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Nonlinear functions SAT question

Math · Advanced Math · Hard · Answer it here, explanation included.

  • Moving from left to right:
    • The curve is in quadrant 3.
    • The curve trends down sharply.
  • As x increases, the curve approaches the line x equals negative 4.
  • As x decreases, the curve approaches the line y equals 0.
  • The curve passes through the following points:
    • (negative 7 comma negative 2)
    • (negative 6 comma negative 3)
    • (negative 5 comma negative 6)

The rational function is defined by an equation in the form , where and are constants. The partial graph of  is shown. If  , which equation could define function ?

ExplanationShow

Choice C is correct. It's given that  and that the graph shown is a partial graph of . Substituting for  in the equation  yields . The graph passes through the point . Substituting for and for in the equation yields . Multiplying each side of this equation by yields , or . The graph also passes through the point . Substituting for and for in the equation yields . Multiplying each side of this equation by yields , or . Substituting  for in this equation yields . Adding to each side of this equation yields . Subtracting from each side of this equation yields . Dividing each side of this equation by yields . Substituting for in the equation  yields , or . Substituting for and for in the equation  yields . It's given that . Substituting for in the equation  yields , which is equivalent to . It follows that .

Choice A is incorrect. This could define function if .

Choice B is incorrect. This could define function if .

Choice D is incorrect. This could define function if .

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