SOLUTION: Let {{{R(x)=(x^3-2x^2-7)/(x^6-2x^5+6x^2-4)}}}. How many vertical asymptotes are possible? a)3 b)2 c)6 d)5

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Let {{{R(x)=(x^3-2x^2-7)/(x^6-2x^5+6x^2-4)}}}. How many vertical asymptotes are possible? a)3 b)2 c)6 d)5      Log On


   

Question 146286: Let R%28x%29=%28x%5E3-2x%5E2-7%29%2F%28x%5E6-2x%5E5%2B6x%5E2-4%29. How many vertical asymptotes are possible?
a)3
b)2
c)6
d)5
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20054) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let R%28x%29=%28x%5E3-2x%5E2-7%29%2F%28x%5E6-2x%5E5%2B6x%5E2-4%29. How many vertical asymptotes are possible?
a)3
b)2
c)6
d)5

Well if you do no calculations at all, the smallest number you
could narrow the answer down to is 6 because the denominator is
a 6th degree equation, which could possibly have as many zeros
as the degree, that is, 6.  

So I would guess 6, answer c).

However, with more calculations you can narrow it down to only 2,
and that would be choice b).  

However, even though you can narrow down the answer to 2 by
additional calculation, I'm pretty sure your teacher would want
you to answer c).

Edwin