General Mathematics

General Mathematics
Quarter 1 – Module 9:
Intercepts, Zeroes and
Asymptotes of Rational
Functions
General Mathematics
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 9: Intercepts, Zeroes and Asymptotes of Rational Functions
First Edition, 2020

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written to help you determines the intercepts, zeroes
and asymptotes of rational functions. Knowing what a rational function is, you are
now ready to learn its other properties. It includes finding the intercepts, zeroes and
asymptotes. These will be your guide to easily determine the behavior of a rational
function and will prepare you for graphing rational function. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lesson is arranged to follow
the standard sequence of the course.

In this module you will determine the intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of rational
functions.

The module consists of one lesson namely: Intercepts, Zeroes, and Asymptotes of
Rational Functions.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. recall the meaning of intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes;
2. identify the intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of rational
functions;
3. solve for the intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of rational
functions.

What I Know

In this part, let us see how much you know about the lesson by answering the
questions in pre-assessment below. If you obtain 100% or a perfect score, skip the
module and immediately move to the next module. While in the event you missed a
point, please proceed on the module as it will enrich your knowledge in finding the
intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of rational functions. Let’s get started!

1
I. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is the set of all values that the variable x can take?
a. Range
b. Intercept
c. Domain
d. Zeroes

𝑥−3
2. What is the domain of f(x) = ?
𝑥+3
a. All real numbers
b. All real numbers except – 3
c. All real numbers except 3
d. Cannot be determined

𝑥−1
3. What value/s of x that will make the function meaningless f(x) = 𝑥
?
a. x = -1
b. x=0
c. x=1
d. All real numbers

4. Complete the sentence: The real numbers zeroes are also ____________ of the
graph of the function.
a. Asymptote
b. x – intercepts
c. y – intercepts
d. Range

5. Which of the following is the set of all values that f(x) can take?
a. Range
b. Intercept
c. Domain
d. Zeroes

1
6. What is the range of f(x) =𝑥 ?
a. R ={𝑦|𝑦 = 1}
b. R ={𝑦|𝑦 = 0}
c. R = {𝑦|𝑦 ≠ 1}
d. R = {𝑦|𝑦 ≠ 0}

7. Which of the following is a true statement?

a. A rational function is a quotient of functions.
b. Asymptotes are a common characteristic of rational functions.
c. An asymptote is a line that a graph approaches, but does not touch.
d. All of the above.

2
8. If the degree of the leading coefficient of the numerator is equal to the
degree of the leading coefficient of the denominator of a rational
function, which of the following statements has to be true?
a. The graph has no asymptote
b. The graph of the function has slant asymptote
c. The graph of the function has a horizontal asymptote
d. None of the above

𝑥+5
9. What is the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ?
3𝑥 2
a. y = 3
b. y = 0
c. y = -2
d. y = -3

3𝑥+1
10. What is the vertical asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
𝑥−5
a. x = 5
b. x = 3
c. x = 1
d. x = 0

𝑥 2 −3𝑥
11. What is the oblique asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
𝑥+3
a. y = 3x
b. y = x–6
c. y = x -3
d. y = 3x + 6

12. Oblique asymptote occurs when there is no horizontal asymptote,

the statement is ____________.

a. Always true
b. Sometimes true
c. Never true
d. Cannot be determined

3
13. How will you describe the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 (𝑥) = 3+𝑥
?
a. does not exist
b. approaching at x = 3
c. approaching at y = -3
d. approaching at y = 0

3
14. If the x – intercept of a rational function is at x = 5, what is the zero
of the function?

a. x=5
b. x=0
c. x=-5
d. cannot be determined

2𝑥 2 +𝑥+3
15. What is the y – intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
2𝑥 2 +3𝑥+1
a. 3
b. 0
c. – 3
d. – 6

4
 Lesson
Intercepts, Zeroes, and Asymptotes of
1 Rational Functions

In the previous lesson, you learned how to find domain and range of a rational
function. In this particular lesson, determining intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of
rational functions will be done. Knowing fully the concept of the different properties
of rational function will be your guide to easily determine the behavior of a rational
function and it will prepare you for the next topic which is about graphing rational
function.

What’s In

Let’s recall first what you have learned from the previous lesson by answering the
following questions:

A. Which of the following is an example of rational function?

3𝑥 2+1 𝑥 8 1
1. F(x) = 𝑥−1
2. 3
=3 3. 3𝑥−1
+3<0

B. Find the domain and range of the functions.

𝑥 3 𝑥+1
1. F(x) = 𝑥+3 2. f(x) = 𝑥−4 3. g(x) = 𝑥 2 −1

Let us see if you got the correct answer in the activity, if your answer in question A
is number 1, you got it right you have a clear understanding of the concept of rational
function but if you are incorrect allow me to help you recall what a rational function
is, when two polynomial functions are expressed as a quotient and can be written in
𝑝(𝑥)
the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑞(𝑥) and q(x) is a not the zero function it is called a rational function.
Numbers 2 and 3 are not examples of rational function, it is a rational equation and
rational inequality, respectively. Number 1 is written as the quotient of two
polynomial functions, so it is a rational function.

5
For activity B, let us review the meaning of domain and range of the function.
Domain is the set of first coordinates of a relation and it is the value of x that will
not make the denominator of the function equal to zero while Range is the set of
second coordinates. To determine the domain of rational function, simply equate the
denominator to zero and then solve for x, this value should be avoided so that the
function will not give an undefined or a meaningless function. Example find the
x
domain of F(x) = x+3
, equating the denominator to zero, we have x + 3 = 0, so the
value of x = -3, so the domain of the function are all real numbers except -3 remember
we will avoid value/s that will make our denominator equal to zero, so if we will
substitute -3 to our x in the denominator it will result to 0 and it will give us an
undefined function. In notation, D= (-∞, −𝟑) ∪ (−𝟑, ∞)

To find the range of the function, change f(x) to y then, solve for x; remember range
are real values of y that will make a real value for the function. For example, find the
𝑥
range of F(x) = 𝑥+3 ;
𝑥
Changing F(x) to y, the new function is y= 𝑥+3

By doing cross multiplication we have y(x+3) = x

Distributing y we now have xy + 3y = x

Simplifying the equation will give xy – x = 3y

Factoring the left side of the equation x(y – 1) = 3y

𝑥(𝑦−1) 3𝑦
Dividing the equation by (y – 1) (𝑦−1)
= (𝑦−1)

3𝑦
Removing common factor, the value of x 𝑥 = 𝑦−1

Since we are looking for the value of y that will give a real value for the function so
we need to find value/s for y that will not make the denominator equal to 0.

Equating the denominator to zero y–1=0

So, y = 1.
𝑥
The range of the function F(x) = 𝑥+3 is all real values of y except 1. In notation,

R= (-∞, 𝟏) ∪ (𝟏, ∞).

The following are the answers to Activity B

1. Domain = {x/x≠ −3} or (-∞, −𝟑) ∪ (−𝟑, ∞)

Range = {y/y ≠ 1} or (-∞, 𝟏) ∪ (𝟏, ∞)

2. Domain = {x/x≠ 4} or (-∞, 𝟒) ∪ (𝟒, ∞)

Range = {y/y ≠ 0} or (-∞, 𝟎) ∪ (𝟎, ∞)

3. Domain = {x/x≠ −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≠ 1} or (-∞, −𝟏) ∪ (−𝟏, 𝟏) ∪ (𝟏, ∞)

Range = {y/y ≠ 0} or (-∞, 𝟎) ∪ (𝟎, ∞)

6
How is your review of the rational function? I believed you got it all correct. Are you
ready to learn new things about rational functions? Let’s do the next activity.

Notes to the Teacher

The teacher may say that “the domain refers to the set of possible
input values and range is the set of possible output values” is
related to the saying “you saw what you reap”. Like in our day to
day activities if we show good deeds to others, in return we will
receive the same treatment.

7
 What’s New

Activity
I – Connect Mo!

Connect the given statement/phrase in column A with the answer in column

B to complete the statement/phrase in column A. Write the letter of your
answer in a separate sheet of paper.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1. The intercepts of the graph M. the x - intercepts

of a rational function …

2. To find the x – intercept A. let x = 0

of a function …

3. The zeroes of the function G. rational function

is also …

4. To find the y – intercept I. are the points of

of a function … intersection of its
graph and an axis

5. The function of the form C. let y = 0

, where g(x)

& h(x) are polynomials

How was the activity? I believed that you connected it right. So, in this lesson, you
will know how to identify intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of rational function.

8
 What is It

INTERCEPTS AND ZEROES OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

The intercepts of the graph of a rational function are the points of intersection of its
graph and an axis.

The y-intercept of the graph of a rational function r(x) if it exists, occurs at r(0),
provided that r(x) is defined at x = 0. To find y-intercept simply evaluate the function
at x = 0.

The x-intercept of the graph of a rational function r(x), if it exists, occurs at the zeros
of the numerator that are not zeros of the denominators. To find x – intercept equate
the function to 0.

The zeroes of a function are the values of x which make the function zero. The
numbered zeroes are also x-intercepts of the graph of the function.

y-intercept
zero of the
function

x-intercept

Figure 1. x and y intercepts using GeoGebra

EXAMPLES.

1. Find the x- and y – intercepts, of the following rational functions:

3−𝑥 3𝑥 𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2
a. f(x) = 𝑥+1
b. f(x) = 𝑥+3 c. f(x) = 𝑥 2 −4

9
 2. Determine the zeroes of the following rational functions:

𝑥−2 𝑥−3 𝑥 2 +𝑥−2

a. g(x) = 𝑥+6
b. h(x) = 𝑥 2 −9
c. G(x) = 𝑥 2 −4

SOLUTIONS.

1. To find x – intercept equate the function to 0.

3−𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+1

3−𝑥
0= Equate the function to 0.
𝑥+1

3−𝑥
=0 By Symmetric Property of Equality.
𝑥+1
3–x=0 Multiply both sides by (x + 1).

3 + (−3) – 𝑥 = 0 + (−3) By Addition Property of Equality(APE).

−𝑥 = −3 Simplify.

(−1) (−𝑥) = (−1) (−3) By Multiplication Property of

Equality (MPE).

𝑥 = 3

So, the x – intercept is (3, 0).

By analyzing the example, we can say that to find the x – intercept simply
equate the numerator of the function to 0.

To find the y – intercept, change the x value of the function to 0.

3−𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
Substitute 0 to x values of the function.

3−0
𝑓(𝑥) = 0+1 Simplifying the fraction.

3
𝑓 (𝑥) = 1
=3 Value of f(x) or y.

So, the y – intercept is 3 or (0, 3).

10
 3𝑥
2. f(x) = 𝑥+3

To find the x – intercept, simply equate the numerator to 0,

0 = 3x Equate the numerator to 0 .

3x = 0 By Symmetric Property of Equality.

3𝑥 0
= Simplifying the fraction by multiplying
3 3
both sides by 1/3.
x=0

So, the x – intercept is 0 or (0, 0).

To find the y – intercept, change the x value of the function to 0.

3𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = Substitute 0 to x values of the function.
𝑥+3

3(0)
𝑓 (𝑥) = Simplifying the fraction.
0+3

0
𝑓 (𝑥) = 3 = 0 The value of 𝑓(𝑥) or y – intercept.

So, the y – intercept is 0 or (0, 0).

𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2
3. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −4

𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 = 0 Equate the numerator to 0.

(x – 2) (x – 1) = 0 By factoring.

x–2=0 x–1=0 Solve for x, by Zero product property.

x=2 x=1

So, the x – intercepts are x = 2 and x = 1. But by looking at the denominator

of the original function if we substitute 2 to the value of x,

x2 – 4 = (2)2 – 4 = 0,

The denominator will become 0, the function becomes meaningless.

So, we will only accept x – intercept at x = 1 or (1, 0).

11
 To find the y – intercept:

𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −4
, change the x value of the function to 0.

(0)2 −3(0)+2
𝑓 (𝑥) = (0)2 −4
Simplify the fraction.

2
f(x) = Reduce the fraction to lowest term.
−4

1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = − 2 The value of f(x) or y.

1 1
So, the y – intercept is − or (0, − ).
2 2

2. Determine the zeroes of the following rational functions:

𝑥−2 𝑥−3 𝑥 2 +𝑥−2

a. g(x) = 𝑥+6
b. H(x) = 𝑥 2 −9
c. G(x) = 𝑥 2 −4

To find the zeroes of a rational function, equate the function to 0 or solve for the x –
intercept of the function by equating the numerator to 0.

𝑥−2
a. g(x) = ,
𝑥+6

x–2=0 Equate the numerator to 0 .

x=2 Solve for x.

Thus, the zero of g(x) is 2.

𝑥−3
b. 𝐻 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −9

𝑥−3
𝐻 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −9
Simplify by factoring the denominator.

1
𝑥−3
(𝑥−3)(𝑥+3)
Remove common factors.

1
𝑥+3
=0 Equate the numerator to 0.

1=0 False statement.

So, there is no zero of the function. Which means that no point on the
graph touches the x – axis.

12
 𝑥 2+𝑥−2
c. G(x) =
𝑥 2 −4
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−1)
𝐺 (𝑥) = (𝑥+2)(𝑥−2) Simplify by factoring both the numerator
and denominator.

𝑥−1
𝐺 (𝑥) = 𝑥−2 Remove common factors.
x -1 = 0 Equate the numerator to 0.

x=1 Solve for x.

Thus, the zero of G(x) = 1.

ASYMPTOTES
An asymptote is an imaginary line to which a graph gets closer and closer as the x
or y increases or decreases its value without limit.

Kinds of Asymptote

• Vertical Asymptote
• Horizontal Asymptote
• Oblique / Slant Asymptote

VERTICAL ASYMPTOTE
The vertical line 𝑥 = 𝑎 is a vertical asymptote of a function f if the graph increases or
decreases without bound as the x values approach 𝒂 from the right or left. See
illustration below.

Vertical
Asymptote

Figure 2. Illustration of Vertical Asymptote using geogebra

13
By looking at the illustration we can see that the graph of the function is approaching
at x = - 5 represented by the dotted line and as we can see the graph is getting closer
and closer to x = - 5 but it will not pass or intersect the line. So, the vertical asymptote
of the graph is at x =- 5. We can find vertical asymptote even without looking at the
graph of the function.

Finding Vertical Asymptote

To determine the vertical asymptote of a rational function, first reduce the given
function to simplest form then find the zeroes of the denominator that are not zeros
of the numerator.

Examples
Determine the vertical asymptote of each rational function.

(𝑥−1) 𝑥+2 2𝑥 2 −𝑥+1

a. F(x) = b. f(x) = c. g(x) =
(𝑥+5) (𝑥+1)(𝑥−4) 𝑥 2 −6𝑥+9

Solutions
a. The zero of the numerator is 1 and the zero of the denominator is -5.
(𝑥−1)
The vertical asymptote for F(x) = is x = - 5. The value is zero of the
(𝑥+5)
denominator but not of the numerator.

b. The zero of the numerator is -2 and the zeroes of the denominator are
𝑥+2
-1 and 4. The vertical asymptote for f(x) = (𝑥+1)(𝑥−4)
are x = - 1 and x =
4. These values are zeroes of the denominator but not of the
denominator.

c. Since the function is in quadratic form, reduce it to simplest form. The

2𝑥 2 −𝑥−1 (2𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
simplest form of g(x) = 𝑥 2−5𝑥+6
is g(x) = (𝑥−3)(𝑥−2)
. The zeroes of the
numerator are -1/2 and 1. The zeroes of the denominator are 3 and 2.
(2𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
The vertical asymptote for g(x) = (𝑥−3)(𝑥−2) are x = 2 and x = 3. These
values are zeroes of the denominator but not of the denomin ator.
Let us now discuss Horizontal Asymptote

HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE
The horizontal line y=b is a horizontal asymptote of the function f if f(x) gets
closer to b as x increases or decreases without bound.

14
Looking at the graph on the next page, we can see that the graph of the function is
approaching a line in the y – axis, that line is called the horizontal asymptote. In the
graph we can see that it is getting closer and closer at y = 1 but it only approaches
but never touches or intersects y = 1. So, the horizontal asymptote of the function
is at y = 1. We can determine horizontal asymptote arithmetically by comparing the
degree of the leading coefficient of the numerator and denominator of the function.

Horizontal
Asymptote

Figure 3. Illustration of Vertical Asymptote using geogebra

Finding the horizontal asymptote of a rational function.

To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function, compare the

degree of the numerator n and the degree of the denominator d.

• If n < d, the horizontal asymptote is y= 0

• If n = d, the horizontal asymptote y is the ratio of the leading

coefficient of the numerator a, to the leading coefficient of the
𝑎
denominator b. That is 𝑦= .
𝑏

• If n > d, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Note: A rational function may or may not cross its horizontal asymptote. If the
function does not cross the horizontal asymptote y=b, then b is not part of the range
of the rational function.

15
EXAMPLES

Determine the horizontal asymptote of each rational function.

3𝑥+8 3 + 8𝑥 2 8𝑥 3 −1
a. F(x) = b. f(x) = c. g(x) =
𝑥 2 +1 𝑥 2 +1 1−𝑥 2

SOLUTIONS

a. The degree of the numerator 3x + 8 is less than the degree of the

denominator x2 + 1. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is y = 0.

b. The degree of the numerator 3 + 8x2 and that of the denominator x2 + 1 are
equal. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote y is equal to the ratio of the
leading coefficient of the numerator 8 to the leading coefficient of the
8
denominator 1. That is 𝑦 = = 8.
1

c. The degree of the numerator 8x3 – 1 is greater than the degree of the
denominator 1 – x2. Therefore, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Aside from vertical and horizontal asymptote, a rational function can have
another asymptote called oblique or slant. It occurs when there is no horizontal
asymptote or when the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the
denominator.

SLANT / OBLIQUE ASYMPTOTE

An oblique asymptote is a line that is neither vertical nor horizontal. It

occurs when the numerator of 𝑓(𝑥) has a degree that is one higher than the
degree of the denominator.

16
 Vertical
Asymptote

Oblique
Asymptote

Figure 4. Illustration of Oblique Asymptote using geogebra

Looking at the graph we can see that there is vertical asymptote and there is no
horizontal asymptote. In this case, oblique or slant asymptote occurs. We can
determine the oblique / slant asymptote using your knowledge of division of
polynomials.

Finding Oblique or Slant Asymptote

To find slant asymptote simply divide the numerator by the denominator by

either using long division or synthetic division. The oblique asymptote is the quotient
with the remainder ignored and set equal to y.

EXAMPLES

𝑥 2 +3
Consider the function ℎ (𝑥) = 𝑥−1
. Determine the asymptotes.

By looking at the function, h(x) is undefined at x = 1, so the vertical asymptote of h(x)

is the line at x = 1.

There is no horizontal asymptote because the degree of the numerator is greater than
the degree of the denominator.

17
 If the numerator and denominator of h(x) are divided, we get

𝑥 2+3
h(x) = 𝑥−1
x + 1 r. 4
= x - 1 x2 + 0x +3
- x2 (–) x
+
x+3
- x (–) 1
+
4
4
So, the quotient is x + 1 + 𝑥−1
.

Thus, the line y = x + 1 is the

oblique asymptote of ℎ (𝑥) =
𝑥 2 +3
𝑥−1
.

What’s More

Now it’s your turn.

Independent Practice 1
2𝑥+6
Given the rational function f(x) = 𝑋−3
, answer the following questions:

1. What are the two functions used to form the rational function?
2. What is the x-intercept of the function? Which function did you use to
determine the x-intercept? Why?
3. What is the y – intercept of the function? How did you get the y – intercept?
4. What is the zero of the function?

18
 Remember Me!

• To find the y – intercept, substitute 0 for x and solve for y or

f(x).
• To find the x – intercept, substitute 0 for y and solve for x.
• The zero of a rational function is the same as the x – intercept
of the function.

Try This!

Independent Assessment 1

Complete the table below by giving the intercepts and zeroes of rational
function.

Rational Function x - intercept y - intercept Zeroes of the

function

x−9
1. f(x) = x+3

𝑥 2−10x+25
2. f(x) =
x+5

𝑥 2 +9
3. f(x) = 𝑥 2−3

19
 Independent Practice 2

True or False. Tell whether each of the following is true or false. If the
statement is wrong change the underlined word to make it correct. Write
your answer on the space provided before each number.

__________ 1. An intercept is a line (or a curve) that the graph of a

function gets close to but does not touch.
__________ 2. If n > d, there is no horizontal asymptote.
__________ 3. To determine the vertical asymptote of a rational function,
find the zeroes of the numerator.
__________ 4. If n < d, the vertical asymptote is y = 0.
x
__________ 5. The horizontal asymptote of f(x) = is y = 1.
x2 −1
(x−1)(x+3)
__________ 6. The vertical asymptote of f(x) = are x = 1 and
x2 −1
x = 2.

Remember Me!

• An asymptote is an imaginary line to which a graph gets closer and

closer as the x or y increases or decreases its value without limit.

• To find vertical asymptote of a rational function, first reduce the given

function to simplest form then find the zeroes of the denominator that
are not zeros of the numerator.

• To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function, compare

the degree of the numerator n and the degree of the denominator d.

❖ If n < d, the horizontal asymptote is y= 0

❖ If n = d, the horizontal asymptote y is the ratio of the leading
coefficient of the numerator a, to the leading coefficient of the
𝑎
denominator b. That is 𝑦 = 𝑏 .
❖ If n > d, there is no horizontal asymptote.

• An oblique asymptote is a line that is neither vertical nor horizontal. It

occurs when the numerator of 𝑓(𝑥) has a degree that is one higher than
the degree of the denominator. Divide the numerator by the
denominator by either using long division or synthetic division. The
oblique asymptote is the quotient with the remainder ignored and set
equal to y.

20
Independent Assessment 2

Determine the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the following rational

functions.

Vertical Asymptote Horizontal Asymptote

2
1. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = __________________ ___________________
2𝑥+5

𝑥+3
2. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = __________________ ____________________
𝑥+7

(𝑥+3)(𝑥−2)
3. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = __________________ _____________________
(𝑥+5)(𝑥−4)

2 + 3𝑥
4. 𝑔(𝑥 ) = __________________ _____________________
𝑥 2 +3𝑥−4

𝑥−3
5. 𝑔(𝑥 ) = __________________ _____________________
2𝑥 2− 8

21
 What I Have Learned

Let us summarize what you have learned from this module by completing the
following statements. Write the correct word/s in a separate sheet of paper.

1. ______________ of the graph of a rational function are the points of

intersection of its graph and an axis.

2. ______________ of a function are the values of x which make the function

zero. The numbered zeroes are also ______________ of the graph of the
function.

3. ________________ of the graph of a rational function r(x), if it exists, occurs

at the zeros of the numerator that are not zeros of the denominators. To
find ____________ equate the function to ___________.

4. ________________of the graph of a rational function r(x) if it exists, occurs

at r(0), provided that r(x) is defined at x = 0. To find _______________ simply
evaluate the function at x = ____________.

5. An ______________ is an imaginary line to which a graph gets closer and

closer as the x or y increases or decreases its value without limit.

6. To find _________________of a rational function, first reduce the given

function to simplest form then find the zeroes of the denominator that are
not zeros of the numerator.

7. To determine the _______________ of a rational function, compare the degree

of the numerator n and the degree of the denominator d.

• If n < d, the horizontal asymptote is ___________

• If n = d, the horizontal asymptote y is the ratio of the leading

coefficient of the numerator a, to the leading coefficient of the
denominator b. That is y = ___________.

• If n > d, there is ____________ horizontal asymptote.

8. An oblique asymptote is a line that is ______________________. To determine

oblique asymptote, divide the numerator by the denominator by either
using long division or synthetic division. The oblique asymptote is the
quotient with the remainder ignored and set equal to y.

22
 What I Can Do

Let’s apply what you have learned from the lesson.

The concentration (C) of a given substance in a mixture is the ratio of the

amount of substance to the total quantity. In symbols,

𝑆
𝐶=
𝑄

where C is the concentration, S is the amount of substance, and T is the

total quantity. If 8 ounces of punch contains 4 ounces of pure orange juice,
the concentration of orange juice in the punch is 4/8 or 50%. The punch is
50% orange juice. Consider the problem where we begin that 8 ounces of
punch that is 50% orange juice and want to write a function that gives the
orange juice concentration after x ounces of pure orange juice are added.

Questions:

a. How much orange juice do you begin with? Write an expression for
the amount of orange juice present after x ounces has been added.

b. Write an expression for the total amount of punch present after x

ounces has been added.

c. Using the answers in (a) and (b), write a rational function defining
the pineapple juice concentration as a function of x.

d. Give the x and y - intercepts of the rational function.

e. What is the equation of the vertical asymptote and of the horizontal

asymptote?

23
 Assessment

Let’s Do This!
1. Which of the following is the set of all values that 𝑓(𝑥) take?
a. Range c. Domain
b. Intercept d. Zeroes

𝑥−3
2. What is the y-intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) =𝑥+3?
a. 0 c. – 3
b. – 1 d. – 5

𝑥−1
3. What is the x – intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
𝑥
a. x = -1 c. x = 1
b. x = 0 d. All real numbers

4. Complete the sentence: The x- intercept of rational function is also _________

of the graph of the function.
a. asymptote c. zero
b. range d. domain

5. Which of the following are the points of intersection of the graph and the axes?
a. Range c. Domain
b. Intercept d. Zeroes

3
6. What is the domain of f(x) =𝑥 ?
a. D = {𝑥|𝑥 = 1} c. D = {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ 1}
b. D ={𝑥|𝑥 = 0} d. D = {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ 0}

7. Which of the following is a not a true statement?

a. A rational function is a quotient of functions.
b. Asymptotes are a common characteristic of rational functions.
c. An asymptote is a line that a graph approaches, but does not touch.
d. Domain and Range of rational functions are always equal

8. If the degree of the leading coefficient of the numerator is less than to the
degree of the leading coefficient of the denominator of a rational
function, which of the following statements has to be true?
a. The graph has no asymptote
b. The graph of the function has slant asymptote
c. The graph of the function has a horizontal asymptote
d. None of the above

24
 𝑥+5
9. What is the zero of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = ?
3𝑥 2
a. x = 5 c. x = - 3
b. x = 0 d. x = - 5

3𝑥+1
10. What is the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 (𝑥) = ?
𝑥−5
a. y = 5 c. y = 1
b. y = 3 d. y = 0

𝑥 2 −3𝑥
11. What is the y - intercept of 𝑓 (𝑥) = ?
𝑥+3
a. y = 3 c. y = 0
b. y = 1 d. y = - 2

12. When the degree of the leading coefficient of the denominator of a rational
function is greater than the degree of the leading coefficient of the numerator,
𝑎
the horizontal asymptote is at 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑛 the statement is ____________.
𝑑
a. Always true c. Never true
b. Sometimes true d. Cannot be determined

(𝑥−3)(𝑥−2)(𝑥+5)
13. How will you describe the vertical asymptote of 𝑓 (𝑥) = (𝑥−1)(𝑥−3)(𝑥−2)
?
a. does not exist c. approaching at x = -1
b. approaching at x = 1 d. approaching at x = 0

𝑥 2 −2𝑥−15
14. What is the x – intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −25
?
a. x = 5 c. x = - 3
b. x = 3 d. x = - 5

2𝑥 2 +𝑥+3
15. What is the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 (𝑥) = ?
2𝑥 2 +3𝑥+1
a. y = 3 c. 1
b. y = 2 d. 0

25
 Additional Activities

To deepen your knowledge on finding the intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of

rational function you can visit the following websites,
https://youtu.be/gDC7XflNbQl and https://youtu.be/GgdGpjiJmkl.

For those who don’t have online connections you can answer the following questions
to deepen your understanding about the lesson.

Analyze the given function and determine:

a. x – and y- intercepts
b. zeros
c. Asymptotes

𝑥+1 𝑥 2 −4𝑥+5
1. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥−4 2. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−4

26
 27
Additional Activity
1. a. x = -1 and y = -1/4 Post - Assessment
b. x = -1
c. VA at x = 4 1. A 9. D
HA at y = 1 2. B 10. B
SA = none 3. C 11. C
2. a. x = none and 4. C 12. C
y = -1.25 5. B 13. B
b. none 6. D 14. C
c. VA at x = 4 7. D 15. C
HA none 8. C
SA none
Independent Assessment 2
Application
Vertical Horizontal
a. 4, 4 + x Asymptote Asymptote
b. 8+x 1 x = -5/2 or -2.5 y=0
4+𝑥
c. C(x) = 8+𝑥 2 x=-7 y=1
d. x = - 4 or (-4, 0) 3 x = -5 & x = 4 y=1
y = 0.5 or (0, 0.5) 4 x = -4 & x = 1 y=0
e. y=1 5 x = -2 & x = -2 y=0
Independent Practice 2
1. Asymptote Independent Assessment 1
2. True
3. Denominator x-intercept y-intercept Zeroes of f(x)
4. Horizontal
asymptote
5. y=0 9 -3 9
6. x = -1 5 (multiplicity 2) 5 5(multiplicity 2)
none -3 none
Independent Practice 1 What I Know
1. 2x + 6 and x – 3 1. C
2. x = - 3 or (-3, 0) 2. B
2x + 6, in getting the x- 3. B
intercept use the 4. B
numerator of the function 5. A
3. y = -2 or (0, -2) 6. D
Activity 7. D
substitute 0 to the x value
of the function 8. C
1. I 9. B
4. The zero is at 2. C
x = -3 10. A
3. M 11. B
4. A 12. A
5. G 13. D
14. A
15. A
Answer Key
REFERENCES

DIWA Senior High School Series: General Mathematics, DIWA Learning Systems Inc,
Makati City, 2016.
General Mathematics Learner’s Materials. Pasig City, Philippines: Department of

Education- Bureau of Learning Resources, 2016.

Orines, Fernando B., Next Century Mathematics 11 General Mathematics, Phoenix

Publishing House, Quezon City, 2016.

Oronce, Orlando A., General Mathematics, 1 st Edition, Rex Book Store, Inc., Sampaloc
Manila, 2016.

Santos, Darwin C. and Ma. Garnet P. Biason, Math Activated: Engage Yourself and
Our World General Math, Don Bosco Press, Makati City, 2016.

Young, Cynthia, Algebra and Trigonometry, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New Jersey,
2010.

Internet Source:

https://youtu.be/gDC7XflNbQl

https://youtu.be/GgdGpjiJmkl.

28
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph