Determine the holes, vertical asymptotes and horizontal asymptotes of the
rational function [tex] y=3x^2+10x-8/x^2+7x+12
[/tex]

Could you also show your work because I need to know how to do this for an upcoming test. Thanks in advance.

Respuesta :

I could give you some answers and then depend on you to ask questions until you're satisfied that you know enough to take your upcoming test.

horiz. asymp.:  Focus on the dominant (highest x power) terms of the numerator and denominator.  They are 3x^2 and x^2 repsectively.  Dividing 3x^2 by x^2, we get 3.  The horiz. asympt. is merely y=3.  It's not always this easy, tho'.

vert. asymptote depends upon the denominator alone.  You must find the roots of the denom.: x^2 + 7x + 12.  They are -3 and -4.  Notice how x^2 + 7x + 12 = (x+3)(x+4).  The vertical asymptotes are x=-3 and x=-4.

Now just suppose that the numerator and denominator of your function share a common factor (which means you can cancel out that factor).  But we're not off the hook yet!  Suppose that the factor common to numerator and denominator is (x+3).  You can cancel this out, removing it from both numerator and denominator, but when you graph the rational function, you must place a circle at the root showing that x cannot have that particular value.  If, as I supposed, (x+3) is a common factor, then leave a circle at x=-3 on your graph.  "Holes" show up in straight lines.  For more info on holes I urge you to do an int. search for "holes in rational function graphs" ... I found a great explanation that way.