In Exercises 57–80, follow the seven steps to graph each rational function. f(x)=2/(x2+x−2)
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
5. Rational Functions
Graphing Rational Functions
Problem 85
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)=(x2+x−6)/(x−3)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the given rational function: . We want to find the slant (oblique) asymptote, which occurs when the degree of the numerator is exactly one more than the degree of the denominator.
Perform polynomial long division of the numerator by the denominator . This will help us express as a quotient plus a remainder over the divisor, which reveals the slant asymptote.
Set up the division: divide the leading term of the numerator by the leading term of the denominator to get the first term of the quotient. Then multiply the entire divisor by this term and subtract from the numerator. Repeat this process until the degree of the remainder is less than the degree of the divisor.
The quotient obtained from the division (ignoring the remainder) represents the equation of the slant asymptote. Write this quotient as a linear function where and come from the division result.
For graphing, use the seven-step strategy: (1) find the domain, (2) find intercepts, (3) find vertical asymptotes (where denominator is zero), (4) find the slant asymptote from the division, (5) analyze end behavior using the slant asymptote, (6) plot points around the vertical asymptote and near the slant asymptote, and (7) sketch the graph showing the behavior near asymptotes and intercepts.
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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 ratio of two polynomials, expressed as f(x) = P(x)/Q(x), where Q(x) ≠ 0. Understanding the behavior of rational functions, including their domains and discontinuities, is essential for analyzing their graphs and asymptotes.
Recommended video:
Intro to Rational Functions
Slant (Oblique) Asymptotes
Slant asymptotes occur when the degree of the numerator is exactly one more than the degree of the denominator. They represent the line that the graph approaches as x approaches infinity or negative infinity, found by performing polynomial division.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Asymptotes
Polynomial Division
Polynomial division is a method used to divide one polynomial by another, similar to long division with numbers. It helps find the quotient and remainder, where the quotient gives the equation of the slant asymptote for rational functions with numerator degree one higher than denominator.
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Introduction to Polynomials
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