Modeling with rational functions
• Graph rational functions and use the graphs to solve problems. • Express rational functions in different forms to see different aspects of the situation they model. • Solve simple rational equations and understand why extraneous roots can arise.
In the previous section students encountered simple rational functions. Here, they extend that work. They consider contexts which can be modeled with rational functions. They rewrite simple rational expressions in different forms to see different aspects of the context, and they find approximate solutions using graphical methods to rational equations that arise from the context. They also solve simple rational equations algebraically and study how and why extraneous solutions may arise.