c. \( \frac{-11}{x}, \frac{7}{x-4}, \frac{x}{x^{2}-16} \)
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The Deep Dive
Let's start with a little historical background! The concept of rational functions like \( \frac{-11}{x}, \frac{7}{x-4}, \frac{x}{x^{2}-16} \) can be traced back to the early developments in algebra. Mathematicians such as René Descartes and later Isaac Newton laid the groundwork for working with these types of expressions, allowing equations to be manipulated to solve for unknowns. With rational functions in hand, you've entered a world that enables everything from basic fraction manipulations to impressive applications in calculus! Now, for some practical fun! These functions might appear simple, but they can cause quite a ruckus if you're not careful! When working with these expressions, one common mistake is neglecting to identify and exclude values that make the denominator zero, as \( x = 0 \) and \( x = 4 \) are no-go zones for your functions. Remember to state your domain clearly to avoid those nasty undefined regions, and ensure you're simplifying your fractions correctly!