Big Ideas Ch 7: Rational Functions Vocabulary

Front

What is the numerator in a fraction?

Back

The numerator is the top number in a fraction.

Front

What is a complex fraction?

Back

A complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in the numerator and/or the denominator.

Front

When is a rational function undefined?

Back

A rational function is undefined when the denominator is zero.

Front

What is a rational expression?

Back

A rational expression is a fraction whose numerator and denominator are nonzero polynomials.

Front

What does the constant 'a' represent in the equation y = a / x?

Back

The constant 'a' is the constant of variation.

Front

What is a rational function?

Back

A rational function is a function that can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomials.

Front

What is the difference between a simple fraction and a complex fraction?

Back

A simple fraction has integers or polynomials in the numerator and denominator, while a complex fraction has fractions in either the numerator or denominator.

Front

What is the domain of a rational function?

Back

The domain of a rational function includes all real numbers except where the denominator is zero.

Front

What is the vertical asymptote of a rational function?

Back

The vertical asymptote occurs at the values of x that make the denominator zero.

Front

What is the horizontal asymptote of a rational function?

Back

The horizontal asymptote describes the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity.