Math Problem Statement

how to graph y=(2-3x)/((x-3)(x-2))

Solution

To graph the function y=23x(x3)(x2)y = \frac{2 - 3x}{(x - 3)(x - 2)}, follow these steps:

1. Identify Vertical Asymptotes:

Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is equal to zero (since division by zero is undefined).

The denominator is (x3)(x2)(x - 3)(x - 2). Set each factor equal to zero:

  • x3=0x - 3 = 0x=3x = 3
  • x2=0x - 2 = 0x=2x = 2

Therefore, there are vertical asymptotes at x=2x = 2 and x=3x = 3.

2. Find Horizontal Asymptote:

Horizontal asymptotes describe the behavior of the function as xx \to \infty or xx \to -\infty.

To find the horizontal asymptote, consider the degrees of the numerator and denominator:

  • The numerator, 23x2 - 3x, is of degree 1 (the highest power of xx is 1).
  • The denominator, (x3)(x2)(x - 3)(x - 2), is a quadratic expression, so it is of degree 2.

Since the degree of the denominator is higher than the degree of the numerator, the horizontal asymptote is at y=0y = 0.

3. Find the x-intercepts (if any):

The x-intercepts occur where the numerator equals zero (since y=0y = 0 when the numerator is zero).

Set the numerator equal to zero: 23x=0x=232 - 3x = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = \frac{2}{3} Therefore, there is an x-intercept at x=23x = \frac{2}{3}, or the point (23,0)\left(\frac{2}{3}, 0\right).

4. Find the y-intercept:

The y-intercept occurs when x=0x = 0. Substitute x=0x = 0 into the function: y=23(0)(03)(02)=26=13y = \frac{2 - 3(0)}{(0 - 3)(0 - 2)} = \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{3} Therefore, the y-intercept is at (0,13)\left(0, \frac{1}{3}\right).

5. Analyze the behavior around the asymptotes:

  • As x3+x \to 3^+ (from the right of 3), the function approaches ++\infty, and as x3x \to 3^- (from the left of 3), the function approaches -\infty.
  • As x2+x \to 2^+, the function approaches -\infty, and as x2x \to 2^-, the function approaches ++\infty.

6. Plot key points and sketch the graph:

  • Plot the asymptotes at x=2x = 2 and x=3x = 3, and the horizontal asymptote at y=0y = 0.
  • Plot the x-intercept at x=23x = \frac{2}{3} and the y-intercept at (0,13)\left(0, \frac{1}{3}\right).
  • Use the behavior near the asymptotes and at extreme values of xx to help sketch the graph.

Summary of Important Points:

  • Vertical asymptotes: x=2x = 2 and x=3x = 3
  • Horizontal asymptote: y=0y = 0
  • X-intercept: x=23x = \frac{2}{3}
  • Y-intercept: y=13y = \frac{1}{3}

Do you want further details on any of these steps or additional information?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you determine whether a function has a horizontal asymptote?
  2. What happens to the graph of a rational function when there are multiple vertical asymptotes?
  3. How can you confirm the end behavior of a rational function as xx \to \infty?
  4. What role do the factors in the denominator play in determining the vertical asymptotes?
  5. How would you find the oblique asymptote for a function if the degree of the numerator is one higher than that of the denominator?

Tip: Always analyze the behavior of a function near asymptotes first before plotting other points. This helps you understand the overall shape of the graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Asymptotes
Graphing Functions

Formulas

y = (2 - 3x) / ((x - 3)(x - 2))

Theorems

Vertical Asymptote Theorem
Horizontal Asymptote Theorem
Intercept Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12