Graphing a Rational Function with a Trinomial Denominator

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Taught by mrbrianmclogan
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Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, we learn how to graph a rational function with a trinomial denominator. The first step is to find the vertical asymptote, which is where the denominator equals zero. The graph will approach the asymptote but never touch it. The next step is to find the horizontal asymptote, which is determined by comparing the degrees of the numerator and denominator. The x and y intercepts are also found, and then a table of values is created by plugging in different x values. Plotting these points and connecting them with a smooth curve produces the graph of the rational function.

Lesson Description:

Graphing a rational function with a trinomial as the denominator

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Questions answered by this video:
  • How do you identify the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of a rational function with a trinomial denominator?