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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 47

Use transformations of f(x)=1/x or f(x)=1/x2 to graph each rational function. h(x)=(1/x) + 2

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Identify the base function given, which is \( f(x) = \frac{1}{x} \). This is a rational function with a vertical asymptote at \( x = 0 \) and a horizontal asymptote at \( y = 0 \).
Look at the given function \( h(x) = \frac{1}{x} + 2 \). Notice that it is the base function \( \frac{1}{x} \) plus 2, which means the graph of \( f(x) \) is shifted vertically.
Understand that adding 2 to the function shifts the entire graph up by 2 units. This means the horizontal asymptote, originally at \( y = 0 \), will move to \( y = 2 \).
The vertical asymptote remains unchanged at \( x = 0 \) because the transformation does not affect the denominator.
To sketch the graph, start with the graph of \( f(x) = \frac{1}{x} \), then shift every point up by 2 units, and draw the new horizontal asymptote at \( y = 2 \) while keeping the vertical asymptote at \( x = 0 \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Parent Rational Functions

The parent functions f(x) = 1/x and f(x) = 1/x² are basic rational functions with distinct shapes and asymptotes. Understanding their graphs, including vertical and horizontal asymptotes, is essential as they serve as the starting point for transformations.
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Intro to Rational Functions

Transformations of Functions

Transformations involve shifting, stretching, compressing, or reflecting the graph of a function. For h(x) = 1/x + 2, the '+ 2' indicates a vertical shift upward by 2 units, moving the entire graph and its horizontal asymptote accordingly.
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Domain & Range of Transformed Functions

Asymptotes of Rational Functions

Asymptotes are lines that the graph approaches but never touches. For rational functions like 1/x, vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero, and horizontal asymptotes describe end behavior. Transformations affect the position of these asymptotes.
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Introduction to Asymptotes