notes/education/math/MATH1050/Polynomial Fractions.md
2024-08-28 10:39:34 -06:00

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Value Instructions Example
x intercept Solve the top of the fraction for x \frac{x-1}{x+2} -> x-1 = 0 -> x_{int} = 1
y intercept divide the constant term on top by the constant term on bottom $\frac{3x+1}{2x+2}$-> \frac{3}{2}
vertical asymptote(s) Set the bottom of the fraction to 0 and solve (find the roots) \frac{x-1}{x-2} -> x-2 = 0 -> VA = 2
Horizontal asymptote - if the degree of the leading coefficient on the top is less than the degree on the bottom, y = 0.
- If the degree on the top equals the degree on the bottom, y = Leading Coefficient of Top / Leading Coefficient of Bottom.
- If the degree on the top is greater than the degree on the bottom, divide to find the slant/oblique asymptote.
- Degree on top is smaller than degree on bottom
\frac{x-1}{x^2+2} -> $y=0$
- Degree on top is the same as degree on bottom

Point of discontinuity

A point of discontinuity is created when you cancel terms out of the top and the bottom, the cancelled term creates a hole in the graph. For example, if you cancelled out x-2, a hole would be created on the graph at x = 2.

To solve for the y coordinate of a point of discontinuity, take the equation after it's simplified, and plug the x coordinate of the PoD into the equation.

Term Definition
Degree The power that a variable is raised to. EG, x^5 would have a degree of 5
Leading Term The element in the polynomial with the highest degree. EG, in the polynomial 3x^4 + 2x^3 + 5x^2 - 3x + 6, 3x^4 would be the leading term because it has the highest degree.
Leading Coefficient The coefficient of the leading term in a polynomial. For example, if the leading term was 3x^4, the leading coefficient would be 3.
Constant Term The number in a polynomial that is not multiplied by a variable. EG, 7.