Chapter 3: Problem 66
In Exercises \(37-66,\) graph the indicated functions. Plot the graphs of (a) \(y=x^{2}-x+1\) and \((b) y=\frac{x^{3}+1}{x+1}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph for both functions is a parabola with vertex at \((\frac{1}{2}, \frac{3}{4})\) and a hole at \(x = -1\) for \(y = \frac{x^3 + 1}{x + 1}\).
Step by step solution
01
Analyzing the Quadratic Function
First, consider the quadratic function given by \(y = x^2 - x + 1\). It is a parabola because it is a second-degree polynomial. The coefficient of \(x^2\) is positive, so the parabola opens upwards. You can find its vertex using the vertex formula \(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a}\), where \(a = 1\) and \(b = -1\). Compute the vertex's x-coordinate: \(x_v = -\frac{-1}{2 \times 1} = \frac{1}{2}\). Compute the y-coordinate by substituting \(x_v\) back into the function: \(y_v = \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 - \frac{1}{2} + 1 = \frac{3}{4}\). Therefore, the vertex is \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, \frac{3}{4}\right)\).
02
Plot the Vertex and Parabola
To graph the quadratic function, plot the vertex at \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, \frac{3}{4}\right)\). Find additional points by selecting values of \(x\), such as \(x = 0\) and \(x = 1\), and calculate corresponding \(y\)-values: For \(x = 0\), \(y = 1\); for \(x = 1\), \(y = 1\). Plot these points as well. Since it's a symmetric parabola, you can reflect these points across the vertex line, e.g., for \(x = -1\), \(y = 3\). Draw a smooth curve through these points to complete the parabola.
03
Simplify the Rational Function
Now consider the function \(y = \frac{x^3 + 1}{x + 1}\). Start by simplifying the expression. Notice that the numerator \(x^3 + 1\) can be factored using the sum of cubes formula \(a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)\). Here, \(a = x\) and \(b = 1\), so it becomes \((x + 1)(x^2 - x + 1)\). Therefore, \(y = \frac{(x+1)(x^2 - x + 1)}{x + 1}\). Simplify by canceling \(x + 1\) in the numerator and denominator, resulting in \(y = x^2 - x + 1\), for \(x eq -1\).
04
Plot the Simplified Rational Function
The simplified rational function \(y = x^2 - x + 1\) is the same as the quadratic function from Step 1, except it's defined for all \(x\) except \(x = -1\) due to the original division term. At \(x = -1\), plot a hole because the original function is undefined there. For \(x eq -1\), the graph is identical to the parabola plotted in Step 2. Make sure to indicate the hole at \(x = -1\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
quadratic function
A **quadratic function** is a type of polynomial function characterized by the equation of the form \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants with \(a eq 0\). Quadratic functions create a parabolic graph that is either U-shaped or n-shaped, depending on the sign of \(a\).
- If \(a > 0\), the parabola opens upwards.
- If \(a < 0\), the parabola opens downwards.
rational function
A **rational function** is a ratio between two polynomial functions. It typically takes the form \(y = \frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}\), where \(P(x)\) and \(Q(x)\) are both polynomials, and \(Q(x)\) is not zero. Rational functions can exhibit a variety of behaviors that are not seen in simpler polynomial functions, such as asymptotes and holes.
- **Vertical asymptotes** occur where the denominator is zero, but the numerator is not.
- **Holes** occur where both the numerator and denominator are zero at the same point.
parabola
The **parabola** is the graph of a quadratic function. It has a unique, symmetric U or n shape. Understanding its features helps in graphing quadratic functions effectively.
Some key features of a parabola include:
Some key features of a parabola include:
- **Vertex**: The peak or the lowest point of the parabola, where it changes direction.
- **Axis of symmetry**: A vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves. This line always passes through the vertex.
- **Focus and directrix**: Elements used in geometric definitions of parabolas but less critical for basic plotting.
vertex formula
The **vertex formula** offers a quick way to identify the vertex of a quadratic function without graphing. The formula is derived from the standard form of a quadratic equation \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\).
To find the vertex:
To find the vertex:
- Calculate the x-coordinate using \(x_v = -\frac{b}{2a}\).
- Substitute \(x_v\) back into the equation to find the y-coordinate: \(y_v = ax_v^2 + bx_v + c\).