Section 4.

2 Properties of Rational Functions 189

4.2 Properties of Rational Functions

Preparing for this section Before getting started, review the following:
• Rational Expressions (Appendix A, Section A.5, 1
• Graph of f 1x2 = (Section 1.2, Example 12, p. 16)
pp. A35–A41) x
• Polynomial Division (Appendix A, Section A.3, • Graphing Techniques: Transformations (Section 2.5,
pp. A25–A27) pp. 93–102)

Now Work the ‘Are You Prepared?’ problems on page 196.

Objectives 1 Find the Domain of a Rational Function (p. 189)

2 Find the Vertical Asymptotes of a Rational Function (p. 192)
3 Find the Horizontal or Oblique Asymptote of a Rational Function (p. 194)

Ratios of integers are called rational numbers. Similarly, ratios of polynomial

functions are called rational functions. Examples of rational functions are
x2 - 4 x3 3x2
R 1x2 = F1x2 = G1x2 =
x2 + x + 1 x2 - 4 x4 - 1

Definition A rational function is a function of the form

p 1x2
R 1x2 =
q 1x2

where p and q are polynomial functions and q is not the zero polynomial. The
domain of a rational function is the set of all real numbers except those for
which the denominator q is 0.

1 Find the Domain of a Rational Function

Exampl e 1 Finding the Domain of a Rational Function
2x2 - 4
(a) The domain of R 1x2 = is the set of all real numbers x except - 5; that
x + 5
is, the domain is 5 x x ≠ - 56 .
1 1
(b) The domain of R 1x2 = = is the set of all real numbers x
x2 - 4 1x + 22 1x - 22
except - 2 and 2; that is, the domain is 5 x x ≠ - 2, x ≠ 26 .
x3
(c) The domain of R 1x2 = is the set of all real numbers.
x2 + 1
x2 - 1
(d) The domain of R 1x2 = is the set of all real numbers x except 1; that is,
x - 1
the domain is 5 x x ≠ 16 . •
x2 - 1
Although reduces to x + 1, it is important to observe that the functions
x - 1
x2 - 1
R 1x2 = and f1x2 = x + 1
x - 1
are not equal, since the domain of R is 5 x x ≠ 16 and the domain of f is the set
of all real numbers.

Now Work problem 17

190 CHAPTER 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions

Warning The domain of a rational p 1x2

function must be found before writing the If R 1x2 = is a rational function, and if p and q have no common factors,
q 1x2
function in lowest terms. ■
then the rational function R is said to be in lowest terms. For a rational function
p 1x2
R 1x2 = in lowest terms, the real zeros, if any, of the numerator in the domain
q 1x2
of R are the x-intercepts of the graph of R and so will play a major role in the graph
of R. The real zeros of the denominator of R [that is, the numbers x, if any, for which
q 1x2 = 0], although not in the domain of R, also play a major role in the graph of R.
1
We have already discussed the properties of the rational function y = .
x
(Refer to Example 12, page 16). The next rational function that we take up is
1
H1x2 = 2 .
x

Exampl e 2 1
Graphing y =
x2
1
Analyze the graph of H1x2 = .
x2
1
Solution The domain of H1x2 = is the set of all real numbers x except 0. The graph has
x2
no y-intercept, because x can never equal 0. The graph has no x-intercept because
the equation H1x2 = 0 has no solution. Therefore, the graph of H will not cross or
touch either of the coordinate axes. Because
1 1
H1 - x2 = = 2 = H1x2
1 - x2 2 x
H is an even function, so its graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis.
1
Table 7 shows the behavior of H1x2 = 2 for selected positive numbers x. (We
x
use symmetry to obtain the graph of H when x 6 0.) From the first three rows
of Table 7, we see that as the values of x approach (get closer to) 0, the values of
Table 7 H1x2 become larger and larger positive numbers, so H is unbounded in the positive
direction. In calculus we use limit notation, lim H1x2 = q , which is read “the limit
1 xS0
x H(x) = of H1x2 as x approaches zero equals infinity,” to mean that H1x2 S q as x S 0.
x2
Look at the last four rows of Table 7. As x S q , the values of H1x2
1
4 approach 0 (the end behavior of the graph). In calculus, this is expressed by writing
2
lim H1x2 = 0. Figure 25 shows the graph. Notice the use of red dashed lines to
1 x Sq
10,000 convey the ideas discussed above.
100
1 x0
100,000,000
10,000 y

1 1 5
1 ( 1–2 , 4) ( 1–2 , 4)
2
4
1
100
10,000
1 (1, 1) (1, 1)
10,000
100,000,000 (2, 1–4 ) (2, 1–4 )
y  0 3 3 x y0

•
Figure 25 H(x) =
x2

Exampl e 3 Using Transformations to Graph a Rational Function

1
Graph the rational function: R 1x2 = + 1
1x - 22 2
 Section 4.2 Properties of Rational Functions 191

Solution The domain of R is the set of all real numbers except x = 2. To graph R, start with
1
the graph of y = 2 . See Figure 26 for the steps.
x

x2
x0
x2
y y y
3 3
(3, 2)
(1, 1) (1, 1) (3, 1) y1 (1, 2)
1
(1, 1)
y  0 2 3 x y0 5 x 5 x

Replace x by x  2; Add 1;
shift right shift up
2 units 1 unit
1 1 1

•
Figure 26 (a) y  (b) y  (c) y  1
x2 (x – 2)2 (x  2)2

Now Work problems 35(a) and 35(b)

Asymptotes
Let’s investigate the roles of the vertical line x = 2 and the horizontal line y = 1
in Figure 26(c).
1
First, we look at the end behavior of R 1x2 = + 1. Table 8(a) shows
1x - 22 2
the values of R at x = 10, 100, 1000, and 10,000. Note that as x becomes unbounded
in the positive direction, the values of R approach 1, so lim R 1x2 = 1. From Table 8(b)
x Sq
we see that as x becomes unbounded in the negative direction, the values of R
also approach 1, so lim R 1x2 = 1.
xS -q
Even though x = 2 is not in the domain of R, the behavior of the graph of R
near x = 2 is important. Table 8(c) shows the values of R at x = 1.5, 1.9, 1.99, 1.999,
and 1.9999. We see that as x approaches 2 for x 6 2, denoted x S 2 - , the values of
R are increasing without bound, so lim- R 1x2 = q . From Table 8(d), we see that
xS2
as x approaches 2 for x 7 2, denoted x S 2 + , the values of R are also increasing
without bound, so lim+ R 1x2 = q .
Table 8 xS2

x R(x) x R(x) x R(x) x R(x)

10 1.0156 - 10 1.0069 1.5 5 2.5 5
100 1.0001 - 100 1.0001 1.9 101 2.1 101
1000 1.000001 - 1000 1.000001 1.99 10,001 2.01 10,001
10,000 1.00000001 - 10,000 1.00000001 1.999 1,000,001 2.001 1,000,001
1.9999 100,000,001 2.0001 100,000,001

(a) (b) (c) (d)

The vertical line x = 2 and the horizontal line y = 1 are called asymptotes of
the graph of R.

Definition Let R denote a function.

If, as x S - q or as x S q , the values of R 1x2 approach some fixed
number L, then the line y = L is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of R.
[Refer to Figures 27(a) and (b) on page 192.]
If, as x approaches some number c, the values  R 1x2  S q [that is,
R 1x2 S - q or R 1x2 S q ], then the line x = c is a vertical asymptote of the
graph of R. [Refer to Figures 27(c) and (d).]
192 CHAPTER 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions

x5c x5c
y y y y

y 5 R(x )

y5L y5L

x x x x
y 5 R (x )

D End behavior: E End behavior: F As x approaches c, the G As x approaches c, the

As x → `, the values of As x → 2`, the values values of R (x)→ ` values of R (x)→ `
R(x ) approach L [ xlim R(x) 5 L]. of R (x) approach L [ xlim
→ c2 R(x) 5 `; [ xlim
→ c2 R(x) 5 2`;
→`
lim R (x) 5 L]. That is, the lim lim R(x) 5 `]. That is,
That is, the points on the graph [ x→ 2` x → c 1R(x) 5 `]. That is, x → c1
of R are getting closer to points on the graph of R the points on the graph the points on the graph
the line y 5 L; y 5 L is a are getting closer to the line of R are getting closer to of R are getting closer to
horizontal asymptote. y 5 L; y 5 L is a horizontal the line x 5 c; x 5 c is a the line x 5 c; x 5 c is a
asymptote. vertical asymptote. vertical asymptote.

Figure 27

y A horizontal asymptote, when it occurs, describes the end behavior of the

graph as x S q or as x S - q . The graph of a function may intersect a horizontal
asymptote.
A vertical asymptote, when it occurs, describes the behavior of the graph when
x is close to some number c. The graph of a rational function will never intersect a
x
vertical asymptote.
There is a third possibility. If, as x S - q or as x S q , the value of a rational
function R 1x2 approaches a linear expression ax + b, a ≠ 0, then the line
y = ax + b, a ≠ 0, is an oblique (or slant) asymptote of R. Figure 28 shows an oblique
Figure 28 Oblique asymptote asymptote. An oblique asymptote, when it occurs, describes the end behavior of the
graph. The graph of a function may intersect an oblique asymptote.

Now Work problems 27 and 35(c)

2 Find the Vertical Asymptotes of a Rational Function

p 1x2
The vertical asymptotes of a rational function R 1x2 = , in lowest terms, are
q 1x2
located at the real zeros of the denominator q 1x2. Suppose that r is a real zero of q,
so x - r is a factor of q. As x approaches r, symbolized as x S r, the values of x - r
approach 0, causing the ratio to become unbounded; that is,  R 1x2  S q . Based on
the definition, we conclude that the line x = r is a vertical asymptote.

Theorem Locating Vertical Asymptotes

p 1x2
Warning If a rational function is not A rational function R 1x2 = , in lowest terms, will have a vertical asymptote
in lowest terms, an application of this q 1x2
theorem may result in an incorrect listing x = r if r is a real zero of the denominator q. That is, if x - r is a factor of the
of vertical asymptotes. ■ p 1x2
denominator q of a rational function R 1x2 = , in lowest terms, R will
q 1x2
have the vertical asymptote x = r.

Exampl e 4 Finding Vertical Asymptotes

Find the vertical asymptotes, if any, of the graph of each rational function.
x + 3 x
(a) F1x2 = (b) R 1x2 = 2
x - 1 x - 4
x2 x2 - 9
(c) H1x2 = 2 (d) G1x2 = 2
x + 1 x + 4x - 21
 Section 4.2 Properties of Rational Functions 193

Solution (a) F is in lowest terms, and the only zero of the denominator is 1. The line x = 1 is
the vertical asymptote of the graph of F.
Warning In Example 4(a), the vertical
asymptote is x = 1. Do not say that
(b) R is in lowest terms, and the zeros of the denominator x2 - 4 are - 2 and 2. The
the vertical asymptote is 1. ■
lines x = - 2 and x = 2 are the vertical asymptotes of the graph of R.
(c) H is in lowest terms, and the denominator has no real zeros because the equation
x2 + 1 = 0 has no real solutions. The graph of H has no vertical asymptotes.
(d) Factor the numerator and denominator of G1x2 to determine whether it is in
lowest terms.
x2 - 9 1x + 32 1x - 32 x + 3
G1x2 = 2
= = x ≠ 3
x + 4x - 21 1x + 72 1x - 32 x + 7
The only zero of the denominator of G1x2 in lowest terms is - 7. The line
x = - 7 is the only vertical asymptote of the graph of G.
As Example 4 points out, rational functions can have no vertical asymptotes,
•
one vertical asymptote, or more than one vertical asymptote.
Multiplicity and Vertical Asymptotes
Recall from Figure 15 in Section 4.1 that the end behavior of a polynomial function
is always one of four types. For polynomials of odd degree, the ends of the graph
go in opposite directions (one up and one down), whereas for polynomials of even
degree, the ends go in the same direction (both up or both down).
For a rational function in lowest terms, the multiplicities of the zeros in the
denominator can be used in a similar fashion to determine the behavior of the graph
around each vertical asymptote. Consider the following four functions, each with a
single vertical asymptote, x = 2.
1 1 1 1
R1 1x2 = R2 1x2 = - R3 1x2 = 2
R4 1x2 = -
x - 2 x - 2 1x - 22 1x - 22 2
Figure 29 shows the graphs of each function. The graphs of R1 and R2 are
1
transformations of the graph of y = , and the graphs of R3 and R4 are
x
1
transformations of the graph of y = 2 .
x
Based on Figure 29, we can make the following conclusions:
• If the multiplicity of the zero that gives rise to a vertical asymptote is odd, the graph
approaches q on one side of the vertical asymptote and approaches - q on
the other side.
• If the multiplicity of the zero that gives rise to the vertical asymptote is even,
the graph approaches either q or - q on both sides of the vertical asymptote.
These results are true in general and will be helpful when graphing rational functions
in the next section.
y y x2 y y x2
R1(x) R3(x)
6 6 6 6

y0 y0 y0 y0

x −1 5 x −1 5 x 5 x
−1 5 −1

−6 −6 −6 −6
x2 R2(x) x2 R4(x)

(a) Odd multiplicity (b) Odd multiplicity (c) Even multiplicity (d) Even multiplicity
lim- R1(x) = - q lim- R2(x) = q lim- R3(x) = q lim- R4(x) = - q
xS2 xS2 xS2 xS2
lim+ R1(x) = q lim+ R2(x) = - q lim+ R3(x) = q lim R4(x) = - q
xS2 xS2 xS2 xS2 +

Figure 29
194 CHAPTER 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions

3 Find the Horizontal or Oblique Asymptote

of a Rational Function
To find horizontal or oblique asymptotes, we need to know how the value of the
function behaves as x S - q or as x S q . That is, we need to determine the end
behavior of the function. This can be done by examining the degrees of the numerator
and denominator, and the respective power functions that each resembles. For
example, consider the rational function

3x - 2
R 1x2 =
5x2 - 7x + 1
The degree of the numerator, 1, is less than the degree of the denominator, 2.
When  x  is very large, the numerator of R can be approximated by the power
function y = 3x, and the denominator can be approximated by the power function
y = 5x2. This means

3x - 2 3x 3
R 1x2 = 2
≈ 2
= S0
5x - 7x + 1 c 5x 5x c
For |x| very large As x S - q or x S q

which shows that the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote. This result is true for all
rational functions that are proper (that is, the degree of the numerator is less than
the degree of the denominator). If a rational function is improper (that is, if the
degree of the numerator is greater than or equal to the degree of the denominator),
there could be a horizontal asymptote, an oblique asymptote, or neither. The following
summary details how to find horizontal or oblique asymptotes.

Finding a Horizontal or Oblique Asymptote of a Rational Function

Consider the rational function

p 1x2 anxn + an - 1xn - 1 + g + a1x + a0

R 1x2 = =
q 1x2 bmxm + bm - 1xm - 1 + g + b1x + b0

in which the degree of the numerator is n and the degree of the denominator
is m.
1. If n 6 m (the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the
denominator), the line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote.
2. If n = m (the degree of the numerator equals the degree of the
an
denominator), the line y = is a horizontal asymptote. (That is, the
bm
horizontal asymptote equals the ratio of the leading coefficients.)
3. If n = m + 1 (the degree of the numerator is one more than the degree of
the denominator), the line y = ax + b is an oblique asymptote, which is
the quotient found using long division.
4. If n Ú m + 2 (the degree of the numerator is two or more greater than the
degree of the denominator), there are no horizontal or oblique asymptotes.
The end behavior of the graph will resemble the power function
an n - m
y = x .
bm

Note: A rational function will never have both a horizontal asymptote and an
oblique asymptote. A rational function may have neither a horizontal nor an
oblique asymptote.

We illustrate each of the possibilities in Examples 5 through 8.

 Section 4.2 Properties of Rational Functions 195

Exampl e 5 Finding a Horizontal Asymptote

Find the horizontal asymptote, if one exists, of the graph of

4x3 - 5x + 2
R 1x2 =
7x5 + 2x4 - 3x

Solution Since the degree of the numerator, 3, is less than the degree of the denominator, 5,
the rational function R is proper. The line y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote of the
graph of R. •
Exampl e 6 Finding a Horizontal or Oblique Asymptote
Find the horizontal or oblique asymptote, if one exists, of the graph of

3x4 - x2
H1x2 =
x3 - x2 + 1

Solution Since the degree of the numerator, 4, is exactly one greater than the degree of the
denominator, 3, the rational function H has an oblique asymptote. Find the
asymptote by using long division.

3x + 3
x3 - x2 + 1 ) 3x4 - x2
3x4 - 3x3 + 3x
3x3 - x2 - 3x
3x3 - 3x2 + 3
2x2 - 3x - 3
As a result,

3x4 - x2 2x2 - 3x - 3
H1x2 = = 3x + 3 +
x3 - x2 + 1 x3 - x2 + 1

As x S - q or as x S q ,

2x2 - 3x - 3 2x2 2
3 2
≈ 3
= S0
x - x + 1 x x

As x S - q or as x S q , we have H1x2 S 3x + 3. The graph of the rational

function H has an oblique asymptote y = 3x + 3. Put another way, as x S { q , the
graph of H will behave like the graph of y = 3x + 3. •
Exampl e 7 Finding a Horizontal or Oblique Asymptote
Find the horizontal or oblique asymptote, if one exists, of the graph of
8x2 - x + 2
R 1x2 =
4x2 - 1
Solution Since the degree of the numerator, 2, equals the degree of the denominator, 2,
the rational function R has a horizontal asymptote equal to the ratio of the leading
coefficients.
an 8
y = = = 2
bm 4
To see why the horizontal asymptote equals the ratio of the leading coefficients,
investigate the behavior of R as x S - q or as x S q . When  x  is very large,
the numerator of R can be approximated by the power function y = 8x2, and the
196 CHAPTER 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions

denominator can be approximated by the power function y = 4x2. This means that
as x S - q or as x S q ,

8x2 - x + 2 8x2 8
R 1x2 = 2
≈ = = 2
4x - 1 4x2 4

The graph of the rational function R has a horizontal asymptote y = 2. The

graph of R will behave like y = 2 as x S { q . •
Exampl e 8 Finding a Horizontal or Oblique Asymptote
Find the horizontal or oblique asymptote, if one exists, of the graph of

2x5 - x3 + 2
G1x2 =
x3 - 1

Solution Since the degree of the numerator, 5, is greater than the degree of the denominator, 3,
by more than one, the rational function G has no horizontal or oblique asymptote.
The end behavior of the graph will resemble the power function y = 2x5-3 = 2x2.
To see why this is the case, investigate the behavior of G as x S - q or as
x S q . When  x  is very large, the numerator of G can be approximated by the
power function y = 2x5, and the denominator can be approximated by the power
function y = x3. This means as x S - q or as x S q ,

2x5 - x3 + 2 2x5
G1x2 = ≈ = 2x5 - 3 = 2x2
x3 - 1 x3

Since this is not linear, the graph of G has no horizontal or oblique asymptote.
The graph of G will behave like y = 2x2 as x S { q . •
Now Work problems 45, 47, and 49

4.2 Assess Your Understanding

‘Are You Prepared?’ Answers are given at the end of these exercises. If you get a wrong answer, read the pages listed in red.

1. True or False The quotient of two polynomial expressions 1

3. Graph y = . (p. 16)
is a rational expression. (pp. A35–A41) x
2. What are the quotient and remainder when 3x4 - x2 is 4. Graph y = 21x + 12 2 - 3 using transformations.
divided by x3 - x2 + 1. (pp. A25–A27)
(pp. 93–102)

Concepts and Vocabulary

5. True or False The domain of every rational function is the 11. If a rational function is proper, then is a horizontal
set of all real numbers. asymptote.
6. If, as x S - q or as x S q , the values of R 1x2 approach 12. True or False If the degree of the numerator of a rational
some fixed number L, then the line y = L is a function equals the degree of the denominator, then the
of the graph of R. ratio of the leading coefficients gives rise to the horizontal
7. If, as x approaches some number c, the values of asymptote.
 R 1x2  S q , then the line x = c is a p1x2
13. If R 1x2 = is a rational function and if p and q have no
of the graph of R. q1x2
8. For a rational function R, if the degree of the numerator is common factors, then R is .
less than the degree of the denominator, then R is . (a) improper   (b) proper
9. True or False The graph of a rational function may intersect (c) undefined    (d) in lowest terms
a horizontal asymptote. 14. Which type of asymptote, when it occurs, describes the
10. True or False The graph of a rational function may intersect behavior of a graph when x is close to some number?
a vertical asymptote. (a) vertical (b) horizontal (c) oblique (d) all of these
 Section 4.2 Properties of Rational Functions 197

Skill Building
In Problems 15–26, find the domain of each rational function.

4x 5x2 - 4x2
15. R 1x2 = 16. R 1x2 = 17. H1x2 =
x - 3 3 + x 1x - 22 1x + 42

6 3x1x - 12 - x11 - x2
18. G1x2 = 19. F 1x2 = 2
20. Q1x2 =
1x + 32 14 - x2 2x - 5x - 3 3x2 + 5x - 2

x x 3x2 + x
21. R 1x2 = 22. R 1x2 = 23. H1x2 =
3
x - 8 4
x - 1 x2 + 4

x - 3 31x2 - x - 62 - 21x2 - 42
24. G1x2 = 25. R 1x2 = 26. F 1x2 =
x4 + 1 41x2 - 92 31x2 + 4x + 42

In Problems 27–32, use the graph shown to find

(a) The domain and range of each function (b) The intercepts, if any (c) Horizontal asymptotes, if any
(d) Vertical asymptotes, if any (e) Oblique asymptotes, if any

27. y 28. y 29.

4 y
3
(0, 2) 3
(1, 2)

–4 4 x 3 3 x (1, 0) (1, 0)
3 3 x

–4 3
3

30. 31. y 32. y

y
3 3
(1, 2) 3

(1, 1)
3 3 x 3 3 x
3 3 x

3 3
3 (1, 2)

In Problems 33–44, (a) graph the rational function using transformations, (b) use the final graph to find the domain and range, and
(c) use the final graph to list any vertical, horizontal, or oblique asymptotes.
1 1 1 3
33. F 1x2 = 2 + 34. Q1x2 = 3 + 35. R 1x2 = 36. R 1x2 =
x x2 1x - 12 2 x

-2 2 -1 1
37. H1x2 = 38. G1x2 = 39. R 1x2 = 40. R 1x2 = + 1
x + 1 1x + 22 2 2
x + 4x + 4 x - 1

2 1 x2 - 4 x - 4
41. G1x2 = 1 + 42. F 1x2 = 2 - 43. R 1x2 = 44. R 1x2 =
1x - 32 2 x + 1 x2 x
198 CHAPTER 4 Polynomial and Rational Functions

In Problems 45–56, find the vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes, if any, of each rational function.
3x 3x + 5 x3 - 8 x3 + 1
45. R 1x2 = 46. R 1x2 = 47. H1x2 = 2
48. G1x2 = 2
x + 4 x - 6 x - 5x + 6 x - 5x - 14
x3 4x2 2x2 - 5x - 12 x2 + 6x + 5
49. T 1x2 = 50. P 1x2 = 51. Q1x2 = 52. F 1x2 =
x4 - 1 x3 - 1 3x2 - 11x - 4 2x2 + 7x + 5
6x2 + 7x - 5 8x2 + 26x - 7 x4 - 1 x4 - 16
53. R 1x2 = 54. R 1x2 = 55. G1x2 = 56. F 1x2 =
3x + 5 4x - 1 x2 - x x2 - 2x

Applications and Extensions

57. Gravity In physics, it is established that the acceleration due 60. Newton’s Method In calculus you will learn that if
to gravity, g (in meters/sec2), at a height h meters above sea
p1x2 = anxn + an-1xn-1 + g + a1x + a0
level is given by
is a polynomial function, then the derivative of p1x2 is
14
3.99 * 10 p′ 1x2 = nanxn-1 + 1n - 12an-1xn-2 + g + 2a2x + a1
g1h2 = 6 2
16.374 * 10 + h2
Newton’s Method is an efficient method for approximating

the x-intercepts (or real zeros) of a function, such as p1x2 .
where 6.374 * 106 is the radius of Earth in meters. The following steps outline Newton’s Method.
(a) What is the acceleration due to gravity at sea level? STEP 1: Select an initial value x0 that is somewhat close to

(b) The Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, is 443 meters tall. the x-intercept being sought.
What is the acceleration due to gravity at the top of the
Willis Tower? STEP 2: Find values for x using the relation

(c) The peak of Mount Everest is 8848 meters above sea p1xn 2
level. What is the acceleration due to gravity on the peak xn + 1 = xn - n = 1, 2, c
p′ 1xn 2
of Mount Everest?
(d) Find the horizontal asymptote of g1h2 . until you get two consecutive values xn and xn + 1
(e) Solve g1h2 = 0. How do you interpret your answer? that agree to whatever decimal place accuracy you
desire.
58. Population Model A rare species of insect was discovered
in the Amazon Rain Forest. To protect the species, STEP 3: The approximate zero will be xn + 1.

environmentalists declared the insect endangered and Consider the polynomial p1x2 = x3 - 7x - 40.
transplanted the insect into a protected area.The population P (a) Evaluate p152 and p1 - 32 .
of the insect t months after being transplanted is (b) What might we conclude about a zero of p? Explain.
(c) Use Newton’s Method to approximate an x-intercept, r,
5011 + 0.5t2 - 3 6 r 6 5, of p1x2 to four decimal places.
P 1t2 = (d) Use a graphing utility to graph p1x2 and verify your
2 + 0.01t
answer in part (c).
(e) Using a graphing utility, evaluate p1r2 to verify your
(a) How many insects were discovered? In other words,
result.
what was the population when t = 0?
(b) What will the population be after 5 years? 61. Exploration The standard form of the rational
(c) Determine the horizontal asymptote of P 1t2 . What mx + b
function R 1x2 = , where c ≠ 0,
is the largest population that the protected area can cx + d
sustain? 1
is R 1x2 = a¢ ≤ + k. To write a rational function
59. Resistance in Parallel Circuits From Ohm’s Law for circuits, x - h
it follows that the total resistance Rtot of two components in standard form requires long division.
hooked in parallel is given by the equation 2x + 3
(a) Write the rational function R 1x2 = in
x - 1
R1R2 standard form by writing R in the form
Rtot =
R1 + R2 remainder
Quotient +
divisor
where R1 and R2 are the individual resistances. (b) Graph R using transformations.
(a) Let R1 = 10 ohms, and graph Rtot as a function of R2. (c) Determine the vertical asymptote and the horizontal
(b) Find and interpret any asymptotes of the graph obtained asymptote of R.
in part (a). 62. Exploration Repeat
Problem 61 for the rational
(c) If R2 = 21R1, what value of R1 will yield an Rtot of - 6x + 16
17 ohms? function R 1x2 =
.
2x - 7