Inactive Tutor answered • 11/23/16
Tutor
New to Wyzant
f(x) = [x + 8)(x + 1)(x - 2)] / [(x - 2)(x + 1)]
Can you multiply out?
Inactive Tutor
No, it is a fraction: x + 8)(x + 1)(x - 2)
(x - 2)(x + 1)
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
If you graph this, you only get a straight line. There is no curvature shape in the graph. Since the graph has vertical asymptotes, the graph should be undefined at those specific points. In other words, the graph should not result in a straight line if you graph it.
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
I respectively disagree. The graph of f(x) = (x3 + 8x2 - 10x - 16) / (x2 - x - 2) has the specified asymptotes.
You might try it at wolframalpha.com.
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
When I graphed on Desmos, it showed me a straight line. But when I graphed it again, I did get a curvature graph.
You do have the correct the function and I do understand your approach to getting your solution to the tea. The graphing tool I used was being a jerk. But let me assure, Desmos has never failed me when I had to check graphs.
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
Hold on mark. I saw an error in your calculation of the numerator part.
(x + 8)(x2 - x - 2) =
x3 - x2 - 2x + (8x2 - 8x - 16) =
x3 + 7x2 - 10x - 16
The coefficient of x2 in the expansion of the numerator should not be 8.
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
Thank you for correcting my arithmetic error!
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
Michael:
If the numerator is multiple of the denominator the resulting graph shall reduce to a straight line (the slant asymptote).
To avoid this the numerator must be altered (add or subtract something). So instead of
x3 + 7x2 - 10x - 16, make the numerator x2 + 7x2 - 10x -
10.
The three asymptotes are correct
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
I think the issue with this question is that it lacked one more constraint. Perhaps a fixed point on the graph. I replaced the -16 with -70, and it worked out.
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11/23/16
Inactive Tutor
Lacking a constraint is not the issue.
In this case f(x) = P(x)/Q(x) such that P(x)/Q(x) = x + 8 plus a remainder (so the factors do not reduce).
Your substitution of -70 for the -16 created the needed remainder.
Great working with you!
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11/23/16
Youssef H.
11/23/16