## Graph the Rational Function: f(x) = 2x^3-x^2-x/x^2-4

Quadratic equations and inequalities, variation equations, function notation, systems of equations, etc.
aranda5
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### Graph the Rational Function: f(x) = 2x^3-x^2-x/x^2-4

Problem: f(x) = 2x^3-x^2-x/x^2-4

I need to divide this using long division and don't know how to get passed the first step...can you help.

stapel_eliz
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### Re: Graph the Rational Function: f(x) = 2x^3-x^2-x/x^2-4

aranda5 wrote:Problem: f(x) = 2x^3-x^2-x/x^2-4

As formatted, the function is this:

. . . . .$f(x)\, =\, 2x^3\, -\, x^2\, -\, \frac{x}{x^2}\, -\, 4$

However, I think the function may actually be as follows:

. . . . .$f(x)\, =\, \frac{2x^3\, -\, x^2\, -\, x}{x^2\, -\, 4}$

aranda5 wrote:I need to divide this using long division and don't know how to get passed the first step.

To learn how to use long polynomial division, try this illustrated online lesson.

Note: You may want to put "$2x^3\, -\, 1x^2x\, -\, 1x\, +\, 0$ inside your division, to help make room for the various terms you'll have when you do the subtractions.

Code: Select all

[pre]my work:           2x        ----------------------x^2 - 4 ) 2x^3 - 1x^2 - 1x + 0          2x^3        - 8x        ----------------------               - 1x^2 + 7x + 0[/pre]

...which displays as:

my work:           2x        ----------------------x^2 - 4 ) 2x^3 - 1x^2 - 1x + 0          2x^3        - 8x        ----------------------               - 1x^2 + 7x + 0

Thank you!