11th Grade
Rational Functions
and their
Representation -
Mathematics -
Objectives:
● Define rational function.
● Demonstrate appreciation of solving rational functions.
● Solve rational equations using the techniques for simplifying
and manipulating rational expressions.
What is Rational Function?
The ratio of polynomial function to
another polynomial function is a
Rational Function .
Rational Functions
A rational functions, is a function of the form
Where and are polynomial functions, and
The domain of is the set of real numbers such that is not zero.
Graph of a
Function
Graph of a
Rational
Function
2
Rational Functions,
Equations, Inequalities
Rational Functions, Equations, Inequalities
Rational Rational Rational
Equation Inequalities Functions
An equation involving An inequality involving A rational functions, is a
rational expression. rational expressions. function of the form
Where and are
polynomial functions, and
Rational Functions, Equations, Inequalities
Rational Rational Rational
Equation Inequalities Functions
2 2 1 5 2 𝑥 +2𝑥+3
2
− = ≤ 𝑓 (𝑥 )=
𝑥 2 𝑥 5 𝑥 −3 𝑥 𝑥+1
Solved Examples:
Worksheet 3.1 Determine whether the given is a rational function, a
rational equation, a rational inequality or none of these.
Worksheet 3.1 Determine whether the given is a rational function, a
rational equation, a rational inequality or none of these.
6.
9.
7.
10.
8.
Worksheet 3.1 Determine whether the given is a rational function, a
rational equation, a rational inequality or none of these.
11.
14.
12.
15.
13.
Worksheet 3.1 Determine whether the given is a rational function, a
rational equation, a rational inequality or none of these.
16.
19.
17.
20.
18.
3
Solved Rational Equation
and Inequalities
Solving Rational Equation
To solve a rational equation:
a. Eliminate denominator by multiplying each term of the
equation by least common denominator.
b. Note that eliminating denominators may introduced
extraneous solution.
c. Check the solution of the transformed equation with the
original equation.
Solving Rational Equation
Solved for the :
Solving Rational Equation
Solved for the :
Solving Rational Inequalities
To solve a rational inequalities:
a. Rewrite the inequality as a single rational expression on
one side of the inequalities symbol and o on the other side.
b. Determine over what intervals the rational expression
takes on positive and negative values.
Solving Rational Inequalities
To solve a rational inequalities:
a. Rewrite the inequality as a single rational expression on
one side of the inequalities symbol and o on the other side.
b. Determine over what intervals the rational expression
takes on positive and negative values.
Solving Rational Inequalities
i. Locate the x values for which the rational expression is
zero or undefined (factoring the numerator and denominator
is useful strategy).
ii. Mark the numbers found in (i) on a number line. Use a
shaded circle to indicate that the value is included in the
solution set, and a hollow circle to indicate that the value is
excluded. These numbers partition the number line into
intervals.
Solving Rational Inequalities
iii. Select a test point within the interior of each interval in
(ii). The sign of the rational expression at this test point is
also the sign of the rational expression at each interior point
in the aforementioned interval.
iv. Summarize the intervals containing the solutions.
Solving Rational Inequalities
Solved for the inequality:
4
Graphing and Evaluating
Rational Functions
Example:
Graph the following:
