Math Problem Statement

What is the vertex of:  f(x) = 6/x – 1/ - 2

Solution

The function you've written, f(x)=6x12f(x) = \frac{6}{x} - 1 - 2, appears to have a typo. If you intended it to be a rational function, it might look something like:

f(x)=6x12f(x) = \frac{6}{x - 1} - 2

If this is the correct function, let's find its vertex and other relevant characteristics.

Understanding the Function

  1. Form of the Function:
    The function f(x)=6x12f(x) = \frac{6}{x - 1} - 2 is a rational function, which typically does not have a "vertex" like a quadratic function. Instead, it has asymptotes (both vertical and horizontal) and a center point that is critical for understanding its behavior.

  2. Vertical Asymptote:
    The vertical asymptote occurs where the denominator is zero. For this function: x1=0    x=1.x - 1 = 0 \implies x = 1. So, there is a vertical asymptote at x=1x = 1.

  3. Horizontal Asymptote:
    For a function of the form axh+k\frac{a}{x - h} + k, the horizontal asymptote is y=ky = k. Here, k=2k = -2, so the horizontal asymptote is: y=2.y = -2.

  4. Critical Point or "Center":
    While not a "vertex," the rational function is centered around the point (h,k)=(1,2)(h, k) = (1, -2). This is the point from which the graph appears to approach its asymptotes.

Conclusion

  • Vertical Asymptote: x=1x = 1
  • Horizontal Asymptote: y=2y = -2
  • Center (critical point around which the function is symmetric): (1,2)(1, -2)

So, while the function does not have a "vertex" in the traditional sense, the point (1,2)(1, -2) serves as the key reference for the graph.

Would you like more details or have any questions about this function? Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What happens to the function as xx \to \infty or xx \to -\infty?
  2. How would the graph change if the function were f(x)=6x2f(x) = \frac{6}{x} - 2?
  3. What are the intercepts of the function?
  4. How does the value of aa (here, 6) affect the shape of the rational function?
  5. What is the range of this function?

Tip: Rational functions are defined by their asymptotes and critical points, rather than vertices, due to their unique shapes and behaviors.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Asymptotes
Critical Points

Formulas

f(x) = a/(x - h) + k
Vertical Asymptote: x = h
Horizontal Asymptote: y = k

Theorems

None (asymptotic behavior rather than a specific theorem)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12