In Exercises 57–80, follow the seven steps to graph each rational function. f(x)=2x2/(x2+4)
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- 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 87
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)=(x3+1)/(x2+2x)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the rational function given: .
To find the slant (oblique) asymptote, perform polynomial long division of the numerator by the denominator . The quotient (without the remainder) will give the equation of 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 denominator by this term and subtract from the numerator. Repeat this process until the degree of the remainder is less than the degree of the denominator.
Write the quotient obtained from the division as the slant asymptote in the form or a polynomial expression, depending on the degree of the quotient.
For graphing using the seven-step strategy, analyze the domain, intercepts, asymptotes (including the slant asymptote found), and behavior near asymptotes and at infinity. Use the slant asymptote as a guide to sketch the end behavior of the graph.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Slant (Oblique) Asymptotes
Slant asymptotes occur when the degree of the numerator is exactly one more than the degree of the denominator in a rational function. They represent the line that the graph approaches as x approaches infinity or negative infinity. To find the slant asymptote, perform polynomial long division and use the quotient (without the remainder) as the equation of the asymptote.
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Polynomial Long Division
Polynomial long division is a method used to divide one polynomial by another, similar to numerical long division. It helps simplify rational functions by expressing them as a polynomial plus a remainder over the divisor. This process is essential for finding slant asymptotes and rewriting functions in a form easier to analyze and graph.
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Introduction to Polynomials
Graphing Rational Functions Using Asymptotes
Graphing rational functions involves identifying asymptotes (vertical, horizontal, or slant) to understand the function's behavior near undefined points and at infinity. The seven-step strategy typically includes finding intercepts, asymptotes, and analyzing end behavior. Using the slant asymptote as a guide helps sketch the curve accurately as it approaches the asymptote for large values of x.
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