Chapter 4: Problem 20
Graph the rational function by applying transformations to the graph of \(y=\frac{1}{x}\). $$j(x)=\frac{3 x-7}{x-2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function \( j(x) = \frac{3x - 7}{x - 2} \) has a vertical asymptote at \( x = 2 \) and a horizontal asymptote at \( y = 3 \). Shift the graph of \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) right by 2 units and up by 3 units.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Parent Function
The parent function is given as \( y = \frac{1}{x} \). This function is a hyperbola with vertical and horizontal asymptotes at \( x = 0 \) and \( y = 0 \) respectively.
02
Rewrite in the Transformative Form
To transform \( j(x) = \frac{3x - 7}{x - 2} \), consider expressing it like \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) by rewriting it as \( j(x) = \frac{3(x - \frac{7}{3})}{x - 2} \).
03
Determine Asymptotes
The vertical asymptote is found by setting the denominator equal to zero: \( x - 2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2 \). The horizontal asymptote is determined by the coefficients in the highest degree terms: \( \frac{3}{1} = 3 \), so \( y = 3 \) is the horizontal asymptote.
04
Identify the Transformations
The horizontal shift is determined by the modification in the denominator, resulting in a shift to the right by 2 units, from \(x = 0\) to \(x = 2\). The horizontal asymptote \(y = 0\) shifts to \(y = 3\) indicating vertical translation.
05
Graphing the Function
Draw the asymptotes on the graph. The graph of \( y = \frac{1}{x} \) will be shifted right 2 units and moved up 3 units. Plot key points to reflect these transformations, maintaining the hyperbolic shape.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parent Function
The parent function of the given rational function is always a great starting point for analysis. Here, we have the parent function defined as \( y = \frac{1}{x} \). This is a simple hyperbola and a crucial reference for all foundational transformations. It's characterized by symmetry in its quadrants and has asymptotes at both the vertical and horizontal axes:
- Vertical asymptote: \( x = 0 \)
- Horizontal asymptote: \( y = 0 \)
Asymptotes
Asymptotes are invisible lines that the graph of a rational function approaches but never reaches. They act as boundaries and guide the graph's behavior significantly. As for the transformation of the parent function \( y = \frac{1}{x} \), you will need to find new asymptotes for the function \( j(x) = \frac{3x - 7}{x - 2} \). Here's how we do it:
- Vertical Asymptote: Set the denominator equal to zero and solve for \( x \):
\( x - 2 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 2 \). This determines our vertical asymptote at \( x = 2 \). - Horizontal Asymptote: Evaluate the leading coefficients of the numerator and denominator:
\( \frac{3}{1} = 3 \). This gives us the horizontal asymptote at \( y = 3 \).
Horizontal Shift
A horizontal shift moves the graph of a function left or right on the coordinate plane. To identify this in the context of rational functions, focus on changes within the denominator. In our modified function \( j(x) = \frac{3x - 7}{x - 2} \), we observe a shift from \( x = 0 \) to \( x = 2 \). This occurs because:
- The change \( x - 2 \) indicates a transformation 2 units to the right.
Vertical Translation
Vertical translation adjusts the graph either upward or downward on the coordinate plane. This occurs as a result of constants being added to or subtracted from the function. In your case, when analyzing \( j(x) = \frac{3x - 7}{x - 2} \), the presence of a horizontal asymptote at \( y=3 \) suggests a vertical translation:
- The original horizontal asymptote \( y=0 \) shifts to \( y=3 \).
- This indicates the entire graph is lifted upwards by 3 units.