Exploring Rational Functions and Their Operations

This tutorial introduces rational functions, focusing on the function f(x) = 1/x. It covers graphing techniques, emphasizing the importance of asymptotes, both vertical and horizontal. The video explains the domain and range of rational functions, using set and interval notation. It also discusses the end behavior of the graph as x approaches positive and negative infinity, and the asymptotic behavior near the vertical asymptote at x = 0.

What is a rational function?

• A function that cannot have zero as a denominator.

• A function that can only have rational numbers as outputs.

• A function that always crosses the x-axis.

• A function represented by the ratio of two polynomial functions.

Why can't the denominator in a rational function be zero?

• Because it would make the function undefined.

• Because it would turn the function into a polynomial.

• Because it would eliminate the x-variable.

• Because it would make the function linear.

What is a vertical asymptote?

• A line that the graph can cross multiple times.

• A line that represents the maximum value of the function.

• A line that the graph approaches but never touches, running vertically.

• A line that the graph approaches but never touches, running horizontally.

Can a rational function touch its horizontal asymptote?

• Yes, it always touches the horizontal asymptote.

• Yes, but only in certain conditions.

• No, it can never touch the horizontal asymptote.

• No, because the horizontal asymptote is undefined.

How is the domain of a rational function expressed?

• As all x-values except where the function touches the x-axis.

• As all x-values within a specific range.

• As all x-values except where the denominator equals zero.

• As all x-values that result in positive outputs.

What does the range of a rational function exclude?

• Values that make the function undefined.

• Values that correspond to the horizontal asymptote.

• The maximum and minimum values of the function.

• Values where the function intersects the y-axis.

What is true about the x-intercept of the graph of 1/x?

• It has one x-intercept at x=0.

• It has an x-intercept wherever the function is undefined.

• It does not have an x-intercept.

• It has two x-intercepts at x=1 and x=-1.

What describes the end behavior of the graph of 1/x?

• As x approaches 0, the function approaches infinity.

• As x approaches infinity, the function approaches 1.

• As x approaches 0, the function remains constant.

• As x approaches infinity, the function approaches 0.

What happens to the graph of 1/x as x approaches 0 from the right?

• It approaches 0.

• It approaches positive infinity.

• It approaches negative infinity.

• It remains constant.

What happens to the graph of 1/x as x approaches 0 from the left?

• It approaches 0.

• It approaches negative infinity.

• It remains constant.

• It approaches positive infinity.