Math Problem Statement

Graph the rational function f(x) = 1/x^2 and find the inverse, intercept, vertical asymptote, horizontal asymptote, and table of values.

Solution

The image provided presents a problem involving the graphing of a rational function. Let's break down the requirements and solve the problem step by step.

Problem Overview:

You're asked to graph the rational function f(x)=1x2f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2}. The tasks include:

  1. Finding the inverse.
  2. Determining the x-intercept.
  3. Identifying the vertical asymptote.
  4. Identifying the horizontal asymptote.
  5. Filling out the Table of Values.
  6. Finally, graphing the function.

Solution Steps:

a. Inverse of the Function

The inverse of a function f(x)f(x) is found by swapping xx and yy and solving for yy.

Given y=1x2y = \frac{1}{x^2}:

  1. Swap xx and yy: x=1y2x = \frac{1}{y^2}.
  2. Solve for yy: y2=1xy^2 = \frac{1}{x} so y=±1xy = \pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}.

Thus, the inverse functions are y=1xy = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} and y=1xy = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}}, but only for x>0x > 0.

b. X-Intercept

To find the x-intercept, set y=0y = 0 and solve for xx:

0=1x20 = \frac{1}{x^2}

However, 1x2\frac{1}{x^2} can never equal 0, so there is no x-intercept.

c. Vertical Asymptote

A vertical asymptote occurs where the function is undefined, which happens when the denominator is zero. For f(x)=1x2f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2}, this occurs at x=0x = 0. So, the vertical asymptote is:

x=0x = 0

d. Horizontal Asymptote

As xx approaches infinity or negative infinity, 1x2\frac{1}{x^2} approaches 0. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is:

y=0y = 0

e. Table of Values

Let's calculate the values for the given x-values:

x & f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2} \\ \hline -3 & \frac{1}{(-3)^2} = \frac{1}{9} \approx 0.111 \\ -2 & \frac{1}{(-2)^2} = \frac{1}{4} = 0.25 \\ -1 & \frac{1}{(-1)^2} = \frac{1}{1} = 1 \\ 0 & \text{Undefined} \\ 1 & \frac{1}{(1)^2} = 1 \\ 2 & \frac{1}{(2)^2} = \frac{1}{4} = 0.25 \\ 3 & \frac{1}{(3)^2} = \frac{1}{9} \approx 0.111 \\ \end{array}$$ #### f. **Graphing** To graph the function $$f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2}$$: 1. Plot the calculated points. 2. Notice the vertical asymptote at $$x = 0$$. 3. The curve is symmetric about the y-axis (even function). 4. As $$x$$ moves away from 0 in either direction, the function approaches the horizontal asymptote at $$y = 0$$. You can now graph these points along with the asymptotes to complete the task. ### Additional Questions and Tips 1. **What happens to the graph as $$x$$ approaches zero from either side?** 2. **How does the graph behave as $$x$$ becomes very large?** 3. **If $$f(x)$$ had been $$\frac{1}{x}$$ instead, how would the graph differ?** 4. **How do the horizontal and vertical asymptotes help in sketching rational functions?** 5. **What other key characteristics are useful for graphing rational functions?** **Tip:** When graphing rational functions, always start by identifying asymptotes and intercepts, as these guide the overall shape of the graph. Would you like any additional details on any of these steps?

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Inverse Functions
Asymptotes

Formulas

Inverse of a function: If y = f(x), then x = f^(-1)(y).
Vertical Asymptote: x = 0 where the denominator is 0.
Horizontal Asymptote: y = 0 as x approaches infinity.

Theorems

The function f(x) = 1/x^2 has a vertical asymptote at x=0 and a horizontal asymptote at y=0.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12