Evaluating Rational Functions
A rational expression can be used to determine the value of a variable. For example, if
then we say that y is a rational function of x. We can also use function notation as
shown in the next example.
Example 1
Evaluating a rational function
Find R(3), R(-1), and R(2) for the rational function
Solution
To find R(3), replace x by 3 in the formula:
To find R(-1), replace x by -1 in the formula:
We cannot find R(2) because 2 is not in the domain of the rational expression.
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