Identify any vertical, horizontal, or oblique asymptotes in the graph of y=ƒ(x). State the domain of ƒ.
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
Asymptotes
Problem 71
Textbook Question
In Exercises 57–80, follow the seven steps to graph each rational function. f(x)=(x+2)/(x2+x−6)
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Identify the domain of the function by finding the values of \( x \) that make the denominator zero. Solve \( x^2 + x - 6 = 0 \) by factoring or using the quadratic formula.
Find the vertical asymptotes by setting the denominator equal to zero and excluding any values that also make the numerator zero (which would indicate a hole instead).
Determine the horizontal or oblique asymptote by comparing the degrees of the numerator and denominator polynomials. Since the numerator is degree 1 and the denominator is degree 2, the horizontal asymptote is \( y = 0 \).
Find the x-intercepts by setting the numerator equal to zero and solving for \( x \). For \( f(x) = \frac{x+2}{x^2 + x - 6} \), set \( x + 2 = 0 \) and solve.
Find the y-intercept by evaluating \( f(0) \), which is \( \frac{0 + 2}{0^2 + 0 - 6} \). This gives the point where the graph crosses the y-axis.
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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). Understanding its domain, where the denominator Q(x) ≠ 0, is essential because values that make Q(x) zero are excluded and often correspond to vertical asymptotes or holes in the graph.
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Intro to Rational Functions
Asymptotes of Rational Functions
Asymptotes are lines that the graph approaches but never touches. Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero and the numerator is nonzero, while horizontal or oblique asymptotes describe end behavior based on the degrees of numerator and denominator polynomials.
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Introduction to Asymptotes
Graphing Steps for Rational Functions
Graphing rational functions involves identifying domain restrictions, intercepts, asymptotes, and behavior near asymptotes. Plotting key points and analyzing limits help sketch an accurate graph, following a systematic approach such as the seven-step method.
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How to Graph Rational Functions
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