Chapter 4: Problem 6
For each of the following, check for discontinuities and then use at least two other tests to make a rough sketch of the curve. Verify using a calculator. a. \(y=\frac{x-3}{x+5}\) b. \(f(x)=\frac{5}{(x+2)^{2}}\) c. \(g(t)=\frac{t^{2}-2 t-15}{t-5}\) d. \(y=\frac{(2+x)(3-2 x)}{\left(x^{2}-3 x\right)}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify Discontinuities for y=\frac{x-3}{x+5}
Find Additional Features for y=\frac{x-3}{x+5}
Identify Discontinuities for f(x)=\frac{5}{(x+2)^{2}}
Find Additional Features for f(x)=\frac{5}{(x+2)^{2}}
Identify Discontinuities for g(t)=\frac{t^{2}-2t-15}{t-5}
Find Additional Features for g(t)=\frac{t^{2}-2t-15}{t-5}
Identify Discontinuities for y=\frac{(2+x)(3-2x)}{x^2-3x}
Find Additional Features for y=\frac{(2+x)(3-2x)}{x^2-3x}
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Asymptotes
- **Vertical asymptotes** occur when the denominator of a rational function becomes zero, leading to undefined points. For example, in the function \( y = \frac{x-3}{x+5} \), a vertical asymptote occurs at \( x = -5 \), where the denominator becomes zero.
- **Horizontal asymptotes** appear when we compare the degrees of the polynomial in the numerator and denominator. If both have the same degree, as seen in \( y = \frac{x-3}{x+5} \), the horizontal asymptote is the ratio of their leading coefficients, which is \( y = 1 \).
Removable Discontinuity
Take the function \( g(t) = \frac{t^{2}-2t-15}{t-5} \) as an instance. Factoring the numerator gives \((t-5)(t+3)\), which cancels with the denominator \( t-5 \), leading to the simplified function \( g(t) = t+3 \) for \( t eq 5 \). Though \( g(t) \) simplifies to a linear function, it's undefined at \( t = 5 \). This creates a hole located at \( (5, 8) \) after simplification. Such discontinuities can be "filled" by extending the function definition to include those specific points.
Rational Functions
Consider the function \( f(x) = \frac{5}{(x+2)^2} \). It is undefined where \( (x+2)^2 = 0 \), which happens at \( x = -2 \). Uniquely, rational functions can show both removable and non-removable discontinuities, alongside vertical and horizontal asymptotes. Since the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, this function has a horizontal asymptote at \( y = 0 \).
Examining rational functions thoroughly can reveal vertical asymptotes, removable discontinuities, and the end behaviors, all of which are crucial for sketching an accurate graph.
Slope in Linear Functions
In the expression \( g(t) = t+3 \), derived from simplifying \( g(t) = \frac{t^{2}-2t-15}{t-5} \), the slope \( m = 1 \). This means as you move 1 unit right on the graph, \( g(t) \) increases by 1 unit. The y-intercept, \( b = 3 \), tells us that the line crosses the y-axis at \( (0, 3) \).
Understanding slopes in simplified versions of rational functions is invaluable for identifying lines and predicting graph behavior even when holes suggest potential discontinuities. Linear function properties apply generally, but factoring and simplifying reveal these aspects in more complex equations.