find all vertical asymptotes of the function f(x) = x^2+9x+20/x^2-2x-24

Question

anonymous · Answer

Vertical Asymptotes occur when the bottom equals 0
so find an x value that would make the denominator equal to 0

anonymous · Answer

Do you understand? :)

anonymous · Answer

I don't quite understand how to do it..

anonymous · Answer

Should I be simplifying it to its foiled form?

anonymous · Answer

yeah set the bottom to zero

$$x ^{2} - 2x - 24 = 0$$

anonymous · Answer

Now split them up

$$(x -6) (x-4) = 0$$

anonymous · Answer

oops sorry it was

(x-6)(x+4) =0

anonymous · Answer

now set both equal to zero 

x-6=0            x+4=0

anonymous · Answer

now solve for x on both and then that should give you the answers :)

anonymous · Answer

Would I have to do anything with the numerator?

anonymous · Answer

Nope! The vertical asymtotes occur when the denominator equals zero 
so your answer would be x=6 and x=-4

anonymous · Answer

and you can check your work by plugin the Xs back into the denominator and if they equal to zero then they're right :)

anonymous · Answer

Okay! I understand it much better now, thanks! (:

anonymous · Answer

Okay, if you need any more help I'll be glad to :)