333371_0305.

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298 Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

3.5 Rational Functions and Asymptotes

Introduction to Rational Functions What you should learn
! Find the domains of rational functions.
A rational function can be written in the form ! Find horizontal and vertical asymptotes of
graphs of rational functions.
N!x"
f !x" ! Use rational functions to model and solve
D!x"
!

real-life problems.
where N!x" and D!x" are polynomials and D!x" is not the zero polynomial. Why you should learn it
In general, the domain of a rational function of x includes all real numbers
Rational functions are convenient in
except x-values that make the denominator zero. Much of the discussion of modeling a wide variety of real-life problems,
rational functions will focus on their graphical behavior near these x-values. such as environmental scenarios.For instance,
Exercise 40 on page 306 shows how to
determine the cost of recycling bins in a
Example 1 Finding the Domain of a Rational Function pilot project.
Find the domain of f !x" ! 1#x and discuss the behavior of f near any excluded
x-values.

Solution
Because the denominator is zero when x ! 0, the domain of f is all real numbers
except x ! 0. To determine the behavior of f near this excluded value, evaluate
f !x" to the left and right of x ! 0, as indicated in the following tables.

x "1 "0.5 "0.1 "0.01 "0.001 →0

© Michael S. Yamashita/Corbis
f !x" "1 "2 "10 "100 "1000 → "#

x 0← 0.001 0.01 0.1 0.5 1

f !x" # ← 1000 100 10 2 1
Exploration
Use the table and trace features
From the table, note that as x approaches 0 from the left, f !x" decreases without of a graphing utility to verify
bound. In contrast, as x approaches 0 from the right, f !x" increases that the function f !x" ! 1#x in
without bound. Because f !x" decreases without bound from the left and Example 1 is not continuous.
increases without bound from the right, you can conclude that f is not continuous.
The graph of f is shown in Figure 3.42.

1 TECHNOLOGY TIP
f(x) =
4 x The graphing utility graphs in this
section and the next section were
created using the dot mode.
−6 6 A blue curve is placed behind
the graphing utility’s display to
indicate where the graph should
−4 appear. You will learn more about
Figure 3.42 how graphing utilities graph
rational functions in the next
Now try Exercise 1.
section.
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Section 3.5 Rational Functions and Asymptotes 299

Library of Parent Functions: Rational Function Exploration

A rational function f !x" is the quotient of two polynomials, Use a table of values to deter-
mine whether the functions in
N!x" Figure 3.43 are continuous.
f !x" ! .
D!x" If the graph of a function has
A rational function is not defined at values of x for which D!x" ! 0. Near an asymptote, can you conclude
these values the graph of the rational function may increase or decrease that the function is not
without bound. The simplest type of rational function is the reciprocal continuous? Explain.
function f !x" ! 1#x. The basic characteristics of the reciprocal function
are summarized below. A review of rational functions can be found in the
Study Capsules.
1 y
Graph of f !x" ! y f(x) = 2x + 1
x 1 x+1
f(x) = 4 Horizontal
Domain: !" #, 0" ! !0, #" 3 x
asymptote:
Vertical
Range: !" #, 0" ! !0, #" asymptote: 2 3 y=2
No intercepts y-axis 1
2
x Vertical
Decreasing on !" #, 0" and !0, #" 1 2 3
Odd function asymptote: 1
Horizontal x = −1
Origin symmetry asymptote: x
Vertical asymptote: y-axis x-axis −4 −3 −2 −1 1
Horizontal asymptote: x-axis

y
Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes
5 f(x) = 4
In Example 1, the behavior of f near x ! 0 is denoted as follows. x2 + 1
4
f !x" → " # as x → 0 f !x" → # as x → 0$
"

3
Horizontal
asymptote:
f !x" decreases without bound as f !x" increases without bound as
x approaches 0 from the left. x approaches 0 from the right.
2 y=0
1
The line x ! 0 is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f, as shown in the figure
above. The graph of f has a horizontal asymptote—the line y ! 0. This means x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3
the values of f !x" ! 1#x approach zero as x increases or decreases without bound. −1
f !x" → 0 as x → " # f !x" → 0 as x → #
f !x" approaches 0 as x f !x" approaches 0 as x y 2
f(x) =
decreases without bound. increases without bound. (x − 1)2
5
Vertical
Definition of Vertical and Horizontal Asymptotes 4 asymptote:
x=1
- -

1. The line x ! a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f if f !x" → # 3

Horizontal
or f !x" → " # as x → a, either from the right or from the left. 2 asymptote:
2. The line y ! b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of f if y=0
f !x" → b as x → # or x → " #.
x
−2 −1 1 2 3 4
−1
Figure 3.43 shows the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of the graphs of
three rational functions. Figure 3.43
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300 Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Vertical and Horizontal Asymptotes of a Rational Function Exploration

Let f be the rational function Use a graphing utility to com-
an"1x n"1 $ . . . $ a1x $ a 0 pare the graphs of y1 and y2.
N !x" a $ xn
f !x" ! ! n m
D !x" bm x $ bm"1x m"1 $ . . . $ b1x $ b0 3x3 " 5x2 $ 4x " 5
y1 !
2x2 " 6x $ 7
where N!x" and D!x" have no common factors.
3x3
1. The graph of f has vertical asymptotes at the zeros of D!x". y2 !
+ 2x2
2x +2x 1
2. The graph of f has at most one horizontal asymptote determined by
-

Start with a viewing window

comparing the degrees of N!x" and D!x".
f(x)
-
=
in which "5 ≤ x ≤ 5 and
a. If n < m, the graph of f has the line y ! 0 (the x-axis) as a
343 + 1
"10 ≤ y ≤ 10, then zoom out.
horizontal asymptote. Write a convincing argument
b. If n ! m, the graph of f has the line y ! an#bm as a horizontal that the shape of the graph of
asymptote, where an is the leading coefficient of the numerator and a rational function eventually
bm is the leading coefficient of the denominator. behaves like the graph of
y ! an x n#bm x m, where an x n
c. If n > m, the graph of f has no horizontal asymptote. is the leading term of the
numerator and bm x m is the
leading term of the
Example 2 Finding Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes denominator.
Find all horizontal and vertical asymptotes of the graph of each rational function.
2x 2x2
I

a. f !x" ! b. f !x" !
3x2 $1 x2 "1
2
H. A HA
0
y zy
=
.
= ) =

3X2+ 1
.
.
0

Solution
=

V A
2x
A-EI
.
. =

3x2 = -
1
v 2 f(x) =
3x2 + 1
.

X2 -
a. For this rational function, the degree of the numerator is less than the degree
-
=

5 x

of the denominator, so the graph has the line y ! 0 as a horizontal asymptote.

=

To find any vertical asymptotes, set the denominator equal to zero and solve −3 3
the resulting equation for x.
Fe Horizontal
3x2 $ 1 ! 0 : Set denominator equal to zero.
−2
asymptote:
y=0
Because this equation has no real solutions, you can conclude that the graph
has no vertical asymptote. The graph of the function is shown in Figure 3.44. Figure 3.44
b. For this rational function, the degree of the numerator is equal to the degree of
the denominator. The leading coefficient of the numerator is 2 and the leading Horizontal
coefficient of the denominator is 1, so the graph has the line y ! 2 as a asymptote:
horizontal asymptote. To find any vertical asymptotes, set the denominator y=2 f(x) = 2x2
5
equal to zero and solve the resulting equation for x. x2 − 1

x2 " 1 ! 0 Set denominator equal to zero.

!x $ 1"!x " 1" ! 0 Factor. −6 6

x$1!0 x ! "1 Set 1st factor equal to 0.

Vertical −3 Vertical
x"1!0 x!1 Set 2nd factor equal to 0.
asymptote: asymptote:
This equation has two real solutions, x ! "1 and x ! 1, so the graph has the x = −1 x=1
lines x ! "1 and x ! 1 as vertical asymptotes, as shown in Figure 3.45. Figure 3.45

Now try Exercise 13.

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Section 3.5 Rational Functions and Asymptotes 301

Values for which a rational function is undefined (the denominator is zero)

result in a vertical asymptote or a hole in the graph, as shown in Example 3.

Example 3 Finding Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes Horizontal

and Holes asymptote: x2 + x − 2
f(x) =
y=1 x2 − x − 6
7
Find all horizontal and vertical asymptotes and holes in the graph of
-
-
x2 $ x " 2
f !x" ! 2 .
x "x"6 −6 12

Solution
For this rational function the degree of the numerator is equal to the degree of the −5
Vertical
denominator. The leading coefficients of the numerator and denominator are both asymptote:
1, so the graph has the line y ! 1 as a horizontal asymptote. To find any vertical x=3
asymptotes, first factor the numerator and denominator as follows.
Figure 3.46
x2 $ x " 2 !x " 1"!x $ 2" x " 1
f !x" ! 2 ! ! , x % "2
x " x " 6 !x $ 2"!x " 3" x " 3
TECHNOLOGY TIP
By setting the denominator x " 3 (of the simplified function) equal to zero, you
Notice in Figure 3.46 that the
can determine that the graph has the line x ! 3 as a vertical asymptote, as shown
function appears to be defined at
in Figure 3.46. To find any holes in the graph, note that the function is undefined
x ! "2. Because the domain of
at x ! "2 and x ! 3. Because x ! "2 is not a vertical asymptote of the func-
the function is all real numbers
tion, there is a hole in the graph at x ! "2. To find the y-coordinate of the hole,
except x ! "2 and x ! 3, you
substitute x ! "2 into the simplified form of the function.
know this is not true. Graphing
x " 1 "2 " 1 3 utilities are limited in their reso-
y! ! ! lution and therefore may not
x " 3 "2 " 3 5
show a break or hole in the graph.
So, the graph of the rational function has a hole at !"2, 35 ". Using the table feature of a
Now try Exercise 17. graphing utility, you can verify
that the function is not defined
at x ! "2.
Example 4 Finding a Function’s Domain and Asymptotes
For the function f, find (a) the domain of f, (b) the vertical asymptote of f, and
(c) the horizontal asymptote of f.
3x 3 $ 7x 2 $ 2
f !x" !
"4x3 $ 5
Solution
a. Because the denominator is zero when "4x3 $ 5 ! 0, solve this equation to
determine that the domain of f is all real numbers except x ! $
3 5
4.

b. Because the denominator of f has a zero at x ! $

3 5 , and $
4
3 5 is not a zero of
4
the numerator, the graph of f has the vertical asymptote x ! $
3 5
4 % 1.08.

c. Because the degrees of the numerator and denominator are the same, and the
leading coefficient of the numerator is 3 and the leading coefficient of the
denominator is "4, the horizontal asymptote of f is y ! " 34.

Now try Exercise 19.

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302 Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Example 5 A Graph with Two Horizontal Asymptotes

A function that is not rational can have two horizontal asymptotes—one to the left
and one to the right. For instance, the graph of
x $ 10 f(x) = x + 10
f !x" ! 6
&&
x $2 x + 2

is shown in Figure 3.47. It has the line y ! "1 as a horizontal asymptote to the y=1
left and the line y ! 1 as a horizontal asymptote to the right. You can confirm this
−20 20
by rewriting the function as follows.

'
x $ 10 , −2
x < 0 &x& ! "x for x < 0 y = −1
"x $ 2
f !x" ! Figure 3.47
x $ 10 , x ≥ 0 &&
x ! x for x ≥ 0
x$2

Now try Exercise 21.

Applications Exploration
There are many examples of asymptotic behavior in real life. For instance, The table feature of a graphing
Example 6 shows how a vertical asymptote can be used to analyze the cost of utility can be used to estimate
removing pollutants from smokestack emissions. vertical and horizontal asymp-
totes of rational functions.
Example 6 Cost-Benefit Model Use the table feature to find
any horizontal or vertical
A utility company burns coal to generate electricity. The cost C (in dollars) of asymptotes of
removing p% of the smokestack pollutants is given by C ! 80,000p#!100 " p"
for 0 ≤ p < 100. Use a graphing utility to graph this function. You are a member 2x
f !x" ! .
of a state legislature that is considering a law that would require utility companies x$1
to remove 90% of the pollutants from their smokestack emissions. The current
Write a statement explaining
law requires 85% removal. How much additional cost would the utility company
how you found the asymptote(s)
incur as a result of the new law?
using the table.
Solution
The graph of this function is shown in Figure 3.48. Note that the graph has a
vertical asymptote at p ! 100. Because the current law requires 85% removal,
the current cost to the utility company is 80,000p
C =6
100 − p p = 100
80,000 !85" 1,200,000
C! % $453,333. Evaluate C at p ! 85.
100 " 85
90%
If the new law increases the percent removal to 90%, the cost will be
85%
80,000 !90"
C! ! $720,000. Evaluate C at p ! 90. 0 120
100 " 90 0

So, the new law would require the utility company to spend an additional Figure 3.48
Subtract 85% removal cost from
720,000 " 453,333 ! $266,667. 90% removal cost.

Now try Exercise 39.

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Section 3.5 Rational Functions and Asymptotes 303

Example 7 Ultraviolet Radiation

For a person with sensitive skin, the amount of time T (in hours) the person can
be exposed to the sun with minimal burning can be modeled by
0.37s $ 23.8
T! , 0 < s ≤ 120
s
where s is the Sunsor Scale reading. The Sunsor Scale is based on the level of TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
intensity of UVB rays. (Source: Sunsor, Inc.)
For instructions on how to use the
a. Find the amounts of time a person with sensitive skin can be exposed to the value feature, see Appendix A;
sun with minimal burning when s ! 10, s ! 25, and s ! 100. for specific keystrokes, go to this
b. If the model were valid for all s > 0, what would be the horizontal asymptote textbook’s Online Study Center.
of this function, and what would it represent?

Algebraic Solution Graphical Solution

0.37!10" $ 23.8 a. Use a graphing utility to graph the function
a. When s ! 10, T !
10 0.37x $ 23.8
! 2.75 hours. y1 !
x
0.37!25" $ 23.8
When s ! 25, T ! using a viewing window similar to that shown in Figure 3.49. Then
25
use the trace or value feature to approximate the values of y1 when
% 1.32 hours. x ! 10, x ! 25, and x ! 100. You should obtain the following
0.37!100" $ 23.8 values.
When s ! 100, T !
100 When x ! 10, y1 ! 2.75 hours.
% 0.61 hour.
When x ! 25, y1 % 1.32 hours.
b. Because the degrees of the numerator and
denominator are the same for When x ! 100, y1 % 0.61 hour.

0.37s $ 23.8 10
T!
s
the horizontal asymptote is given by the
ratio of the leading coefficients of the
numerator and denominator. So, the graph 0 120
has the line T ! 0.37 as a horizontal 0
asymptote. This line represents the short- Figure 3.49
est possible exposure time with minimal
burning. b. Continue to use the trace or value feature to approximate values of
f !x" for larger and larger values of x (see Figure 3.50). From this, you
can estimate the horizontal asymptote to be y ! 0.37. This line
represents the shortest possible exposure time with minimal burning.
1

0 5000
0
Now try Exercise 43.
Figure 3.50
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304 Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

3.5 Exercises See www.CalcChat.com for worked-out solutions to odd-numbered exercises.

Vocabulary Check
Fill in the blanks.

1. Functions of the form f !x" ! N!x"#D!x", where N!x" and D!x" are polynomials and D!x" is not the zero polynomial,
are called _______ .
2. If f !x" → ± # as x → a from the left (or right), then x ! a is a _______ of the graph of f.
3. If f !x" → b as x → ± #, then y ! b is a _______ of the graph of f.

In Exercises 1–6, (a) find the domain of the function, (b) 3x 2 4x

complete each table, and (c) discuss the behavior of f near 5. f !x" ! 6. f !x" !
x2"1 x2 " 1
any excluded x-values.
5 4

x f !x" x f !x"
−6 6
−6 6
0.5 1.5

0.9 1.1 −3 −4

0.99 1.01 In Exercises 7–12, match the function with its graph. [The
graphs are labeled (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f).]
0.999 1.001
(a) 4 (b) 5

x f !x" x f !x"
−8 4
−2 10
5 "5

10 "10 −4 −3

100 "100 (c) 9 (d) 4

1000 "1000
−4 8

1 5x −7 8
1. f !x" ! 2. f !x" !
x"1 x"1 −1 −4

4 12 (e) 4 (f ) 4

−10 2
−6 6 −6 6
−8 8

−4 −6 −4 −4

3x 3 2 1
3. f !x" ! 4. f !x" ! 7. f !x" ! 8. f !x" !
& x"1 & &
x"1 & x$2 x"3
12 9 4x $ 1 1"x
9. f !x" ! 10. f !x" !
x x
x"2 x$2
−12 12 11. f !x" ! 12. f !x" ! "
−7 8
x"4 x$4
−4 −1
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Section 3.5 Rational Functions and Asymptotes 305

In Exercises 13–18, (a) identify any horizontal and vertical x2 " 4 x$2
26. f !x" ! , g!x" !
asymptotes and (b) identify any holes in the graph. Verify x2 " 3x $ 2 x"1
your answers numerically by creating a table of values.
1 3 x "3 "2 "1 0 1 2 3
13. f !x" ! 14. f !x" !
x2 !x " 2"3 f !x"
x!2 $ x" x2 $ 2x $ 1
15. f !x" ! 16. f !x" ! 2 g!x"
2x " x2 2x " x " 3
x2 " 25 3 " 14x " 5x2
17. f !x" ! 18. f !x" ! Exploration In Exercises 27–30, determine the value that
x2 $ 5x 3 $ 7x $ 2x2
the function f approaches as the magnitude of x increases. Is
In Exercises 19–22, (a) find the domain of the function, f (x) greater than or less than this function value when x is
(b) decide if the function is continuous, and (c) identify any positive and large in magnitude? What about when x is neg-
horizontal and vertical asymptotes. Verify your answer to ative and large in magnitude?
part (a) both graphically by using a graphing utility and 1 1
numerically by creating a table of values. 27. f !x" ! 4 " 28. f !x" ! 2 $
x x"3
3x2 $ x " 5 3x 2 $ 1 2x " 1 2x " 1
19. f !x" ! 20. f !x" ! 29. f !x" ! 30. f !x" ! 2
x2 $ 1 x2$x$9 x"3 x $1
x"3 x$1
21. f !x" ! 22. f !x" !
&&
x &x& $ 1 In Exercises 31– 38, find the zeros (if any) of the
rational function. Use a graphing utility to verify your
answer.
Analytical and Numerical Explanation In Exercises 23–26,
(a) determine the domains of f and g, (b) simplify f and find x2 " 4 x3 " 8
31. g!x" ! 32. g!x" !
any vertical asymptotes of f, (c) identify any holes in the x$3 x2 $ 4
graph of f, (d) complete the table, and (e) explain how the 2 3
two functions differ. 33. f !x" ! 1 " 34. h!x" ! 5 $
x"5 x2 $ 1
x2 " 16 x2 " 2x " 3
23. f !x" ! , g!x" ! x $ 4 35. g!x" !
x"4 x2 $ 1
x2 " 5x $ 6
x 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 36. g!x" !
x2 $ 4
f !x" 2x2 " 5x $ 2
37. f !x" !
2x2 " 7x $ 3
g!x"
2x2 $ 3x " 2
38. f !x" !
x2 $ x " 2
x2 " 9
24. f !x" ! , g!x" ! x $ 3 39. Environment The cost C (in millions of dollars) of
x"3
removing p% of the industrial and municipal pollutants dis-
x 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 charged into a river is given by
255p
f !x" C! , 0 ≤ p < 100.
100 " p
g!x"
(a) Find the cost of removing 10% of the pollutants.

x2 " 1 x"1 (b) Find the cost of removing 40% of the pollutants.
25. f !x" ! , g!x" ! (c) Find the cost of removing 75% of the pollutants.
x2 " 2x " 3 x"3
(d) Use a graphing utility to graph the cost function. Be
x "2 "1 0 1 2 3 4 sure to choose an appropriate viewing window. Explain
why you chose the values that you used in your view-
f !x" ing window.
g!x" (e) According to this model, would it be possible to
remove 100% of the pollutants? Explain.
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306 Chapter 3 Polynomial and Rational Functions

40. Environment In a pilot project, a rural township is given (b) Use the table feature of a graphing utility to create a
recycling bins for separating and storing recyclable prod- table showing the predicted near point based on the
ucts. The cost C (in dollars) for supplying bins to p% of the model for each of the ages in the original table.
population is given by (c) Do you think the model can be used to predict the near
25,000p point for a person who is 70 years old? Explain.
C! , 0 ≤ p < 100. 42. Data Analysis Consider a physics laboratory experiment
100 " p
designed to determine an unknown mass. A flexible metal
(a) Find the cost of supplying bins to 15% of the popula- meter stick is clamped to a table with 50 centimeters over-
tion. hanging the edge (see figure). Known masses M ranging
(b) Find the cost of supplying bins to 50% of the popula- from 200 grams to 2000 grams are attached to the end of
tion. the meter stick. For each mass, the meter stick is displaced
(c) Find the cost of supplying bins to 90% of the popula- vertically and then allowed to oscillate. The average time t
tion. (in seconds) of one oscillation for each mass is recorded in
the table.
(d) Use a graphing utility to graph the cost function. Be
sure to choose an appropriate viewing window. Explain
why you chose the values that you used in your view- 50 cm
ing window.
(e) According to this model, would it be possible to supply
bins to 100% of the residents? Explain.
41. Data Analysis The endpoints of the interval over which M
distinct vision is possible are called the near point and far
point of the eye (see figure). With increasing age these
points normally change. The table shows the approximate
near points y (in inches) for various ages x (in years).

Mass, M Time, t
Object Object Object
blurry clear blurry 200 0.450
400 0.597
Near Far 600 0.712
point point 800 0.831
1000 0.906
1200 1.003
1400 1.088
1600 1.126
1800 1.218
Age, x Near point, y
2000 1.338
16 3.0
32 4.7 A model for the data is given by
44 9.8 38M $ 16,965
50 19.7 t! .
10!M $ 5000"
60 39.4
(a) Use the table feature of a graphing utility to create a
table showing the estimated time based on the model
(a) Find a rational model for the data. Take the reciprocals for each of the masses shown in the table. What can you
of the near points to generate the points !x, 1#y". Use conclude?
the regression feature of a graphing utility to find a lin-
(b) Use the model to approximate the mass of an object
ear model for the data. The resulting line has the form
when the average time for one oscillation is
1#y ! ax $ b. Solve for y.
1.056 seconds.
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Section 3.5 Rational Functions and Asymptotes 307

43. Wildlife The game commission introduces 100 deer into Library of Parent Functions In Exercises 47 and 48,
newly acquired state game lands. The population N of the identify the rational function represented by the graph.
herd is given by y y
47. 48.
20!5 $ 3t" 6 3
N! , t ≥ 0
1 $ 0.04t 4
2
where t is the time in years. x x
(a) Use a graphing utility to graph the model. −4 2 4 6 −1 1 2 3

(b) Find the populations when t ! 5, t ! 10, and t ! 25. −4

−6
(c) What is the limiting size of the herd as time increases?
Explain. x2 " 9 x2 " 1
(a) f !x" ! (a) f !x" !
44. Defense The table shows the national defense outlays D x2 " 4 x2 $ 1
(in billions of dollars) from 1997 to 2005. The data can be x2 " 4 x2 $ 1
modeled by (b) f !x" ! 2 (b) f !x" ! 2
x "9 x "1
1.493t2 " 39.06t $ 273.5 x"4 x
D! , 7 ≤ t ≤ 15 (c) f !x" ! 2 (c) f !x" ! 2
0.0051t2 " 0.1398t $ 1 x "9 x "1
where t is the year, with t ! 7 corresponding to 1997. x"9 x
(d) f !x" ! 2 (d) f !x" ! 2
(Source: U.S. Office of Management and Budget) x "4 x $1

Think About It In Exercises 49–52, write a rational func-

Defense outlays
Year tion f that has the specified characteristics. (There are many
(in billions of dollars)
correct answers.)
1997 270.5
49. Vertical asymptote: x ! 2
1998 268.5
Horizontal asymptote: y ! 0
1999 274.9
2000 294.5 Zero: x ! 1
2001 305.5 50. Vertical asymptote: x ! "1
2002 348.6 Horizontal asymptote: y ! 0
2003 404.9 Zero: x ! 2
2004 455.9 51. Vertical asymptotes: x ! "2, x ! 1
2005 465.9 Horizontal asymptote: y ! 2
Zeros: x ! 3, x ! "3
(a) Use a graphing utility to plot the data and graph the
52. Vertical asymptotes: x ! "1, x ! 2
model in the same viewing window. How well does the
model represent the data? Horizontal asymptote: y ! "2
(b) Use the model to predict the national defense outlays Zeros: x ! "2, x ! 3
for the years 2010, 2015, and 2020. Are the predictions
reasonable? Skills Review
(c) Determine the horizontal asymptote of the graph of the
In Exercises 53–56, write the general form of the equation
model. What does it represent in the context of the
of the line that passes through the points.
situation?
53. !3, 2", !0, "1" 54. !"6, 1", !4, "5"
Synthesis 55. !2, 7", !3, 10" 56. !0, 0", !"9, 4"
True or False? In Exercises 45 and 46, determine whether
the statement is true or false. Justify your answer. In Exercises 57–60, divide using long division.

45. A rational function can have infinitely many vertical 57. !x2 $ 5x $ 6" & !x " 4"
asymptotes. 58. !x2 " 10x $ 15" & !x " 3"
46. A rational function must have at least one vertical 59. !2x4 $ x2 " 11" & !x2 $ 5"
asymptote. 60. !4x5 $ 3x3 " 10" & !2x $ 3"