Rational Functions and Domains where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials, Q(x) ≠ 0. A rational expression is given by
Example 1 The following are examples of rational expressions: Note that 8x is a rational expression since it can be written in the form
A rational function is given by where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials, Q(x) ≠ 0.
Example 2 The following are examples of rational functions:
The domain of a rational function is all real numbers except for those values for which the denominator is zero. To find the domain of a rational function 1.Set the denominator to zero and solve 2.The domain is all real numbers except for the solutions found in step 1
Example 3 Set the denominator equal to zero … … and solve. Determine the domain of the function.
The solutions are Dom f : All real numbers, In interval notation
Example 4: Set the denominator equal to zero … … and solve. Determine the domain of the function.
The solutions are Dom f : All real numbers, In interval notation
Example 5: Set the denominator equal to zero. There is no real number for x that will make this equation true. Determine the domain of the function.
Dom f : All real numbers In interval notation