Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Rational Functions
A rational function is a function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials. The general form is f(x) = P(x)/Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials. Understanding rational functions involves analyzing their behavior, including asymptotes, intercepts, and domain restrictions, which arise from the values that make the denominator zero.
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Graphing Techniques
Graphing rational functions requires specific techniques to accurately represent their behavior. Key steps include finding the x-intercepts by setting the numerator to zero, the y-intercept by evaluating f(0), and vertical asymptotes by identifying values that make the denominator zero. Horizontal asymptotes can also be determined by comparing the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
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Asymptotes
Asymptotes are lines that the graph of a function approaches but never touches. For rational functions, vertical asymptotes occur at values of x that make the denominator zero, while horizontal asymptotes describe the end behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. Understanding asymptotes is crucial for sketching accurate graphs and predicting the function's behavior.
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