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 69a
Textbook Question
Graph each rational function. See Examples 5–9. ƒ(x)=5x/(x^2-1)
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1
Identify the vertical asymptotes by setting the denominator equal to zero: \(x^2 - 1 = 0\). Solve for \(x\) to find 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 \(y = 0\).
Find the x-intercepts by setting the numerator equal to zero: \(5x = 0\). Solve for \(x\) to find the x-intercepts.
Find the y-intercept by evaluating \(f(0)\). Substitute \(x = 0\) into the function to find the y-intercept.
Sketch the graph using the asymptotes, intercepts, and by plotting additional points if necessary to understand the behavior of the function around the asymptotes.
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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. The general form is f(x) = P(x)/Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials. Understanding rational functions is crucial for analyzing their behavior, including identifying asymptotes, intercepts, and the overall shape of the graph.
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Asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches but never touches. There are vertical asymptotes, which occur where the denominator of a rational function is zero, and horizontal asymptotes, which describe the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. Identifying these asymptotes is essential for accurately sketching the graph of a rational function.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing techniques for rational functions involve plotting key features such as intercepts, asymptotes, and critical points. This includes finding the x-intercepts by setting the numerator to zero and the y-intercept by evaluating the function at x=0. A thorough understanding of these techniques allows for a more accurate representation of the function's behavior on a graph.
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