Graphing Simple Rational Functions


Graph the rational functions in Exercises 63–68. Include the graphs and equations of the asymptotes and dominant terms.


y = 1/(x − 1)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the vertical asymptote by setting the denominator equal to zero: solve x - 1 = 0, which gives x = 1. This is where the function is undefined.
2. Determine the horizontal asymptote by analyzing the degrees of the numerator and the denominator. Since the degree of the numerator (0) is less than the degree of the denominator (1), the horizontal asymptote is y = 0.
3. Find the x-intercept by setting the numerator equal to zero: solve 1 = 0, which indicates there is no x-intercept since the numerator is a constant non-zero value.
4. Find the y-intercept by evaluating the function at x = 0: y = 1/(0 - 1) = -1. So, the y-intercept is at (0, -1).
5. Sketch the graph using the asymptotes and intercepts. The graph approaches the vertical asymptote x = 1 and the horizontal asymptote y = 0, and passes through the point (0, -1).

Key Concepts

Rational Functions

A rational function is a ratio of two polynomials, typically expressed as f(x) = P(x)/Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials. Understanding rational functions involves analyzing their behavior, including identifying asymptotes, intercepts, and the overall shape of the graph. The function y = 1/(x − 1) is a simple rational function with a linear denominator.

Asymptotes

Asymptotes are lines that a graph approaches but never touches. For rational functions, vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero, and horizontal asymptotes are determined by the degrees of the polynomials. In y = 1/(x − 1), the vertical asymptote is x = 1, as the function is undefined at this point, and the horizontal asymptote is y = 0, indicating the behavior as x approaches infinity.

Dominant Terms

Dominant terms in a rational function are those that dictate the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity or negative infinity. For y = 1/(x − 1), the dominant term is 1/x, which influences the horizontal asymptote and the end behavior of the graph. Understanding dominant terms helps in sketching the graph and predicting its long-term behavior.