Intermediate Algebra for College Students (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13417-894-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-13417-894-3

Chapter 6 - Section 6.1 - Rational Expressions and Functions; Multiplying and Dividing - Exercise Set - Page 415: 107

Answer

$x=100$ should be excluded; Inoculating all population is not possible;

Work Step by Step

We are given the function: $$f(x)=\dfrac{130x}{100-x}.\tag1$$ Because $x$ represents a percent of the population, it means $0\leq x\leq 100$. The rational function is defined for all positive $x$ except the zero of the denominator: $$100-x=0\Rightarrow x=100.$$ So the only value of $x$ that should be excluded from the rational function's domain is $100$. The domain is: $$[0,100).$$ When $x$ approaches $100$ from the left, the value $f(x)$ increases indefinitely (the graph has a vertical asymptote $x=100$), so the cost model indicates that we cannot inoculate all the population against the flu.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.