3.
6 Graphs of Rational
Functions
• A rational function is a quotient of two polynomial
functions.
p ( x)
f ( x) where q(x) 0
q( x)
1
f ( x)
Parent function: x
has branches in 1st and 3rd quadrants. No x or
y-intercepts.
Branches approach asymptotes.
Vertical asymptote – the line x = a is a VA for f(x) if
f(x) approaches infinity or f(x) approaches negative
infinity as x approaches a from either the left or the
right.
The VA is where the function is undefined or the
value(s) that make the denominator = 0.
• Whenever the numerator and denominator have a
common linear factor, a point discontinuity may
appear. If, after dividing the common linear factors,
the same factor remains in the denominator, a VA
exists. Otherwise the graph will have point
discontinuity.
Asymptote That means there is a hole in the
( x 1) ( x 1) graph at that point and not an
2 ( x 1) asymptote
( x 1)
Hole
Ex 1
find any VA or holes
x 2 3 x 54
y 2
( x 18 x 81)( x 6)
( x 9)( x 6)
y
( x 9) 2 ( x 6)
1 VA : x 9
y
( x 9)
1
hole : 6,
15
Horizontal Asymptote – the line y = b is a HA for f(x)
if f(x) approaches b as x approaches infinity or as x
approaches negative infinity.
• Can have 0 or 1 HA.
• May cross the HA but it levels off and approaches it as x
approaches infinity.
Shortcut for HA’s
• If the degree of the denominator is > the degree of
the numerator then there is a HA at y = 0.
• If the degree of the numerator is > the degree of
the denominator then there is NO HA.
• If the degree of the numerator = the degree of the
denominator then the HA is y = a/b where a is the
leading coefficient of the numerator & b is the LC of
the denominator.
Determine the asymptotes & the x and y-
intercepts
Degrees are equal a/b
2x
f ( x) HA : y 2
x 1 VA : x 1
x int : 0, 0
y int : 0, 0
Find asymptotes, x-int, y-int
x 8 Degree is bigger in the
y 2 denominator y=0
4x 1
HA : y 0
( x 8) 1 1
y VA : x & x
(2 x 1)(2 x 1) 2 2
x int : 8, 0
y int : 0, 8
find asymptotes
Degree is bigger in the
x3
y 3 denominator y=0
x 1 HA : y 0
x3
y VA : x 1
( x 1)( x 2 x 1)
3 2 Degrees are equal
5x 2 x 7 x 9 y=a/b
y 3 2 5
4 x 3 x 8 x 6 HA : y
4
3 2
3 2
5x 2x 7 x 9 5 x 2 x 7x 9 VA : x 2
y 2 2
x (4 x 3) 2(4 x 3) ( x 2)(4 x 3)
3
&x
4
Slant asymptote p( x)
remember f ( x) where q(x) 0
q( x)
• There is an oblique or slant asymptote if the degree
of P(x) is EXACTLY one degree higher than Q(x).
• If this is the case the oblique asymptote is the
quotient part of the division.
• Can have 0 or 1 slant asymptote.
• Can have a VA and slant, a HA and VA, but NOT a
HA and slant.
Either it has a slant or is
has a HA
find the slant asymptote
Degree is exactly one
4 x 2 6 x 37
f ( x) bigger in the numerator
x4 divide
SA : y 4 x 10
2 x3 Degree is exactly one
f ( x) 2 bigger in the numerator
x x 12
divide
SA : y 2 x 2
Test Points!!
Graph and find everything!!
2 ( x 3)( x 1)
x 4x 3 y
y 3 2
x( x 3)( x 2)
x x 6x
Degree is bigger in the
denominator y=0
HA : y 0
VA : x 0 & x 2
2
hole : 3,
15
x int : 1, 0
y int : DNE
Graph and find everything!!
can ' t
2
x 3x 3 y
y x4
x4
SA : y x 1
VA : x 4
3 21
x int : , 0
2
3
y int : 0,
4
Graph and find everything.
x2 – 3xy – 13x + 12y + 39 = 0
x 2 13 x 39 y can ' t
y 3 x 12
3 x 12
1
SA : y x 3
3
VA : x 4
13 13
x int : , 0
2
13
y int : 0,
4
Homework
pg 313 #5-9 odd, 15-23 odd,
33-39 odd, 59, 63
