This week in Precalculus 11, we learned about graphing reciprocals of linear functions.
reciprocal: numerator and denominator are switched
linear function: an equation in 2 variables with degree 1
asymptote: barrier lines of a graph
To graph the reciprocal of a linear function, we first graph its parent function. We then find the points on the graph where y = 1 and y = -1, and the vertical and horizontal asymptotes. In most cases, the horizontal asymptote is y = 0. The vertical asymptote is the x-intercept. We then use these points to draw a 2-part graph known as a hyperbola. The asymptotes act as barriers.
Example: