ALGEBRA 2 6.0
CHAPTER 8
You must be able to do the following for this assessment
 Simplify rational expressions
 Determine the values for which a rational expression is undefined (the domain)
 Determine the product or quotient of two rational expressions
 Simplify complex fractions (multiply the numerator and the denominator by the LCD
of all fractions within the numerator and the denominator.)
 Determine the LCM of given polynomials (or LCD of rational expressions)
 Determine the sum or difference of two rational expressions
 Sketch the graph of any reciprocal functions (transformations of the parent function
1
f ( x)  ). These are the functions from Section 8.3.
x
a( x)
 Sketch the graph of any rational functions (functions of the form f ( x) 
where
b( x )
a( x) and b( x) are polynomial functions and b( x)  0 ) of the types done in class (You
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DO NOT need to sketch rational functions with oblique, or slant, asymptotes.)
Given a reciprocal (Section 8.3) or rational (Section 8.4) function, determine the
following:
o Domain
o Horizontal Asymptotes (if any)
o Vertical Asymptotes (if any)
o x-and y-intercepts (if any)
Find any points of discontinuity, or holes,(if any), in the graph of a rational
function.
Recognize and solve direct and joint variation problems
Recognize and solve inverse and combined variation problems.
For any variation problem, determine the constant of variation, k, and a general
equation that expresses the variation using k.
Solve rational equations (multiply both sides by the LCD and be sure to CHECK THE
ANSWER to make sure it is in the domain)
Solve rational inequalities (DO NOT multiply both sides by LCD. Set the right-hand
side to zero, simplify, and use sign analysis on the number line.)
Solve a word problem whose solution requires the use of a rational expression,
rational function, or rational inequality.
Solve a problem related to essential material from earlier in the year (as mandated
by the district).