1
Reciprocal of a Linear Function
When you add, subtract, or multiply
two polynomial functions, the result is
another polynomial function. When you
divide polynomial functions, the result is a
rational function . Because division by zero
is undefined, rational functions have special
properties that polynomial functions do
not have. These types of functions occur,
for example, when expressing velocity, v,
d,
in terms of distance, d, and time, t, v _
t
or with levers, where force is inversely
proportional to the distance from the
work
pivot point, Force __ .
distance
Solution
a) Since division by zero is not defined, the denominator gives a restriction: CONNECTIONS
2x 1 ⬆ 0 The domain can also be written
1 using interval notation as
x⬆ _
2
( 1
)(
x ∈ , _ ∪ _ , .
1
)
{ }
1 2 2
Domain: x ∈ , x ⬆ _
2
1 from the left and
b) The tables show the behaviour of the function as x → _
2
from the right.
As x → _1 : As x → _1 :
2 2
CONNECTIONS
x f (x) x f (x)
x → a+ means as x approaches a
0 1 1 1
from the right.
0.4 5 0.6 5
x → a means as x approaches a
0.45 10 0.55 10
from the left.
0.49 50 0.51 50
4 2 0 2 4 x
2
1
4 x
2
e) The graph of the function shows that f(x) gets close to the line y 0 but
never actually touches that line. Therefore, the only restriction on the
range of f(x) is that y ⬆ 0.
Range: {y ∈ , y ⬆ 0}
Connecting Reflecting
Solution Communicating
The two branches of the function are on either side of the vertical asymptote.
For the vertical asymptote, let the denominator equal zero.
5x 2 0
CONNECTIONS
x 0.4
In Chapter 1, you investigated
The vertical asymptote has equation x 0.4. rates of change. You can use
Select a few points to the left and to the right of the asymptote and analyse the skills you learned in that
the slope. chapter with rational functions.
0 x 0 x
c c
x x
k k
A Practise
For questions 1 and 2, refer to Example 1. 2. a) Write equations to represent the horizontal
1. Copy and complete each table to describe the and vertical asymptotes of each rational
behaviour of the function as x approaches function.
each key value. i) y
6
1
a) f(x) __
x2 4
As x → f(x) → 2
2
2 4 2 0 2 4 6 8x
2
4
1
b) f(x) __ 6
x5
As x → f(x) →
ii) y
5 6
5
4
2
1
c) f(x) __ 10 8 6 4 2 0 2 4x
x8
2
As x → f(x) →
4
8
8 6
b) Write a possible equation for each function
in part a).
4
B: Drawing in Asymptotes
In some situations it may be helpful to actually draw in the asymptote(s)
properly. This can be done using the DRAW feature.
• Press [2nd] m to obtain the DRAW menu.
• Select 3:Horizontal for a horizontal asymptote.
• Select 4:Vertical for a vertical asymptote.
• Press e.
• Move the cursor to the coordinate on the axis
that the asymptote will pass though.
• Press e.
You can clear the line by selecting 1:ClrDraw from the DRAW menu.
1
For example, an asymptote for the function f(x) __ is shown.
2x 3
1. Use a graphing calculator to check your answers for question 3 or 7 in
Section 3.1.