Rational Functions

𝑊𝑒𝑒𝑘 2
August 15, 2024

OBJECTIVES:
𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒
𝑟1
1. represent real-life situations using rational
functions,
2. distinguish rational function, rational equation,
and rational inequality.
3. solve rational equations and inequalities.
4. represent a rational function through its:
(a) table of values, (b) graph, and (c) equation
 Learn about It!

Rational Expression
is a fraction whose numerator and denominator are both polynomials. It can be
𝐴
, where 𝐴 and 𝐵 are both polynomials, and 𝐵 ≠
0.
written in the form �
�

Examples:

3 𝑥− 𝑥2 +
𝑥− 2
𝑥− 1𝑥 +
2 1 6
 Learn about It!

Rational Equation
is an equation whose terms are rational expressions.

Examples:

3 𝑥−
= 2 =
𝑥− 𝑥−
1 2
2 1
 Learn about It!

Least Common Denominator

is the least common multiple of the denominators.

Example:

4 𝑥−
2
𝑥 − 𝑥2 +3𝑥+
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1).
The LCD of the rational expressions 2 and is
4 2
 Learn about It!

Solutions (or roots)

values that satisfy a given rational equation.

Example:

The value 𝑥 = 3 is a solution of the rational

=
6
𝑥−
3.
expression
1
 Learn about It!

Extraneous Solutions
values that arrived at upon solving a rational equation but do not satisfy the given
equation.

Example:

In solving 5𝑥−10 = 1, 𝑥 will be equal to 2 and

𝑥 −
2
3. 4
 Try It!

=
�
𝑥+1 4
Example 1: Solve �
3 .

LCD: 𝟑 𝒙 + 𝟏
Solution:
1. Find the
LCD.
2. Multiply both sides of the. equation by the LCD to remove

𝑥 =
the denominators then solve for the unknown variable.

𝑥 4+ 1 3𝑥 = 4𝑥
4 3 +4
𝟑 𝒙 = 𝟑 𝒙 −𝑥 = 4
𝑥+ 3
�
+𝟏 +𝟏 𝒙 = −𝟒
1
�
 Try It!

=
𝑥+1 4
�
Example 1: Solve
3
�

3. Verify your answer by substituting 𝑥 = −4 to the

.

4 −4 ?
original equation. Then, simplify.
= → 4
𝑥+ 3 −4 + = 3
�

1 1
�
−4 =?
−3
4
34  4
=
3
3
 Try It!

=
4
𝑦+ 𝑦 3
Example 2: Find the solution/s of
4 .
Solution:

1. Find the LCD. LCD: 𝟑 𝒚 + 𝟒 .

2. Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD to remove

4 𝑦
the denominators then solve for the unknown variable.
=
𝑦+4
4 � 3
𝟑 𝒚 = 𝟑 𝒚 12 = 𝑦 2 +
𝑦+ �
 Try It!

=
4
𝑦+ 𝑦 3
Example 2: Find the solution/s of
4 .
12 = 𝑦 2 + 4𝑦
−𝑦2
− 4𝑦
+ 12
=0
𝑦2 +
Hence,

4𝑦 −
12 =
 Try It!

=
4
𝑦+4 𝑦
Example 2: Find the solution/s of
3 .
3. Verify your answer by substituting each obtained solution

4 4 ?
to the original equation.
?
For 𝒚 = −6 −6 −2 =
= =

−𝟔: −2
−6 + 4 3 −2 3
4 4 2
For 𝒚 2 2
2 = =
= 𝟐: = 6 3
2+4 3 3
3
 Learn about It!

Inequality
symbols ≠, ≤, <, ≥, or >
shows a comparison between different quantities or expressions using the

Example:

The expression 2𝑥 − 1 ≥ 0 shows a comparison

2𝑥 − 1 and 0.
between
 Learn about It!

Rational Inequality
uses any of the symbols ≠, ≤, <, ≥, or >, and contains at least
one rational expression

≥ 0 is a rational
Example:
𝑥−2
𝑥+
The expressions
inequality. 1
 Learn about It!

Critical Value (of a rational expression)

a number that makes the expression undefined or equal to zero.

In the expression 𝑥+ , the critical values are 2 and -

Example:
𝑥−2

1. 1
 Try It!

≥
2
𝑥
𝑥+
1.
Example 1: Solve the rational inequality
2
2𝑥
≥
Solution:
1
2 𝑥+2
1. Rewrite the inequality.
𝑥 −1≥
𝑥+
2𝑥 2− 𝑥 +0
2 𝑥+2 ≥
2𝑥 − 𝑥 − 0
2 𝑥+2 ≥
𝑥− 0
2 ≥
𝑥+
0
 Try It!

2. Factor the numerator and the denominator.

𝑥−2
3. Find the critical values of the rational expression on the
≥
𝑥+ 0
left-hand side of the inequality.
2

𝑥−2=0
Numerator:

𝑥 =2

𝑥+2=
Denominator:

0
 Try It!

4. Use the critical values as bounds to divide the set of real

a. The symbols −∞ and ∞ always come with

numbers into intervals. Remember the following guidelines:

parentheses because they cannot possibly be included

in any interval of real numbers .
Try It!

symbols >, ≠, or <, all intervals should be enclosed in

b. If the inequality involves the strict inequality

parentheses because their endpoints cannot possibly

become part of the solution set.

symbols ≥ or ≤, the roots of the numerator should be

c. If the inequality involves the non-strict inequality

included in their respective intervals using the symbols

𝑥ሿ or ሾ𝑥, while the roots of the denominator should be
excluded using the symbols 𝑥) or (𝑥.
Try It!

Number Line

−∞, −𝟐, (−𝟐, 𝟐ሿ, ሾ𝟐,

∞)
 Try It!

−∞,
5. Construct a table of signs for the rational inequality.

(−𝟐, ሾ𝟐, ∞)
−𝟐
𝟐ሿ

𝑥−2
Test Point

𝑥+2
𝑥−2
 Try It!

6. To fill an entry on the table, choose a convenient number

from the corresponding interval on top (do not choose a

−∞, −𝟐 (−𝟐, 𝟐ሿ ሾ𝟐, ∞)

critical value).

𝑥 = −3 𝑥 =0 𝑥 =3
𝑥−2 − − +
Test Point

𝑥+2 − + +
𝑥−2
𝑥+2
 Try It!

7. Determine the sign of the entire rational expression for

each interval by multiplying the signs in each column.

−∞, −𝟐 (−𝟐, 𝟐ሿ ሾ𝟐, ∞)

𝑥 = −3 𝑥 =0 𝑥 =3
𝑥−2 − − +
Test Point

𝑥+2 − + +
𝑥−2
+ − +
𝑥+2
 Try It!

8. Determine the solution set by forming the union of all

intervals that satisfy the inequality.
𝑥−2
≥
𝑥+
0
2
−∞, −𝟐 (−𝟐, 𝟐ሿ ሾ𝟐, ∞)
𝑥 = −3 𝑥 =0 𝑥 =3
𝑥−2 − − +
Test Point

𝑥+2 − + +
𝑥−2
−∞, −𝟐 ∪ ሾ𝟐, 𝑥+2
+ − +
 Try It!

Method of Test Values

(−𝟐, 𝟐ሿ ሾ𝟐, ∞)
5. Choose a convenient test value for each interval.
−∞, −𝟐
Test Point: 𝒙 = −𝟑 Test Point: 𝒙 = 𝟎 Test Point: 𝒙 = 𝟑
𝑥−2 𝑥−2
𝑥−2 ≥0 ≥0
≥0 𝑥+2 𝑥+2
𝑥+2 0−2 3−1
−3 − 2 ≥0 ≥0
≥0 0+2 3+1
−3 + 2 −2 2
−5 ≥ ≥0
≥0 4
0 1
−1 2 ≥0
5≥0 − 2
1
 Try It!

6. Determine the solution set by forming the union of all

intervals that satisfy the inequality.

−∞, −𝟐 ∪ ሾ𝟐,
∞)
 Try It!
2
Example 2: Solve for 𝑥 in the rational inequality 𝑥
𝑥+
3
−2𝑥−8
< 0.
Solution:
1. Rewrite the inequality.
2. Factor the numerator and the denominator.

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 −
<
8 𝑥+3
𝑥−4𝑥+ 0
2 𝑥+ <
0
 Try It!

3. Find the critical values of the rational expression on the

left-hand side of the inequality.

𝑥−4=0
Numerator:

𝒙=𝟒

𝑥+2=0
𝒙 = −𝟐

𝑥+3=0
Denominator:

𝒙 = −𝟑
 Try It!

4. Use the critical values as bounds to divide the set of real

numbers into intervals.

(−∞, −𝟑), (−𝟑, −𝟐), (-2, 4) and

(𝟒, ∞)
 Try It!

5. Construct a table of signs for the rational inequality.

(−∞,−𝟑) (−𝟑, − 2) (-2, 4) 𝟒, ∞

𝑥−4
Test Point

𝑥+2
𝑥+3
𝑥−4𝑥+2
𝑥+3
 Try It!

6. Fill out the entries of the table.

𝟒, ∞
Choose a

(−∞,−𝟑) (−𝟑, −
convenient numbe r

2)
from the (-2, 4)
corresponding

𝑥 = −4 𝑥 = 𝑥 =0 𝑥 =5
interval on top.

−2.5
Test Point

𝑥−4 − − − +
𝑥+2 − − + +
𝑥+3 − + + +
𝑥−4𝑥+2
 Try It!

7. Determine the sign of the entire rational expression for

each interval by multiplying the signs in each column.

(−∞,−𝟑) (−𝟑, − 2) 𝟒, ∞
𝑥 = −4 𝑥 = −2.5 𝑥 =0 𝑥 =5
(-2, 4)

𝑥−4 − − − +
Test Point

𝑥+2 − − + +
𝑥+3 − + + +
𝑥−4𝑥+2 − + − +
𝑥+3
 Try It!

8. Determine the solution set by forming the union of all

intervals that satisfy the inequality.

(−∞, −𝟑) ∪ (−𝟐, 𝟒)

 Learn about It!

Rational Function
=𝑞 , where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomials
𝑓 𝑥
is a function of the form
𝑝 𝑥 and
𝑞(𝑥) is not equal to zero
Examples:

The function 𝑦 =𝑥+ is a rational function since

𝑥+2

the 5 denominator are both polynomials, and

numerator and the
the denominator is not equal to zero.
 Learn about It!

Rational Function
=𝑞 , where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomials
𝑓 𝑥
is a function of the form
𝑝 𝑥 and
𝑞(𝑥) is not equal to zero
Examples:
2
The function 𝑦 = 3𝑥+5
𝑥
is not a rational function because the
denominator is not a polynomial. The
exponent of a
𝑥 2 .integer
1
polynomial must be
can be expressed as an value.
Since the exponent is not an
The denominator
integer, then the function is not rational.
 Try It!

Example 1: Is 𝑦 =
𝑥+1
2
a rational
𝑥

Example 2: Determine whether 𝑓 𝑥

function?
𝑥2 +2𝑥−
1
3𝑥
=
is a rational
2 −9𝑥 2

function or not.
3𝑥 2 − 9𝑥2 = 9𝑥2 −
9𝑥2
=0
 Learn about It!

Table of values
composed of values 𝑥 and or 𝑦 that satisfy the given
𝑓 𝑥 function

Examples:
Table of values for 𝑓 = �
𝑥 𝑥+1�
𝒙 −2 −1 0 1 2
𝒇(𝒙) 1 0 2 3
2 2
undefined
 Learn about It!

Asymptote
a line that a curve approaches but does not intersect.

Example:

The line 𝑥 = 3 is an asymptote of the

graph on the right.
 Learn about It!

Vertical Asymptote
a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never
touches. The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the
rational functions are the vertical asymptotes.

Examples:

a. The vertical asymptote of the function 𝑓 = 𝑥−

𝑥 𝑥+2
1
is the line 𝑥 = 1.
= 𝑥+
b. The vertical asymptote of the function 𝑓 2𝑥+5
3
 Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
a horizontal line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never
To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑃 𝑥 ,
touches
𝑄 𝑥

Let 𝑛 and 𝑚
the
degrees of the numerator and the denominator will be considered.

be the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) respectively.

a. IfIf 𝑛
𝑛<= 𝑚,
𝑚, the asymptote isof𝑦𝑓(𝑥)
horizontal asymptote = 𝑎 𝑛is, where 𝑛𝑎
the line 𝑦 =is0.
𝑏𝑚
b. he horizontal the leading
of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏 is the leading coefficient of
coefficient
𝑚
𝑄(𝑥).
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal

2
rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
asymptote.
𝑥 +1
2𝑥+
The
Examples: has no horizontal
asymptote. 1
 Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
a horizontal line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never
To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑃 𝑥 ,
touches
𝑄 𝑥

Let 𝑛 and 𝑚
the
degrees of the numerator and the denominator will be considered.

be the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) respectively.

a. IfIf 𝑛
𝑛<= 𝑚,
𝑚, the asymptote isof𝑦𝑓(𝑥)
horizontal asymptote = 𝑎 𝑛is, where 𝑛𝑎
the line 𝑦 =is0.
𝑏𝑚
b. he horizontal the leading
of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏 is the leading coefficient of
coefficient
𝑚
𝑄(𝑥).
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal

The rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 2

asymptote.
2𝑥+1
𝑥 −
𝑦
at =
Examples: has its horizontal asymptote
9
 Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
a horizontal line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never
To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑃 𝑥 ,
touches
𝑄 𝑥

Let 𝑛 and 𝑚
the
degrees of the numerator and the denominator will be considered.

be the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) respectively.

a. IfIf 𝑛
𝑛<= 𝑚,
𝑚, the asymptote isof𝑦𝑓(𝑥)
horizontal asymptote = 𝑎 𝑛is, where 𝑛𝑎
the line 𝑦 =is0.
𝑏𝑚
b. he horizontal the leading
of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏 is the leading coefficient of 𝑄(𝑥).
coefficient
𝑚
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Examples:
The horizontal asymptote of the function 𝑓 𝑥 = 4𝑥−1 is 𝑦 = 3𝑥+1

3 4
.
 Learn about It!

Oblique Asymptote
a line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never touches.
Oblique asymptotes exist in a function if the degree of the numerator 𝑛 is
larger than the degree of the denominator 𝑚, that is, 𝑛 = 𝑚 + 1.

Example:
2
The rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 +1
has an oblique asymptote.
2
, the quotient is 2𝑥 + . Thus, the equation
�
2𝑥 +1 1
𝑥
�

is 𝑦 =
If we divide
of 𝑥
2𝑥.
the oblique asymptote
 Try It!

function 𝑓
Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational
= �
𝑥 𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
𝑥+10
𝒇(𝒙)
�
.

Example, for 𝑥 = −3, 𝑓 = = =

7
1
− 3 3.
𝒙 −3 −2 −1
−3+10
3 1− −2
2 3 4
𝑥
1
𝒇(𝒙) −2
3
 Try It!

function 𝑓
Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational
= �
𝑥
𝒙 −3 𝑥+10−2 −1 1 2 3 4
�

1 1 1
𝒇(𝒙) −4 −9 11 6
.
−2 4 3
3 3 2
 Try It!

function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥− . Then, determine the vertical and

Example 2: Construct a table of values for the rational
5

1
horizontal asymptotes of the function.
𝒙 −2 −1 0 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙)

𝒙 −2 −1 0 2 3 4
2 1 1 2
𝒇(𝒙) −1 −2 −5 5 2 1
3 2 2 3

VA: 𝑥 = HA: y =
 Learn about It!

Domain of a function
the set of all values of 𝑥 that have corresponding values of 𝑦; it contains all
values
that go into the function

Example:
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
5
�
. �
 Learn about It!

Domain of a function
the set of all values of 𝑥 that have corresponding values of 𝑦; it contains all
values

Example: 𝑓 5
that go into the function

=�
𝑥 �
a. Make sure that the function is in its simplest form.
b. Find the vertical asymptote(s) of 𝑓(𝑥) by setting the
denominator equal to zero. Then, solve the resulting

𝑥 =0
equation.
 Learn about It!

Domain of a function
the set of all values of 𝑥 that have corresponding values of 𝑦; it contains all
values

Example: 𝑓 5
that go into the function

=�
𝑥 �
c. Exclude the vertical asymptote(s) obtained in the

𝐷: 𝑥|𝑥 ≠
previous step from the set of real numbers.

0
 Learn about It!

Range of a function
the set of all values of 𝑦 that can be obtained from the possible values of 𝑥; it
contains all possible values of the function

Example:

Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =

5
𝑥
.
a. Make sure that the function is in its simplest form.
b. Find the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) by comparing
the degrees of the numerator and the denominator.
 Learn about It!

Range of a function
the set of all values of 𝑦 that can be obtained from the possible values of 𝑥;
it contains all possible values of the function

Example: 𝑓 =�
5
𝑥 �
c. Exclude the horizontal asymptote obtained in the
previous step from the set of real numbers. The

the range of 𝑓(𝑥).

𝑅:
remaining elements of the set of real numbers comprise
 Try It!

Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 = 𝑥−

𝑫: 𝑥|𝑥 ≠ 𝑹: 𝑦|𝑦 ≠
𝑥 7
𝑥+4

7 1
.

𝑥+ 𝑥−3
Example 2: Find the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 2

𝑹: 𝑦|𝑦 ≠
𝑥+2
= 𝑥−5 .

𝑫: 𝑥|𝑥 ≠ 1
5
 Try It!

Solving Problem:
A parking area has a fixed entrance fee of ₱50, plus ₱25 for
each hour of stay. Represent the average cost per hour using

50 + 25𝑥
a rational function.

50 +
𝐶𝑥 25𝑥�
=
 Learn about It!

Intercepts of Rational Functions

refers to the intersection of the graph of a rational function to the 𝑥 − and 𝑦
−
axes

Example:
The 𝑥 − intercept of the function 𝑓 𝑥 is (−4,0) while
𝑥+
4
=
𝑥2 −
4
𝑦 − intercept is 0, −1 .
its
 Learn about It!

Zeros of Rational Functions

refers to the value of 𝑥 that would make the function equal to zero; also the
same with the 𝑥-intercept/s of a rational function

Example:
2
The zeros of the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥
−6𝑥−7 𝑥−
and 𝑥 = 5
are 𝑥 = −1
7.
 Try It!

Example 1: Determine the zeros of the rational function

𝑓𝑥 𝑥2 −
𝑥9
=
2 −𝑥−
.
2
𝑥2 − 9 = 0

𝑥 + 3 𝑥 − 3= 0
𝑥 = −3,
3
 Try It!

𝑥3 −3𝑥 −4𝑥+12
2
=
Example 2: Determine
𝑓
the intercepts of the rational function

𝑥 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 12 = 0
𝑥2 +
.
4

(𝑥 3 −3𝑥 2 ) + (−4𝑥 + 12)

Group the terms

=0
𝑥 𝑥 − 3 − 4 𝑥 − 3 =
2 0
 Try It!

𝑥3 −3𝑥 −4𝑥+12
2
=
Example 2: Determine
𝑓
the intercepts of the rational function

𝑥
𝑥2 +
.
Solution: 4
𝑥−3

𝑥2 − 4

=0

𝑥−3
Learn about It!

Steps in Graphing a Rational Function

• Modify the expression algebraically and rewrite in the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃(𝑥)
𝑄(𝑥
. )
• Solve for the intercepts.

• Find the asymptotes.

• Observe the behavior of the function using tables of values.

• Sketch the graph of the function.

 Try It!

Example 1: Graph the rational function 𝑓 𝑥

= 𝑥− .
𝑥 3

Solution:
𝑓𝑥 𝑃(𝑥)
𝑄(𝑥
=
VA: 𝑥 = 3 ) HA: 𝑦 =
1
 Try It!

Example 1: Graph the rational function 𝑓 𝑥

= 𝑥− .
𝑥 3

Solution:
Let us check the behavior of the graph near the vertical
asymptote.
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) 𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
2 −2 4 4
2.5 −5 3.5 7
2.9 −29 3.1 31
2.99 −299 3.01 301
2.999 −2999 3.001 3001
2.9999 −29999 3.0001 30001
 Try It!

Example 1: Graph the rational function 𝑓 𝑥

= 𝑥− .
𝑥 3

𝒙 𝒇(𝒙)
Solution:
−0.5 0.14
−0.25 0.08
0 0
0.25 −0.09
0.5 −0.2

The graph of 𝒇 𝒙
�
𝒙−
=
� is:
𝟑
Key Points

Rational Expression
1 is a fraction whose numerator and denominator are both polynomials. It can be written in
𝐴
, where 𝐴 and 𝐵 are both polynomials, and 𝐵 ≠
0.
the form �
�

Rational Equation
2 is an equation whose terms are rational expressions.

Least Common Denominator

3 is the least common multiple of the denominators.
Key Points

Root or Solution
4 values that satisfy a given rational equation.

Extraneous Root or Solution

5 values that arrived at upon solving a rational equation but do not satisfy the given
equation.

6 Inequality
symbols ≠, ≤, <, ≥, or >.
shows a comparison between different quantities or expressions using the
Key Points

Rational Inequality
7 uses any of the symbols ≠, ≤, <, ≥, or > whose terms are rational
expressions.
.

8 Critical Value (of a rational expression)

a number that makes the expressions undefined or equal to zero.

9 Phrases that translate to inequalities

> −
< −
• greater than, more than, go beyond

≥ −
• less than, smaller than, should not reach

≤ −
• greater than or equal to, at least, no less than, at minimum
• less than or equal to, at most, no more than, at maximum, should
not
 Key Points

10 Rational Function
=𝑞 , where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomials
𝑓 𝑥
is a function of the form
𝑝 𝑥 and
𝑞(𝑥) is not equal to zero

11 Table of values
composed of values 𝑥 and or 𝑦 that satisfy the given
𝑓 𝑥 function

12 Asymptote
a line that a curve approaches but does not intersect.
Key Points

Vertical Asymptote
13 a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never
touches. The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the
rational functions are the vertical asymptotes.

15 Horizontal Asymptote
a horizontal line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never
To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑃 𝑥 ,
touches
𝑄 𝑥

Let 𝑛 and 𝑚
the
degrees of the numerator and the denominator will be considered.

be the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) respectively.

a. IfIf 𝑛
𝑛<= 𝑚,
𝑚, the asymptote isof𝑦𝑓(𝑥)
horizontal asymptote = 𝑎 𝑛is, where 𝑛𝑎
the line 𝑦 =is0.
𝑏𝑚
b. he horizontal the leading
of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏 is the leading coefficient of
coefficient
𝑚
𝑄(𝑥).
Key Points

Oblique Asymptote
16 a line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never touches.
Oblique asymptotes exist in a function if the degree of the numerator 𝑛 is larger
than the degree of the denominator 𝑚, that is, 𝑛 = 𝑚 + 1.

17 Domain of a function
the set of all values of 𝑥 that have corresponding values of 𝑦; it contains all
values that go into the function

Range of a function
18 the set of all values of 𝑦 that can be obtained from the possible values of 𝑥;
it
contains all possible values of the function
Key Points

Intercepts of Rational Functions

2 This refers to the intersection of the graph of a rational function to the 𝑥 −

𝑦 − axes.
and
1
Zeros of Rational Functions
22 This refers to the value of 𝑥 that would make the function equal to zero. This is
also the same with the 𝑥-intercept/s of a rational function.
Key Points

Guidelines in Solving Problems Involving Rational

23
Functions
• Carefully read the problem and identify what is asked and the given
information.

• Identify what concepts may be needed to solve the problem.

• Define the variables you will be using to solve the problem and write an
equation that involves the unknown.

• Systematically perform mathematical processes until the value of the

unknowns are obtained.
Try It!