Rational Function

Competencies
1.Represents a rational function through its
(a)table of values; (b) graph and (c)
equation.
2.Finds the domain and range of rational
functions.
3.Determines the: (a) intercepts; (b) zeroes;
and (c)asymptotes of rational functions
4. Graph rational functions accurately.
 Formation Standard

Manifest accuracy and creativity in
proposing and designing
mathematical device that will use
as educational tool.
 DEFINITION of Rational Functions
A function in the form:

The functions p and q are polynomials.

The domain of a rational function is the set
of all real numbers except those values that
make the denominator, q(x), equal to zero.
2
2
2 𝑥 −4 2 𝑥 −1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= ( )
h 𝑥= 2 𝑔 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥 +5 𝑥 −4 𝑥−1
 Properties of Rational Functions
1. DOMAIN & RANGE of a Rational Function
2
𝑥 −3
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥 + 4
𝑥 + 4 =0
𝑥 =− 4
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 :

D:{x | x  –4}
 The domain of a rational
function is the set of all real
numbers EXCEPT those values
that make the denominator, q(x),
equal to zero.
 Properties of Rational Functions

2
h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 − 9
2
𝑥 − 9 =0
( 𝑥 − 3 ) ( 𝑥 + 3 ) =0
x =3 , − 3
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 :

D:{x | x  –3, 3}
 You try!

2 𝑥 +3
h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 15
 Answer

2 𝑥 +3
h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 15
2
𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 15 =0
( 𝑥 − 5 ) ( 𝑥 + 3 ) =0
x =5 , − 3
𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 :
D:{x | x  5, –3}
Range of Rational Function
 Range of Rational Function
2
h ( 𝑥) =
𝑥 − 9
2
y =
𝑥 − 9
y
xy – 9y = 2
xy = 2 + 9y
x = 2 + 9y
y
y≠0
R:{y/y ≠0}
 Range of Rational Function
1
h ( 𝑥) =
2 𝑥
1
y =
2 𝑥
2xy
2xy
2y 2y

x =1
2y
2y ≠ 0 y ≠ 0
R:{y/y ≠0}
 Properties of Rational Functions
2. INTERCEPTS of Rational Function

To get the x-intercept substitute y by zero

then simplify.

To get y-intercept, substitute x by zero then

simplify.
 Properties of Rational Functions
3. ZEROS of Rational Function

NOTE: THE ZERO OF RATIONAL

FUNCTION IS THE SAME AS OF
GETTING ITS X - INTERCEPT.
 Properties of Rational Functions
SUMMARY OF RULES
DOMAIN - EQUATE THE DENOMINATOR BY 0,
SIMPLIFY

X-INTERCEPT - EQUATE THE NUMERATOR BY 0,

SIMPLIFY

Y-INTERCEPT - SUBSTITUTE X BY 0, SIMPLIFY

ZERO - SAME WITH THE VALUE OF X-INTERCEPT

 4. ASYMPTOTES
Linear Asymptotes
Lines in which a graph of a function will approach.
Vertical Asymptote

A vertical asymptote exists for any value

of x that makes the denominator zero
AND is not a value that makes the
numerator zero.
 4. ASYMPTOTES

Example 1
A vertical asymptotes exists at x = -5.

𝑥 2 −16 ( 𝑥 − 4) (𝑥 + 4)
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= ¿ x=− 5
𝑥+ 5 𝑥+5

VA:
 Properties of Rational Functions

Vertical Asymptote
Example 2
𝑥 2 − 𝑥 −6 ( 𝑥+ 2) (𝑥 −3)
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2 ¿
𝑥 −7 𝑥 +12 ( 𝑥 − 4) (𝑥 −3)

x-4=0
x=4
A vertical asymptote exists at x = 4. VA:
 You Try

𝑥 +3
h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 15
 𝑥 +3
h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 − 2 𝑥 − 15

𝑥+ 3
h ( 𝑥)=
( 𝑥 − 5 ) (𝑥 + 3 )

x=5
VA:
 Properties of Rational Functions

Horizontal Asymptote
A horizontal asymptote exists if the largest
exponents in the numerator and the denominator
are equal, or

if the largest exponent in the denominator is

larger than the largest exponent in the
numerator.
 Properties of Rational Functions

Horizontal Asymptote

If the largest exponent in the denominator is equal

to the largest exponent in the numerator, then the
horizontal asymptote is equal to the ratio of the
coefficients.

If the largest exponent in the denominator is larger

than the largest exponent in the numerator, then
the horizontal asymptote is .
 Properties of Rational Functions

Horizontal Asymptote
Example
3 2
5 𝑥 −2𝑥 −7
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 3
2 𝑥 −7 𝑥 +10
HA:
A horizontal asymptote exists at y = 5/2.
𝑥 −6
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2
𝑥 −7 𝑥 +12
A horizontal asymptote exists at y = 0. HA:
 Properties of Rational Functions

Oblique (slant) Asymptote

An oblique asymptote exists if the largest
exponent in the numerator is one degree
larger than the largest exponent in the
denominator. LONG DIVISION IS
REQUIRED

f(x) = 2x3 - 3x2 + 1

x2 - 4
 Properties of Rational Functions

Oblique Asymptote
Example
𝑥 2+ 1 An oblique asymptote exists.
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥 Long division is required.
𝑥
x x2  0x 1
− 𝑥2
0 0𝑥
An oblique asymptote exists at y = x. OA:
5. Graph of Rational Function

Steps in graphing rational function

1. Find the domain
2. Find the intercepts
3. Find the asymptotes
4. Plot the points and Graph
 Example 1
Find the domain, intercepts, asymptotes and graph

2
x  2x  3
f ( x) 
x2
 Solution
x 2  2x  3
f ( x) 
x2

a. Domain: x - 2 = 0
x = 2 therefore domian is x not equal to 2

b. x-intercept: x2 - 2x - 3 = 0
(x-3)(x+1) = 0; therefore x = 3; -1

c. y-intercept: x2 - 2x -3 = 02 - 2(0) - 3 = -3/-2; y = 3/2

x-2 0-2
 Solution
x 2  2x  3
f ( x) 
x2

d. Vertical Asymptote: f(x) = x2 - 2x -3 = (x-3)(x+1)

x-2 x-2

x - 2 = 0; VA: x = 2

e. Oblique Asymptote: An oblique asymptote exists if the largest

exponent in the numerator is one degree larger than the largest
exponent in the denominator. LONG DIVISION IS REQUIRED
 Solution
x 2  2x  3
f ( x) 
x2
e. Oblique Asymptote: An oblique asymptote exists if the largest
exponent in the numerator is one degree larger than the largest
exponent in the denominator. LONG DIVISION IS REQUIRED.
x
x-2 x^2 - 2x - 3
x^2 - 2x
-3 y=x
 Solution
x 2  2x  3
f ( x) 
x2

domain not equal to 2

x -int. = 3, -1
y-int. = 3/2
VA: x = 2
OA: y = x
 Example 2
Find the domain, intercepts, asymptotes and graph

x 1
f ( x) 
x3
SOLUTION