INVESTIGATION: RECIPROCAL OF QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Now that we have learned how the reciprocal of a linear function looks like, the next
sensible to learn about would be the reciprocal of quadratic functions.

There are three scenarios to consider when we work with the reciprocal of a quadratic
function. Graph the reciprocal of each quadratic function on the same grid.
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Example 1a: Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥+1)(𝑥−5). Fill in the table.

𝑥 −intercept

𝑦 −intercept

Vertical asymptote(s)

Behaviour near vertical

asymptote(s)

End behaviour

Horizontal asymptote(s)

Domain

Range
Interval of increase

Interval of decrease

Example 1b: Find the coordinates of the local maximum between the two vertical
asymptotes.

Example 1c: Sketch the graph of the function.

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Example 2a: Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥+2)2. Fill in the table.

𝑥 −intercept

𝑦 −intercept

Vertical asymptote(s)

Behaviour near vertical

asymptote(s)

End behaviour

Horizontal asymptote(s)
Domain

Range
Interval of increase

Interval of decrease
Interval where 𝑓(𝑥) is +

Interval where 𝑓(𝑥) is −

Example 2b: Sketch the graph of the function.

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Example 3a: Consider the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +4. Fill in the table.

𝑥 −intercept

𝑦 −intercept

Vertical asymptote(s)

Behaviour near vertical

asymptote(s)

End behaviour

Horizontal asymptote(s)
Domain
Range

Interval of increase
Interval of decrease
Interval where 𝑓(𝑥) is +
Interval where 𝑓(𝑥) is −

Example 3b: Find the coordinates of the global maximum.

Example3c: Sketch the graph of the function.