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Rational Functions

A rational function is the ratio of two polynomial functions. It has properties including domain, range, vertical asymptotes, and horizontal asymptotes. The domain is found from the intersection of the domains of the numerator and denominator polynomials. Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero. The horizontal asymptote depends on the degrees of the numerator and denominator polynomials. Examples are provided to demonstrate finding intercepts, asymptotes, sketching graphs, and determining domains for specific rational functions.

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Grace Lamano
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204 views

Rational Functions

A rational function is the ratio of two polynomial functions. It has properties including domain, range, vertical asymptotes, and horizontal asymptotes. The domain is found from the intersection of the domains of the numerator and denominator polynomials. Vertical asymptotes occur where the denominator is zero. The horizontal asymptote depends on the degrees of the numerator and denominator polynomials. Examples are provided to demonstrate finding intercepts, asymptotes, sketching graphs, and determining domains for specific rational functions.

Uploaded by

Grace Lamano
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

A rational function is the ratio of two polynomial functions. If P(x) and Q(x) are
P(x)
polynomials, then a function of the form R ( x ) =
is a rational function where Q(x)#
Q(x )
0. The domain of R(x) is the intersection of the domains of P(x) and Q(x).
Properties:
Domain
The domain of the function is the set of all values that the variable x can take.
Range
The range of the function is the set of values that the variable y can take.
Vertical Asymptote
A vertical asymptote for R(x) is a vertical line x = k, where k is a constant, that
the
graph
of
R(x)
approaches but does not touch.
P(x)
If R ( x ) =
, then values of x that make Q(x) = 0 result in vertical asymptotes if
Q(x )
P(x) 0.
Horizontal Asymptote
P( x)
A rational function R ( x ) =
has a horizontal asymptote y = a, if as |x|
Q( x )
increases without limit, R(x) approaches a. R(x) has at most one horizontal asymptote.
The horizontal asymptote of R(x) may be found from a comparison of the degree of P(x)
and the degree of Q(x).
(1) If the degree of P(x) is less than the degree of Q(x), then R(x) has a horizontal
asymptote of y = 0.
(2) If the degree of P(x) is equal to the degree of Q(x), then R(x) has a horizontal
a
asymptote of y= , where a, is the leading coefficient (coefficient of the highest
b
degree term) of P(x) and b, is the leading coefficient of Q(x).
(3) If the degree of P(x) is greater than the degree of Q(x), then R(x) does not have a
horizontal asymptote.
x-intercept (zero of the function)
The x-intercept or the zero of the function is the value of x when y = 0.
P(x)
The x-intercept of R ( x ) =
is the value of x that makes P(x) = 0.
Q(x )
y-intercept
The y-intercept of the graph of the function is the value of y when x = 0.
P(x)
P(0)
The y-intercept of R ( x ) =
is the value of R ( x ) =
.
Q(x )
Q(0)

Examples:
1. Consider

R ( x) =

3x
.
x +2

a. Determine the x-intercept.


R ( x)=

3x
x +2

3x
=0
x +2
3 x=0
x=0 , therefore the x-intercept is 0.

b. Determine the y-intercept.


3x
R ( x)=
x +2
3(0)
R ( 0 )=
0+2
0
R ( 0 )=
2
R ( 0 )=0
y=0 , therefore the y-intercept is 0.
c. Determine the vertical asymptote.
3x
R ( x)=
x +2
x+ 2=0
x=2
Therefore, the vertical asymptote is at

x=2 .

d. Determine the horizontal asymptote.


3x
R ( x)=
x +2
Consider the leading coefficient of the numerator and denominator.
3
y=
1
y=3

Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is at


e. Sketch the graph of

R ( x) =

y=3 .

3x
.
x +2

Construct a table of values.


x

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

4.5

undefin
ed

-3

1.5

Plot the points on the Cartesian Plane.


f.

Determine the domain and the range based on the


graph.
Domain:
D= { x R|x 2 }
D=( ,2 ) (2,+ )
Range:
R= { y R| y 3 }
R=(, 3)(3,+ )

2. Given:

f ( x )=

x +3
x 2 x3
2

a. Determine the x and y-intercepts.


x +3
f ( x )= 2
x 2 x3
Find the x-intercept:

Find the y-intercept:

x+ 3
=0
x 2 x3
x+ 3=0
x=3
Therefore, the x-intercept = -3

x +3
x 2 x3
0+3
f ( 0 )= 2
(0) 2(0)3
3
f ( 0 )=
3
f ( 0 )=1
y=1
Therefore, the y-intercept = -1

f ( x )=

b. Determine the vertical and horizontal asymptotes.


Find the vertical asymptote:
Find the horizontal asymptote:
x +3
f ( x )= 2
2
x 2 x 3=0
x 2 x3
( x3 ) ( x+1 ) =0
The leading term of the numerator
x3=0 x+1=0
is x, while the leading term of the
x=3 x=1
denominator is x 2 . Since the degree
Therefore, the vertical asymptotes
of the numerator is less than the
are:
degree of the denominator, then the
x=3x =1
horizontal asymptote is given by:
c. Sketch the graph of

f ( x )=

x +3
x 2 x3
2

Step1. Plot the intercepts and asymptotes on the Cartesian Plane.

Step 2. Make a table of values using values greater than or less than the intercepts
and asymptotes to predict the movement of the graph.

-4

-3

-2

-0.05

0.2

-1
undefin
ed

-0.5

-1.43

-1

1.67

3
undefin
ed

4
1.4

Step 3. Sketch the graph based on the table of values.


You may also try using a graphing

Based
on the
graph,
application
such
as DESMOS or
the domain
giventhe
by:graph of a
GEOGEBRA
tois
sketch
D=
{
x

R
|
x
1,
x

3
}
rational function.
In interval notation:
D=( ,1 ) (1,3 ) (3,+ )

Activity: Form a trio and perform the given task.


Determine the intercepts and asymptotes of the given function then sketch its
graph and determine the domain.
x5
x5
a. f ( x )=
b. g ( x ) = 2
x3
x 8 x +12

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