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3.3rational Function Ax+BIcx+d

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20 views

3.3rational Function Ax+BIcx+d

Uploaded by

thegamingwolf7299
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MHF4U Rational Functions: 3.

3 Rational functions of the form f ( x) =


ax + b Ms. Caruso
cx + d

3.3 Rational functions of the form ax + b


f ( x) =
cx + d

In the previous two sections, our focus was on the reciprocal of both linear and quadratic
polynomial functions and the analysis of these respective functions. The number of vertical
asymptotes that existed in the reciprocal forms of these functions was directly dependent upon
the original polynomial function. However, the horizontal asymptote in each case consistently
remained at y=0 primarily because of the constant value of the numerator. Today we will see that
as the numerator of the rational expression changes from a constant to a linear function, then so
too will the value and location of these horizontal asymptotes.

How to find the Horizontal Asymptote:


1. Use the table of large positive and negative values.
2. Compare the degrees of the numerator and the denominator. Since the numerator and the
denominator are polynomials in x of degree numerator (n) and denominator (m)
3. respectively;
• If n<m, then the horizontal asymptote is y=0
n
• If n=m, then the horizontal asymptote is y = coefficient of xm term
coefficient of x term
• If n>m, then there is no horizontal asymptote.

State the Vertical and Horizontal Asymptote.

Equation Vertical Asymptote Horizontal Asymptote

x
f ( x) =
2x − 8

x−2
g ( x) =
x 2 − 5x + 6

2 x 2 − 5x
h( x ) =
x2 −1

1
MHF4U Rational Functions: 3.3 Rational functions of the form f ( x) =
ax + b Ms. Caruso
cx + d

x − 10
Example 1: Given g ( x) = , state:
2x + 5
a) the x & y-intercepts b) vertical & horizontal asymptotes c) behavior

d) domain & ranger e) Graph

f) summarize the positive & negative intervals

2
MHF4U Rational Functions: 3.3 Rational functions of the form f ( x) =
ax + b Ms. Caruso
cx + d

A rational function of the form f ( x) = linear will have one vertical asymptote and one horizontal
linear
asymptote. There will be two branches equidistant from the point of intersection of the asymptotes.
x2 − 1
Example 3: Sketch the following function f ( x) = 2
x − 2x − 3

3
MHF4U Rational Functions: 3.3 Rational functions of the form f ( x) =
ax + b Ms. Caruso
cx + d

Example 4: Write an equation for a rational function whose equation has the following features:

a) b)
• x-intercept is 3/5
• y-intercept is -3
• vertical asymptote is x=-1/2
• horizontal asymptote is y=5/2

KEY CONCEPT:

A rational function of the Form: f(x) = ax + b has the following features:


cx + d

• The equation of the vertical asymptote is x = -d/c


• The equation of the horizontal asymptote is y = a/c
• The coefficient b acts to stretch the curve, but has no effect on the asymptotes, domain, or range
(refer to pg. 172 example 2)
• The coefficient d shifts the vertical asymptote
• The two branches of the graph are equidistant from the point of intersection of the vertical and
horizontal asymptote.

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