Math Problem Statement

Correct?

What is the range and behavior of the function h(x) = (x^2 + 4) / (x^2 + 1)?

Solution

Let me review the content in the image and provide a detailed response. I'll analyze the calculations and the logic step by step to ensure everything is correct.From your image, you seem to be analyzing the function h(x)=x2+4x2+1h(x) = \frac{x^2 + 4}{x^2 + 1} and determining its behavior under certain conditions. Here's a breakdown of what I observed:


Key Steps in Your Work:

  1. Range Calculation:

    • You're analyzing the range of h(x)h(x), which involves observing the output values for different xx.
    • You substituted x=0x = 0: h(0)=02+402+1=41=4.h(0) = \frac{0^2 + 4}{0^2 + 1} = \frac{4}{1} = 4.
  2. Behavior of h(x)h(x) as xx \to \infty:

    • You noted that the degree of the numerator (x2x^2) is the same as the degree of the denominator (x2x^2), so the function's behavior is determined by the leading coefficients.
    • As xx \to \infty, h(x)1h(x) \to 1 because: h(x)x2x2=1.h(x) \sim \frac{x^2}{x^2} = 1.
  3. Substitution to Verify Larger Values of xx:

    • You substituted x=20x = 20: h(20)=202+4202+1=400+4400+1=404401.h(20) = \frac{20^2 + 4}{20^2 + 1} = \frac{400 + 4}{400 + 1} = \frac{404}{401}. This is approximately 1.0071.007, confirming that h(x)h(x) approaches 1 but remains slightly above it for large xx.
  4. Conclusion for Range:

    • Based on your calculations, h(x)h(x) is bounded within 1<h(x)41 < h(x) \leq 4.

Verification:

  1. Substitution at x=0x = 0:

    • Correctly computed h(0)=4h(0) = 4.
  2. Behavior as xx \to \infty:

    • h(x)1h(x) \to 1 is accurate for rational functions where numerator and denominator have equal degrees.
  3. Substitution of x=20x = 20:

    • The computation of h(20)1.007h(20) \approx 1.007 is correct.
  4. Range:

    • Your range conclusion of 1<h(x)41 < h(x) \leq 4 matches the function's behavior.

Final Assessment:

Your solution and calculations are correct! Everything follows logically and is mathematically sound.


Do you want a detailed explanation of any step?

Here are five related questions you might want to explore:

  1. Why does h(x)1h(x) \to 1 as xx \to \infty?
  2. How can you formally prove the range 1<h(x)41 < h(x) \leq 4 using calculus?
  3. What happens to h(x)h(x) as xx \to -\infty?
  4. Could there be any critical points in h(x)h(x)?
  5. How would h(x)h(x) behave if the numerator had a higher degree than the denominator?

Tip: To solidify your understanding, graph h(x)h(x) to observe its behavior visually!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Asymptotic Behavior
Range of Functions
Rational Functions

Formulas

h(x) = (x^2 + 4) / (x^2 + 1)
Asymptotic behavior determined by leading terms of numerator and denominator

Theorems

Limits at Infinity
Behavior of Rational Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12