What are the x and y intercepts y= x+2/x-7 rational

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the x and y intercepts of the rational expression y = x + 2/x - 7. Participants explore different interpretations of the equation and the implications of these interpretations on finding the intercepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the x intercepts can be found by setting y=0 and the y intercepts by setting x=0.
  • One participant notes that the function is not defined at x=0, prompting a question about its implications for finding the intercepts.
  • There is a discussion about the interpretation of the function, with some participants interpreting it as y = x + (2/(x-7)) and others as y = x + (2/x) - 7.
  • Another participant highlights that the original equation could be interpreted in multiple ways, including as (x+2)/(x-7), which complicates the determination of intercepts.
  • Concerns are raised about the clarity of the original expression, with one participant pointing out that the suggested intercepts of y = -2/7 and x = -2 may stem from a specific interpretation of the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct interpretation of the equation or the resulting intercepts, indicating multiple competing views remain regarding the function's definition and the method for finding intercepts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in mathematical notation and the importance of parentheses in clarifying expressions, which affects the interpretation of the function and the calculation of intercepts.

jeahomgrajan
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what are the x and y intercepts

y= x+2/x-7

rational expression

is y=-2/7
and x= -2
 
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you find x intercepts by letting y=0, and y intercepts by letting x=0.
 


sutupidmath said:
you find x intercepts by letting y=0, and y intercepts by letting x=0.

That is the general approach to these problems, but notice that the function is not defined at x=0.

What do you think this means jeahomgrajan? How would you go about finding the x-intercept, i.e. setting y=0 as sutupidmath mentioned and then solving for x?
 


n!kofeyn said:
That is the general approach to these problems, but notice that the function is not defined at x=0.
i interpreted the function as:


[tex]y=x+\frac{2}{x-7}[/tex]
 


sutupidmath said:
i interpreted the function as:
[tex]y=x+\frac{2}{x-7}[/tex]

I see. Gotcha :) Gotta love [itex]\LaTeX[/itex].
 


The original equation as written means exactly:

y = x + [tex]\frac{2}{x}[/tex] - 7
 


symbolipoint said:
The original equation as written means exactly:

y = x + [tex]\frac{2}{x}[/tex] - 7

We know that. sutupidmath misread the original equation, and that's what that post was about. Please see my original post jeahomgrajan.
 


What was originally written would be strictly interpreted as
[tex]y= x+ \frac{2}{x}-7[/tex]
But, considering how many people just hate to use parentheses, it could also be interpreted as "x+ 2/(x- 7)"
[tex]y= x+ \frac{2}{x- 7}[/tex]
or even as "(x+2)/(x- 7)"
[tex]y= \frac{x+ 2}{x- 7}[/tex]

Unfortunately, jeahomgrajan hasn't got back to say which he/she meant, but the fact that he/she suggested y= -2/7 and x= -2 as intercepts suggests what sutupidmath assumed was meant.
 

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