Math Problem Statement

List the domain and the​ x- and​ y-intercepts of the following function. Graph the function. Be sure to label all the asymptotes.

​f(x)equals=StartFraction x minus 5 Over x plus 1 EndFractionx−5x+1

Question content area bottom

Part 1

What is the domain of the​ function?

enter your response here

​(Type your answer in interval​ notation.)

Solution

Let's analyze the given function f(x)=x5x+1f(x) = \frac{x - 5}{x + 1} to determine its domain, x- and y-intercepts, and asymptotes.

1. Domain:

The domain of a rational function is all real numbers except where the denominator is zero.

The denominator is x+1x + 1. Set the denominator equal to zero and solve for xx: x+1=0    x=1x + 1 = 0 \implies x = -1 So, the function is undefined at x=1x = -1. Therefore, the domain is all real numbers except 1-1.

Domain in interval notation: (,1)(1,)(-\infty, -1) \cup (-1, \infty)

2. x-intercepts:

To find the x-intercepts, set f(x)=0f(x) = 0 and solve for xx: x5x+1=0    x5=0    x=5\frac{x - 5}{x + 1} = 0 \implies x - 5 = 0 \implies x = 5 So, the x-intercept is (5,0)(5, 0).

3. y-intercepts:

To find the y-intercept, evaluate f(x)f(x) at x=0x = 0: f(0)=050+1=51=5f(0) = \frac{0 - 5}{0 + 1} = \frac{-5}{1} = -5 So, the y-intercept is (0,5)(0, -5).

4. Asymptotes:

  • Vertical asymptote: The vertical asymptote occurs where the denominator is zero, i.e., x=1x = -1.
  • Horizontal asymptote: Since the degrees of the numerator and denominator are both 1 (linear functions), the horizontal asymptote is found by dividing the leading coefficients. The leading coefficients are both 1, so the horizontal asymptote is y=1y = 1.

Summary:

  • Domain: (,1)(1,)(-\infty, -1) \cup (-1, \infty)
  • x-intercept: (5,0)(5, 0)
  • y-intercept: (0,5)(0, -5)
  • Vertical asymptote: x=1x = -1
  • Horizontal asymptote: y=1y = 1

Would you like me to graph this function for you? Let me know if you have any questions or need more details.


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this information:

  1. How do you find slant asymptotes in a rational function?
  2. What happens to the graph near the vertical asymptote?
  3. How do you determine if a rational function has any holes in its graph?
  4. Can the domain of a function ever include points where it is undefined?
  5. How do you determine if a function has a removable discontinuity?

Tip: When solving rational functions, always check both the numerator and denominator for common factors before simplifying!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Functions
Intercepts
Asymptotes

Formulas

Domain of a rational function
x-intercept: f(x) = 0
y-intercept: f(0)
Vertical asymptote: denominator = 0
Horizontal asymptote: compare degrees of numerator and denominator

Theorems

Rational function properties
Horizontal asymptote rule for rational functions
Intercepts of rational functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12