Math Problem Statement

write an equation for the function graphed below

Solution

The graph shown in the image depicts a rational function with vertical asymptotes and horizontal asymptotes. Here's how we can determine the equation of the function:

Observations:

  1. Vertical Asymptotes:

    • The graph has vertical asymptotes at x=3x = -3 and x=2x = 2.
  2. Horizontal Asymptote:

    • The graph approaches a horizontal line as xx \to \infty. It appears to be approaching y=1y = 1.
  3. Intercepts and Behavior:

    • The graph crosses the x-axis around x=1x = -1 and the y-axis around y=2y = -2.

Based on these observations, the function can be modeled by a rational function of the form: y=a(x+1)(x+3)(x2)+by = \frac{a(x + 1)}{(x + 3)(x - 2)} + b

Here, aa is a constant that scales the function vertically and adjusts the intercept, and bb is a constant that shifts the function vertically.

Equation Form:

  1. Vertical Asymptotes: The factors in the denominator (x+3)(x2)(x + 3)(x - 2) ensure the vertical asymptotes at x=3x = -3 and x=2x = 2.

  2. Horizontal Asymptote: For the horizontal asymptote y=1y = 1, the function should be shifted up by 1. Hence, b=1b = 1.

  3. Intercepts: To match the intercept at x=1x = -1 and behavior, we need to find the correct value of aa.

Function Derivation:

Let’s start with: y=a(x+1)(x+3)(x2)+1y = \frac{a(x + 1)}{(x + 3)(x - 2)} + 1

To find the value of aa:

  • We can check the y-intercept by substituting x=0x = 0: y=a(0+1)(0+3)(02)+1=a6+1y = \frac{a(0 + 1)}{(0 + 3)(0 - 2)} + 1 = \frac{a}{-6} + 1 If the y-intercept is 2-2, then: 2=a6+1-2 = \frac{a}{-6} + 1 3=a6-3 = \frac{a}{-6} a=18a = 18

So, the equation for the function is: y=18(x+1)(x+3)(x2)+1y = \frac{18(x + 1)}{(x + 3)(x - 2)} + 1

Final Answer:

y=18(x+1)(x+3)(x2)+1y = \frac{18(x + 1)}{(x + 3)(x - 2)} + 1

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. What is a rational function, and how do its asymptotes affect its graph?
  2. How do you determine the vertical asymptotes of a rational function?
  3. What is the significance of the horizontal asymptote in a rational function?
  4. How do intercepts help in determining the equation of a function?
  5. Can you explain the behavior of the function near its asymptotes?
  6. What are the general steps to finding the equation of a rational function given its graph?
  7. How does the constant in the numerator affect the graph of a rational function?
  8. How do you verify the equation of a function by comparing it to its graph?

Tip: Always check both the intercepts and asymptotic behavior when deriving the equation of a rational function from its graph.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Rational Functions
Vertical Asymptotes
Horizontal Asymptotes
Intercepts

Formulas

Rational function form y = \frac{a(x + 1)}{(x + 3)(x - 2)} + b

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School