Final answer:
To graph the rational function f(x) = 1/(x²-16), we need to find the vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptotes, stationary points, and inflection points. The vertical asymptotes are x = -4 and x = 4, and the horizontal asymptote is y = 0. The function has a stationary point at (0, f(0)).
Step-by-step explanation:
To graph the rational function f(x) = 1/(x²-16), we need to find the vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptotes, stationary points, and inflection points.
First, let's find the vertical asymptotes. The denominator of the function, x²-16, becomes zero when x = ±4. Therefore, the vertical asymptotes are x = -4 and x = 4.
Next, let's find the horizontal asymptotes. We need to consider the behavior of the function as x approaches positive infinity and negative infinity. As x gets larger and larger, the function approaches 0. Therefore, the function has a horizontal asymptote at y = 0.
To find the stationary points and inflection points, we need to differentiate the function f(x) and find where its derivative is zero. The derivative of f(x) is f'(x) = (-2x)/(x²-16)². Setting f'(x) = 0, we get -2x = 0, which gives us x = 0. Therefore, the function has a stationary point at (0, f(0)). To find the inflection points, we need to find the points where the second derivative f''(x) changes sign.
We can display all this information on the graph and label the relevant points.