Precalculus B — Polynomials & Rational Functions
Part 2 of 2. Polynomial zeros & end behaviour, rational functions and their asymptotes, and a first taste of the limit.
Part 2 of 2. The function families that calculus is built on — and a sneak preview of the limit, the idea that opens Calculus 1.
- 01 Polynomials — zeros & end behaviour ELI5: a polynomial is a sum of power terms (like x³ − 4x). Two things describe it: its zeros (where it crosses the x-axis — at most "degree"-many of…
- 02 Rational functions & asymptotes ELI5: divide one polynomial by another and the graph sprouts asymptotes — invisible lines it races toward but never touches. Where the denominator hits zero,…
- 03 A first taste of the limit ELI5: here's the doorway to calculus. The function (x² − 1)/(x − 1) is 0/0 at x = 1 — a hole. But factor the top, (x − 1)(x + 1)/(x − 1) = x + 1, and as x…
next course: Calculus 1A — Limits & Continuity →