Chapter 8 Study Guide

Inverse Variation
Direct variation
Inverse variation

k=

y
x

k = xy

K is the constant of variation

K must be the same for all (x,y) points if there is inverse variation
Example: Assume x and y vary inversely. If x = 4 when y = 12, write the function tat model the
inverse variation
y=

k
x

y=

48
x

Reciprocal Functions
Form f(x) =

1
x

where x 0

A family of functions that includes those functions that models inverse variation
a
( xh)

General form: y =

Parent function: y =

+k h

1
x

Asymptote
An imaginary line that a graph approaches but never touches
To transform y =

1
x

to y =

a
( xh)

+k

|a| is bigger than 1 stretch

|a| is between 0 and 1 shrink/compress
a < 0 (negative) reflect about x-axis

h is the vertical asymptote (moves vertically)

k is the horizontal asymptote (moves horizontally)

Rational Functions
Can be written as f(x) =

P (x )
Q(x)

P(x) is a function
Q(x) is a function
Q(x) 0

Continuous Graph
Has no jumps, breaks, or holes
Can trace it with your pencil without lifting your pencil

Discontinuous Graph
Not continuous
f(x) =

P (x )
Q(x)

if Q(x) = 0 at x-a, then x=a is a point of discontinuity

Steps:
1) Factor the numerator and the denominator
2) What will make the denominator zero?
Removable simplifies with the numerator
Nonremovable does not reduce

Finding Intercepts
Find out intercepts after reducing
X-Intercept
1) Set numerator equal to zero

2) Solve for x (x,0)

Y-Intercept
1) Set all xs equal to zero
2) Solve for y (0,y)

Domain
All x-values except when there is a discontinuity

Holes
Occurs at a removable discontinuity
Ordered pair
X=# plug in x and solve for y

Vertical Asymptotes
Nonremovable discontinuities
X=#
Line
Steps:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Factor numerator and denominator

Find zeros of the denominator
Cross out zeros that are also zeros of the numerator
Remaining zeros are vertical asymptotes in the form x=zero

Horizontal Asymptote
Compare degree of numerator (dN) and degree of denominator (dD)
If dN < dD . The horizontal asymptote is y=0
If dN > dD . There is no horizontal asymptote
If dN = dD . The horizontal asymptote is y=

leading coefficient of numerator

leaing coefficient of denominator

Simplest Form Rational Equations

Numerator AND denominator have no common factors
Factor both, reduce
Division
Steps:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Multiply by reciprocal
Factor
Restrictions
Reduce

Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions

Steps:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Factor
Common Denominator
Write as ONE fraction
Multiple/combine like terms (numerator)
Re-Factor
Simplify if possible

Solving Rational Equations

Steps:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Factor to find LCD

Multiple each side by LCD
Simplify and solve
Check for extraneous in original equation

*** LCD Least Common Denominator