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College Algebra
Tutorial 40:
Graphs of Rational Functions
Learning Objectives
After completing this tutorial, you should be able to:
1. Find the domain of a rational function.
2. Find the vertical asymptote(s) of a rational function.
3. Find the horizontal asymptote of a rational function.
4. Find the oblique or slant asymptote of a rational function.
5. Graph a rational function.
Introduction
In this tutorial we will be looking at several aspects of rational functions. First
we will revisit the concept of domain. On rational functions, we need to be
careful that we don't use values of x that cause our denominator to be zero. If
you need a review on domain, feel free to go to Tutorial 30: Introductions to
Functions. Next, we look at vertical, horizontal and slant asymptotes.
Basically an asymptote is an imaginary line that the curve of the function gets
very close to or approaches. In the end, we put it all together and graph rational
functions. Sounds like fun, you better get to it!!!
Tutorial