Rational Definition and 628 Threads

  1. C

    Rational Function Application Question

    Homework Statement A home security system costs $9/month in electricity costs (you may assume this is a fixed cost over the duration of the time involved in this question). A new security system costs $1500 to purchase and lasts for 8 years. Determine a rational function that gives the...
  2. C

    I am stuck on evaluating the limit of a rational function

    Homework Statement Evaluate the limit: lim_{(x)\rightarrow(2)}\frac{x^2+x-6}{sqrt(x+4)-sqrt(6)} Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a Solution I've drawn the graph which indicates that the at x=2, y=0, so 0 would seem to be the limit. I could not, however, get the limit...
  3. J

    Decomposition of a rational expression

    Homework Statement Decompose the rational expression into a sum of partial fractions: (x+1)/(3(x-2)2) I am familiar with the method of decomposing fractions into a sum of partials fractions (solving for A, B, C, etc.). What is confusing me is the coefficient 3 in the denominator. Do I...
  4. M

    Is there a Proof for the Rational Integral of x/(a^2+x^2)?

    Dear Forum, I've been trying to find a proof for the following: \int \frac{x}{a^2+x^2}dx = \frac{1}{2}\ln|a^2+x^2|+c After many hours I've resorted to asking for help - any ideas anyone? cheers, mazzo
  5. K

    Taylor Expansion for rational function

    Homework Statement Find the taylor expansion of the following formula in the case where r > > d to the first order in \epsilon = \frac{d}{r} \frac{1}{r_{+}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{r^{2} + (\frac{d}{2})^{2} - rdcos\theta}} Homework Equations (1 + \epsilon)^{m} = 1+m\epsilon, where...
  6. J

    Between any two distinct real numbers there is a rational number

    Homework Statement Let x and y be real numbers with x<y and write an inequality involving a rational number p/q capturing what we need to prove. Multiply everything in your inequality by q, then explain why this means you want q to be large enough so that q(y-x)>1 . Explain how you...
  7. C

    For every rational number, there exists sum of two irrational numbers

    Homework Statement Prove: For every rational number z, there exists irrational numbers x and y such that x + y = z. Homework Equations by definition, a rational number can be represented by ratio of two integers, p/q. The Attempt at a Solution Is there a way to do this by...
  8. M

    Primes in set of rational numbers

    There was a part c and d from a question I couldn't answer. Let R = \{ a/b : a, b \in \mathbb{Z}, b \equiv 1 (\mod 2) \}. a) was find the units, b) was show that R\setminus U(R) is a maximal ideal. Both I was successful. But c) is find all primes, which I believe i only found one...the...
  9. Mentallic

    Rational Coefficients & Non-Rational Roots: A Puzzling Cubic Polynomial

    Homework Statement Not so much a homework problem, but a problem that is annoying me because of its simplicity. Not all cubic polynomials with rational coefficients can be factorized by the rational root theorem (or is this false?). What I am finding hard to comprehend is how a cubic with...
  10. N

    Simplifying rational numbers help

    Express \frac{1+\sqrt{2}}{3-\sqrt{2}} as a+b\sqrt{2} where a and b are rational numbers. I started by \frac{1+\sqrt{2}}{3-\sqrt{2}} * \frac{3+\sqrt{2}}{3+\sqrt{2}} But, I obtain \frac{5}{7}-\frac{4}{7}\sqrt{2} I believe that, here, a and b are rational, but is there a more tidy version? I...
  11. C

    Prove in any interval there exists a rational z

    Homework Statement Prove that in any interval there exists a rational z. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution My professor wrote this for me when trying to explain how to prove this: a \notin Q, \epsilon rational [r, s]\in a l([r, s])<\frac{\epsilon}{2}...
  12. D

    Find an equation of a rational function

    Find an equation of a rational function f(x)that satisfies the conditions. We're allowed to use a calculator, by the way. (: Okay, conditions: vertical asymptote: x=-5, x=0 Horizontal asymptote: y=0 x-intercept=7; f(1)=4 On the test i had no idea how to do it, but after seeing...
  13. D

    Arbitrary cycle of digits in rational number?

    Hello all, I have recently been wondering whether there is a way to determine a fraction for which the decimal expansion is a cycle of n numbers? I would like to be able to work this out myself, but I can't wait until I start my mathematics degree. So any help would be greatly appreciated...
  14. N

    Rational approach for specifying a Microscope

    Has anyone worked out a functional Parametric chart that enables one to choose a appropriate Microscope (exclude Scanning electron MicroScopes(MS)) amongst the multitude of choices for a modern academic micro-biological & research lab, hence formulated a general guideline? The MS should feature...
  15. J

    Computing with rational exponets

    Homework Statement Solve \int_-1^1 (x^{4/3} + 4 x^{1/3}) dx Im having difficulties in algebra when solving this problem. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution \int_-1^1 (x^4/3 + 4 x^1/3) dx = 3/7 (1)^7/3 + 4 3/4 (1)^4/3 - 3/7 (-1)^7/3 + 4 3/4 (-1)^4/3 = 3/7 +...
  16. A

    Simplfying rational expressions

    Homework Statement 6x (squared) +17x+7 _________________ 2x sqaured + 7x +3 Homework Equations Simplify The Attempt at a Solution 3x+7 is the answer ____ x+3 maybe u can factor 6x by doing 2x (3x) or maybe u don't do that and take 6x (squared +17...
  17. A

    Rational Expressions: Solving Homework with Difficulty

    Homework Statement x (squared) + x - 30 _____________________ x (sqaured) -3x + 2 Find all numbers for which the rational expression is not defined. i know this is really easy stuff, but i have a hard time staying focused in math, and i have to always teach myself with the book, but sometimes...
  18. G

    Rational function helpp needed immedietly

    rational function helpp needed immedietly ! 1. when astraunauts go into space, they feel lighter. this is because weight decreases as a person rises above Earth's gravitational pull according to the formula W(h) = We/(1+h/6400)^2 where We is the person's weight in Newtons, at sea level on...
  19. V

    Limit of rational function to rational power

    Homework Statement Evaluate the limit, WITHOUT using l'Hôpital's rule: \lim_{x \rightarrow -1} \frac{x^{1/3} + 1}{x^{1/5} + 1} Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I tried to use the conjugate method which does not produce a useful outcome: \underset{x\to...
  20. K

    Proving Rational Intersection of Sets with Irrational Elements

    Homework Statement Let S={p+q\sqrt{2} : p,q \in Q} and T={p+q\sqrt{3} : p,q \in Q}. Prove that S\capT = Q. Homework Equations See above. The Attempt at a Solution I was thinking possible using S\capT=Q S + T - S\cupT = Q But I have no idea how to combine them? I don't believe it's...
  21. R

    Finite Elements in a Set of Rational Numbers Proof

    Homework Statement This problem is insanely intuitive. Define f : (0,1) \rightarrow \Re by f(x)=\begin{cases} 1/q&\text{if } x \neq 0 \text{, is rational, and }x = p/q \text{in lowest terms}\\ 0&\text{otherwise }\end{cases} Suppose \epsilon > 0. Prove that there are at most a...
  22. J

    Proof: Solve Rational equation for interval

    Prove that if c and d are positive, then the equation \frac{c}{x-2} + \frac{d}{x-4} = 0 has at least one solution in the interval (2,4). I try to use the following theorem: If f is continuous on [a,b] and if f(a) and f(b) are nonzero and have opposite signs, then there is at least one...
  23. S

    Rational and irrational numbers. (semi- )

    Rational and irrational numbers. (semi-urgent) I need to figure this out by tomorrow =/ Homework Statement a. If a is rational and b is irrational, is a+b necessarily irrational? What if a and b are both irrational? b. If a is rational and b is irrational, is ab necessarily irrational...
  24. A

    Integration of rational functions by partial fractions

    The problem is: ((x^3)+x)/(x-1) And i need to break it into partial fractions... I tried long division and got: ((x^2) +x ) But the book gives me the answer of: (x^2)+x+2+(2/(x-1)) Any help would be very much appreciated, thanks.
  25. 3

    Simplifying rational functions with common factors

    Homework Statement Simply these rational functions: [\sqrt{(X^2)+12}-4]/(X-2) (2-\sqrt{(X^2)-5})/(X+3) (X-1)/(\sqrt{X+3}-2) Homework Equations The only example in the book used the technique of multiplying the numerator and denominator by the function p(x) if p(x) is the function...
  26. D

    Difficult Integral of a Rational Function

    Hey guys I'm wondering if someone could hep me solve this integral. I've been working at it for a few days now (as part of a project I'm doing over the summer) and have gotten stuck. I think I need to make some substitution but I can't see what it is to make. -\int\frac{dI}{I(R+BI+CI^2)} I...
  27. M

    How Do You Factor the Numerator of a Rational Function to Find Intercepts?

    Homework Statement Y1=(x3+3x2-4)/(x2)Homework Equations Slant Asymptote at y=x+3. (X-1) and (X+2) appear to be intercepts in the back of the book. How do I factor the numerator to get that?The Attempt at a Solution I know this is simple and there is a method to find the zeros of the numerator...
  28. N

    Rational Functions: Degree of Denominator vs Nominator

    Hi all. I have always wondered: If we e.g. look at functions given by f(x) = \frac{\cos x}{x^2}, \quad g(x) = \frac{\sin x}{x^2}, \quad h(x) = \frac{\exp x}{x^2}, then does the degree of the denominator exceed the degree of the nominator by 1 or by 2?
  29. N

    Complex Analysis: Integrating rational functions

    Homework Statement Hi all. My question has to do with integrating rational functions over the unit circle. My example is taken from here (page 2-3): http://www.maths.mq.edu.au/%7Ewchen/lnicafolder/ica11.pdf We wish to integrate the following \int_0^{2\pi } {\frac{{d\theta }}{{a + \cos...
  30. D

    Finding possible and actual rational roots

    Homework Statement a) 2x^4 - 15x^3 + 23x^2 + 15x - 25 = 0 b) 12x^3 - 20x^2 + 23x - 10 = 0 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I was wondering if you guys could check my answers. For A: Possibles: +/- {1, 5, 25} / {1, 2} Actual: 5, 5/2
  31. Z

    I was wondering what Q/Z, or the rational numbers modulo the integers.

    I was wondering what Q/Z, or the rational numbers modulo the integers. I am struggling to visualize what the cosets may be. Thank you for your time.
  32. J

    What are the x and y intercepts y= x+2/x-7 rational

    what are the x and y intercepts y= x+2/x-7 rational expression is y=-2/7 and x= -2
  33. D

    Annoyingly simple problem - rational functions and limits at infinity

    Hi all This is my first post so please be gentle with me! Limit of this rational function as x approaches infinity? f(x) = (x^3 - 2x)/(2x^2 - 10) I was under the impression that if the degree of the polynomial of the numerator exceed that of the denominator then there could be no...
  34. C

    Linear approximation and rational numbers

    Homework Statement Use linear approximation to approximate sqrt((3.2)^2 + 2(2.1) + (4.3)^2) with a rational number (a ratio of integers). Homework Equations f(x,y) = sqrt(x^2 + 2y + z^2) f(x,y) = (x^2 + 2y + z^2)^1/2 The Attempt at a Solution x = 3 ∆x = 2/10 y = 2 ∆y =...
  35. K

    Simplifying a rational expression

    I've done a calculus problem. The LHS is my answer and the RHS is the answer in the book. \frac{2(x-1)^2}{(x^2-1)^2} = \frac{2}{(x+1)^2} What was done to simplify this equation?
  36. T

    Constructing a Rational Function with Given Asymptotes and Intercepts

    Homework Statement Find an equation of a rational function f that satisfies the given conditions: vertical asymptotes: x=-3, x=1 horizontal asymptote: y=0 x-intercept: -1; f(0)= -2 hole at x=2Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Vertical Asymptotes are (x+3) and (x-1). Also (x-2)...
  37. A

    How Do You Compute the Matrix Q for Rational Canonical Form?

    Hi, can someone show me how one would go about finding the matrix Q in Q^(-1) A Q = RationalCanonicalForm(A). Please demonstrate using the example {4, 1, 2, 0} {-4, 0, 1, 5} = A {0, 0, 1, -1} {0, 0, 1, 3} where the characteristic polynomial is (x-2)^4 and the minimal polynomial is...
  38. D

    Is x Necessarily Rational If It Satisfies (ax+b)/(cx+d)=1?

    Suppose a,b,c,d are integers and a DOES NOT equal c. Suppose that x is a real number that satisfies the equation: (ax+b)/(cx+d)=1 Must x be rational? If so, express x as a ratio of two integers. I have no idea how to begin this problem.
  39. W

    Solving Rational Inequalities: (3x+1)/(2x-4) > 0

    Homework Statement 3x+1 2x-4 > 0 The Attempt at a Solution My answer came to be (x< 1/3) U (x>2)
  40. W

    Solving Rational Inequalities: A Simplified Approach

    I wanted help on solving Solving Rational Inequalities. I watched this video and i was wondering if that was the best or easiest way. Our teacher taught us a much harder and weirder way using multiple number lines instead of one. If you do watch the video the man shows examples with open dots...
  41. C

    I with a Complex Rational Expression

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Idk what to do after I multiply the LCD I get confused please help me. The Attempt at a Solution All I know is that the LCD is (x+5)(x+1)(x-2) and when I multiply into every fraction I get this. (X+5)(X-2)(X-2) - (X+5)(X+1)(X+1)...
  42. S

    Multiplying/Dividing Rational Expressions(Playing with AlgebraII Fractions)

    Homework Statement [(4x-4x2)/x2+2x-3] * [(x2+x-6)/4x] Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I'm so lazy, though, I do all this stuff mentally, so... Oby-kaby. I individualized all groups into smaller units(I don't know how to say that in algebrish), by dividing by least...
  43. S

    Rational numbers - periodic decimal expansion

    Homework Statement Let n/m be a positive rational number in lowest terms. By examining the long division algorithm, show that the decimal expansion of n/m is eventually periodic, and that the period divides phi(m). For simplicity,you may assume that (m, 10) = 1. Homework Equations...
  44. P

    Rational Functions: Analysis & Agreement

    Hi, I was wondering whether two rational functions f,g whch coincide on the unit circle actually coincide on all of C. I would say yes. Let D be the set of all complex numbers with the poles of both f and g removed (let's assume there are no poles on the unit circle). This is then open...
  45. F

    Problem composing a rational function with itself.

    I'm trying to compose f(x)= x + \frac{1}{x} with itself. e.g. f \circle f I have x + \frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{x+(1/x)} Now I multiplied \frac{1}{x + (1/x)} * \frac{x}{x} and I got: x + \frac{1}{x} + \frac{x}{x^2+1} This is not the correct answer according to the book. Books is...
  46. B

    Converting rational number to a new base.

    Hello, I found one excercise - convert a rational number 63/64(base - 10) to a number system with a base of 4 using Radix conversion. Searching throught the internet i found this formula (i hope it`s the correct one :) ) - http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/903/races3.jpg Unlike...
  47. P

    *Proof* Sum of Rational and Irrational Numbers

    Homework Statement Prove by contradiction: If a and b are rational numbers and b != 0, and r is an irrational number, then a+br is irrational. In addition, I am to use only properties of integers, the definitions of rational and irrational numbers, and algebra. You guys should also know that...
  48. D

    A rational function which I forget how to integrate

    Hey all! It's been a while since I've done this, how do you integrate a rational function, where the denominator cannot be factored, again? For example, \int \frac{x}{x^{4}-1} dx Thanks, in advance!
  49. U

    Trouble evaluating the integral for a rational function

    Homework Statement i've tried many partial fraction methods but none of y answers are correct in the end, please help me evaluate the integral for f(x)= (10x+2)/(x-5)(x^2 + 1) Homework Equations there are no relevant equations given The Attempt at a Solution A/x-5 + Bx+C/x^2 +1
  50. O

    Integrating Rational Functions: Is It Possible?

    Evaluate the integral: int ((x+1)/(x-1)) dx is this possible? i tried searching for this but there was no answer
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