the y-intercept is found by evaluating f(0). Knowing the intercepts helps in plotting the graph accurately and provides insight into the function's behavior near the axes.
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