Questions: Follow the steps for graphing a rational function to graph the function R(x)=(x^2+x-12)/(x^2-4).
A. The graph has x-intercept(s) -4,3 and y-intercept 3 .
(Type integers or simplified fractions. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
B. The graph has x-intercept(s) and no y-intercept.
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
C. The graph has y-intercept and no x-intercept.
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction.)
D. The graph has neither x-intercepts nor y-intercepts.
Determine the behavior of the graph of R at any x-intercepts. Select the correct choice and, if necessary, fill in the answer box(es) to complete your choice.
A. The graph will cross the x-axis at x= and touch the x-axis at x= .
(Type integers or simplified fractions.
B. The graph will touch the x-axis at x= .
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
C. The graph will cross the x-axis at x= .
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
D. There is no x-intercept.
Transcript text: Follow the steps for graphing a rational function to graph the function $R(x)=\frac{x^{2}+x-12}{x^{2}-4}$.
A. The graph has $x$-intercept(s) $-4,3$ and $y$-intercept 3 .
(Type integers or simplified fractions. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
B. The graph has $x$-intercept(s) $\square$ and no $y$-intercept.
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
C. The graph has $y$-intercept $\square$ and no x-intercept.
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction.)
D. The graph has neither $x$-intercepts nor $y$-intercepts.
Determine the behavior of the graph of $R$ at any $x$-intercepts. Select the correct choice and, if necessary, fill in the answer box(es) to complete your choice.
A. The graph will cross the $x$-axis at $x=$ $\square$ and touch the $x$-axis at $x=$ $\square$ .
(Type integers or simplified fractions.
B. The graph will touch the $x$-axis at $x=$ $\square$ .
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
C. The graph will cross the $x$-axis at $x=$ $\square$ .
(Type an integer or a simplified fraction. Use a comma to separate answers as needed. Type each answer only once.)
D. There is no x-intercept.
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Find the $y$-intercept
The $y$-intercept is found by evaluating $R(0) = \frac{-12}{-4} = 3$.
Step 2: Find the $x$-intercepts
The $x$-intercepts are found by solving $P(x) = 0$. The solutions are $x = [-4, 3]$.
Step 3: Determine vertical asymptotes
Vertical asymptotes occur where $Q(x) = 0$. The solutions are $x = [-2, 2]$.
Step 4: Analyze the behavior around vertical asymptotes
This step involves determining the sign of $R(x)$ just to the left and right of each vertical asymptote to understand how the graph approaches the asymptote. This analysis is qualitative and requires further investigation.
Step 5: Determine horizontal or oblique asymptotes
If the degree of $P(x)$ is less than, equal to, or greater than the degree of $Q(x)$, the horizontal asymptote can be determined. In this case, the horizontal asymptote is $y = 1$.
Final Answer:
The graph of the rational function involves identifying the $y$-intercept, $x$-intercepts, vertical asymptotes, and horizontal or oblique asymptotes. The behavior around the asymptotes and intercepts is crucial for sketching the graph accurately.