Question 33·Hard·Nonlinear Functions
The rational function is defined by an equation in the form
where and are constants. The graph of has a horizontal asymptote at and passes through the point .
A new function is defined by
Which equation could define ?
For rational functions like , quickly use the horizontal asymptote to get the leading coefficient (it equals the asymptote value when the degrees match), then plug in the given point to solve for . Once you have the exact formula, apply any transformations carefully: replacing with shifts the graph horizontally, and adding or subtracting outside the function shifts it vertically. Finally, simplify the transformed expression into a single fraction so you can match it cleanly to the answer choices.
Hints
Relate the asymptote to the formula
For a function of the form , what value does approach when becomes very large? How is that related to the horizontal asymptote ?
Use the given point to find the constant
Once you know , plug and into to solve for .
Carefully apply the transformation to get
After you have , replace with to get , then add 1. Be sure to simplify step by step before comparing with the answer choices.
Combine into a single fraction
Write the "+1" in with the same denominator as so you can combine them into a single rational expression like the answer choices.
Desmos Guide
Rebuild and verify the given information
In Desmos, enter , using from the asymptote and from the point . Check that the graph approaches for large and that the point lies on the graph.
Graph the transformed function
In a new line, define . Observe that this graph is the graph of shifted 2 units to the right and 1 unit up.
Compare with the answer choices
On separate lines, type each of the four answer choices exactly as shown in the problem, naming them for convenience (for example, , , etc.). Then compare their graphs to and see which one coincides with for all in the domain. The matching one corresponds to the correct equation for .
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the horizontal asymptote to find
For a rational function of the form
both numerator and denominator are linear (degree 1). The horizontal asymptote is the ratio of the leading coefficients, so it is .
We are told the horizontal asymptote is , so
Use the point to find
Now we know
The graph passes through , so .
Multiply both sides by 2:
Write the formula for
Substitute and back into :
Apply the horizontal shift inside: compute
To get , replace with in the formula for :
Simplify numerator and denominator:
So
Then
Add 1 and match to an answer choice
Write with denominator so you can combine the terms:
so
Therefore, the equation that could define is (choice C).