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
Introduction to Rational Functions
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Find the domain of the rational function. Then, write it in lowest terms.
f(x)=2x2−86x5
A
{x∣x=2,−2},f(x)=x2−43x5
B
{x∣x=2,−2},f(x)=2x2−86x5
C
{x∣x=2},f(x)=x2−43x5
D
{x∣x=2},f(x)=x2−83x5

1
Identify the rational function: \( f(x) = \frac{6x^5}{2x^2 - 8} \).
Determine the domain by finding the values of \( x \) that make the denominator zero. Set the denominator equal to zero: \( 2x^2 - 8 = 0 \).
Solve the equation \( 2x^2 - 8 = 0 \) for \( x \). First, add 8 to both sides to get \( 2x^2 = 8 \), then divide by 2 to obtain \( x^2 = 4 \).
Take the square root of both sides to find \( x = \pm 2 \). These are the values that make the denominator zero, so they are excluded from the domain.
Simplify the rational function by factoring the denominator: \( 2x^2 - 8 = 2(x^2 - 4) = 2(x - 2)(x + 2) \). The function in lowest terms is \( f(x) = \frac{3x^5}{x^2 - 4} \), and the domain is \( \{ x \mid x \neq 2, -2 \} \).
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