Applications of Rational Functions
Example:
1
The concentration of a toxic chemical in a spring­fed lake is given by the equation c(x) = 50x
x2 + 3x + 6
where c is given in grams per litre and x is the time in days. Determine when the concentration of the chemical is 6.16 g/L.
2
The function I(t) = 15t + 25 gives the value of an investment, t
in thousands of dollars, over t years.
of
a) What is the value if the investment after 2 years?
b) What is the value of the investment after 1 year?
c) What is the value of the investment after 6 months?
d) There is an asymptote on the graph of the function at t = 0. Does this make sense? Explain why or why not
3