Big Ideas Math Algebra 2, 2014
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Big Ideas Math Algebra 2, 2014 View details
2. Graphing Rational Functions
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Exercise 8 Page 370

To graph the desired rational function, make a table of values, plot the obtained points, and connect them with a smooth curve.

Graph:

Comparison: See solution.

Practice makes perfect

Let's start by drawing the graph of the parent function, f(x)= 1x. The graph of this function is a hyperbola, which consists of two symmetrical parts called branches. The domain and range are all nonzero real numbers. The graph of this function has two asymptotes, the vertical line x=0 and the horizontal line y=0.

Let's now consider the function we are asked to graph.

g(x)=- 12/x This is a rational function of the form g(x)= ax, which means it will have the same asymptotes, domain, and range as f(x)= 1x. With this in mind, let's make a table of values to find some points that lie on the graph. Make sure to include both positive and negative values for x.

x - 12/x g(x)=- 12/x
- 12 - 12/- 12 1
- 6 - 12/- 6 2
- 2 - 12/- 2 6
- 1 - 12/- 1 12
1 - 12/1 - 12
2 - 12/2 - 6
6 - 12/6 - 2
12 - 12/12 - 1

Let's plot the obtained points and connect them with a smooth curve. Keep in mind that this graph will also have two branches. Furthermore, be aware that the x- and y-axes will be the asymptotes.

We can see that the graph of g lies farther from the axes and is reflected over the x-axis. Moreover, as we have already said, the graphs have the same asymptotes, domain, and range.