Question

The graph represents the function (check picture)

Answer 1

Answer:

a = 1 and b = -12

Step-by-step explanation:

* Lets look to the graph to solve the problem

- f(x) is a rational function with:

# numerator ⇒ x² - 4x + 3

# denominator ⇒ x² + ax + b

- To find the values of a and b lets use the hole and the vertical

  asymptote in the graph of the function

∵ There is a hole at x = 3

- The hole appears when the numerator and the denominator have

 a common factor

∵ x = 3 ⇒ subtract 3 from both sides

∴ x - 3 = 0

∴ The numerator and the denominator have a factor (x - 3)

- The vertical asymptotes appear at the zeros of the denominator

  that means the values of x when the denominator = 0

∵ There is a vertical asymptote at x = -4

∵ x = -4 ⇒ add 4 for both sides

∴ x + 4 = 0

∴ The denominator has another factor (x + 4)

- The denominator x² + ax + b has two factors (x - 3) and (x + 4) lets

  multiply them to find the value of a and b

∵ (x - 3)(x + 4) = (x)(x) + (x)(4) + (-3)(x) +(-3)(4)

∴ (x - 3)(x + 4) = x² + 4x - 3x - 12 = x² + x - 12

∴ x² + ax + b = x² + x - 12

- By comparing the two sides

∴ a = 1 and b = -12