Finding the fuction of rational equations

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on deriving the equations of rational functions based on their asymptotes and discontinuities. The key takeaway is that to create a rational function with a vertical asymptote at x=a and a horizontal asymptote at y=c, the formula y=c+k/(x-a) can be utilized, where k represents the desired value at a specific point. Additionally, the presence of holes in the graph can be incorporated by multiplying the function by (x-d)/(x-d), where d is the x-coordinate of the hole.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vertical and horizontal asymptotes in rational functions
  • Familiarity with the concept of discontinuities in functions
  • Basic knowledge of function transformations, including shifts and scaling
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and create common denominators
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of rational functions with multiple asymptotes
  • Learn about the impact of vertical and horizontal shifts on graph behavior
  • Study the concept of removable discontinuities and how to identify them
  • Practice constructing rational functions from given asymptotic behavior and points
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, particularly those focused on rational functions, as well as educators teaching function behavior and transformations in mathematics.

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Homework Statement



http://tinypic.com/r/14uet5i/6

just in case it didnt work

http://tinypic.com/r/14uet5i/6

how do i find the equation of those two graphs? Also


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



1. asym is at -2 so bottom must have (x+2) what's the equation if vertical discontinuity at (0,3) just x? so bottom would be (x^2+2x) ?


2. asy at 1 so (x-1) and discontinuity at -3 so, bottom is (x-1)(x+3) = idk/x^2+2x-3
 
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using the dotted axes the lines look like mirror images right?

again using the dotted axes what would the equation be?

then just translate the dotted equation to the lined axes.
 
skg94 said:

Homework Statement



http://tinypic.com/r/14uet5i/6

just in case it didnt work

http://tinypic.com/r/14uet5i/6

how do i find the equation of those two graphs? Also

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



1. asym is at -2 so bottom must have (x+2) what's the equation if vertical discontinuity at (0,3) just x? so bottom would be (x^2+2x) ? 2. asy at 1 so (x-1) and discontinuity at -3 so, bottom is (x-1)(x+3) = idk/x^2+2x-3

Begin with the simplest rational function: y = 1/x.
You already know that we can shift the vertical asymptote of x=0 by changing the denominator into y = 1/(x-a) for an x-asymptote of x=a.

But what if we want a different horizontal asymptote? Well, what if we shift everything up by 1 by adding 1 to the function? So we have y= 1 + 1/x. This gives us a horizontal asymptote at y=1. So essentially, if we want a horizontal asymptote at y=c, then we make our rational function y= c + 1/x.

But what if want the shape of the function to be a little different? For example, the graph y=1/x has the point (1,1) but what if want the asymptotes to stay the same but instead we want it to have the point (1,2)? Well, we just multiply the function by 2 to get y=2/x because at x=1 we now get y=2 instead of y=1. So in general, if you want y=1/x to have the point (1,k) instead of (1,1) then we multiply by k to get y= k/x.
If our asymptotes change however, then you need to take that into account too. The point (1,k) is 1 unit in the x direction to the right of the vertical asymptote and the point k is k units in the y direction above the horizontal asymptote.

Finally, tying everything together -
If we want the rational function that has a vertical asymptote at x=a, a horizontal asymptote at y=c and the point 1 unit to the right of the vertical asymptote with a value of k units above the horizontal asymptote, then our function will be

y=c+\frac{k}{x-a}

And converting this into the general rational function form y=f(x)/g(x) is easily done by creating a common denominator.

p.s. I just noticed that your functions have holes in them. This is easily added to your function by noticing that if you have a function y=f(x), then the function
y=f(x)\cdot\frac{x-d}{x-d}
is the line y=f(x) with a hole at x=d.
 

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