Understanding a Simple Rational Function by Looking at a Graph and Table of Values

This lesson covers the creation of equations for simple rational functions using graphs and tables. It explains inverse proportionality, where one quantity increases as the other decreases, maintaining a constant product. A common mistake is forgetting this constant product. An example using parking costs illustrates the concept, showing how cost per person decreases as the number of people increases. The zero-product property is discussed, emphasizing that neither variable can be zero. The lesson concludes with a summary of these concepts.

Explain the concept of inverse proportionality in the context of a simple rational function.

What mistake do students often make regarding the product of two variables in a rational function?

What is the relationship between the number of people in a car and the cost per person when there is a flat rate for parking?

How can we represent the relationship between the number of people and the cost per person mathematically?

Why can neither the number of people (p) nor the amount of money per person (m) be zero in this context?