GENERAL

MATHEMATICS
Illustrating Rational Equations
and Inequalities
M11GM-Ib-2
M11GM-Ib-3
M11GM-IIc-3
Rational Functions
M11GM-Ib-1
M11GM-Ib-4
M11GM-Ib-5
M11GM-Ic-1
 This handout was designed and written for you to help you: (1) how to solve
rational equations and inequalities and (2) understand and visualize different types
of functions and the nature of their graphs. The scope of this handout permits it to
be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the
standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be
changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

The handout is composed of a lesson, namely:

 Lesson 1 – Rational Functions

After going through this handout, you are expected to:

1. Represent real-life situations using rational functions.

2. Distinguish rational functions, rational equations and rational inequalities
3. Solve rational equations and inequalities
4. Solve problems involving rational equations and inequalities
5. Represent a rational function through its: (a) table of values, (b) graph and
(c) equation.
6. Find the domain and range of a rational function.
7. Graph rational functions.

1
Lesson 1: Rational Equations and Inequalities

In your junior high school mathematics courses, you have learned the
basic factoring methods and the process of simplifying polynomial
expressions. These skills are necessary in solving rational equations and
inequalities. In addition, a good grasp in determining the Least Common
Denominator (LCD) would help to easily understand the present topic. That
is why we recall these concepts on our previous activities.

As an overview on the concept of rational equations and rational

inequalities, let us examine the following and try to determine whether each
is a rational function, rational equation, rational inequality or none of these.
x−2
(a) y =
x+5
7 2x
(b) 6 - =
x−1 3 x +5
3
(c) √ x−2 + 4 = 2 x

x 2−3 x+1
(d) =
3 x +5 2

x2 −4 √ x +3 x−1
(e) y =
4−x
x+6
(f) >x–1
3
On the given examples, (a) is rational function, (b) and (d) are rational
equations, (f) is a rational inequality and (c) and (d) do not fall in any of the
categories.

If you are wondering what these terms are, we are going to discuss
more and define each of them later in this handout. So, don’t worry and just
keep going!

Did you know that we encounter the concept of rational functions

almost on a daily basis?

2
 When you carefully measure the ratio of sugar and creamer you put
on your coffee every morning, when you wonder about how many days you
will need to read a novel of certain pages given that you can only read it for
some spare time each day, when you are managing your time to do all the
tasks you want to achieve within the day, rational functions exist.
There are lots of application of this concept on our daily lives. To give
you a more comprehensive example, let’s take a look on the following
situation.
Mean is turning 18 on September this year. Since it will happen
during the COVID 19 pandemic, the whole family decided to make the
celebration simple yet memorable. They plan to fill her room with 5-inches
and 10-inches metallic balloons. If two-fifths of the room will be filled with
10-inches balloons and the remaining space is for the 5-inches balloons,
they will need a total of 250 balloons. If five 10-inches balloons costs
Php25.75 and ten 5-inches balloons cost Php33.70, how much will be the
total cost of balloons?

To solve for this, first, we let 𝑥1 be the number of 10-inches balloons, 𝑥2

be the number of 5-inches balloons and 𝑓(𝑥) be the total cost of all the
balloons.

If the total number of balloons needed for the room is 250, then 𝑥1 + 𝑥2
= 250. 𝑥1 is of 250. Using these facts, let’s compute for 𝑥1 and 𝑥2.
Number of 10-inches Balloons Number of 5-inches Balloons
250∗2 Multiply to get of 𝑥1 + 𝑥2 = 250 Get the original
x 1=
5 250 equation
100 + 𝑥2 = 250
¿ 100 Substitute the value
Answer. 𝑥2 = 250 − 100
of 𝑥1
𝑥2 = 150 Transpose 100
Simplify.

Therefore, they need 100 pcs of 10-inches balloons and 150 pcs of
5inches balloons.
Now let’s solve for the total cost of balloons which we defined as 𝑓(𝑥).
Recall that ten 5-inches balloons cost 33.70php, and five 10-inches balloons
costs 25.75php, in function notation, that can be written as
25.75 php 33.70 php
f ( x )= ( x1 )+ (x 2)
5 10

Php 25.75 Php 33.70 Substitute the values of 𝑥1 and 𝑥2

f ( x )= ( 100 ) + (150)
5 10

3
 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑃ℎ𝑝515 + 𝑃ℎ𝑝505.50 Simplify each term using your
calculator
𝑓(𝑥) = 1,020.50𝑝ℎ𝑝 Final answer.

Therefore, the total cost of the balloons is Php 1,020.50

Aside from the balloons, they plan to cook her favorite dishes. These
include classic Filipino-style spaghetti, chicken inasal, shanghai, biko, coffee
jelly, and mocha cake. If the total cost of ingredients for the food is Php8,000
and her sister Rose wants to cover 2/5 of the whole expenses including the
cost of balloons, her brother Dave will share 1/3 of the total expenses, how
much do they need to give each? And if the remaining balance will be
shouldered by their father, how much will it be?

We let 𝑔(𝑥) be the total cost of the birthday expenses, 𝑥𝑅 be Rose’s

share, 𝑥𝐷 be Dave’s share and 𝑥𝐹 be their father’s share. Based on the
problem above, the following information can be drawn:

a. g ( x )=Php 8,000.00+ Php 1,020.50=Php 9,020.50

b. g ( x )=x R + x D + x F
2 2
c. x R is of g( x ) or x R = ⋅ g(x)
5 5
1 1
d. x D is of g( x ) or x D = ⋅ g(x )
3 3

Let’s find the values of 𝑥𝑅 and 𝑥𝐷.

Rose’s Share Dave’s Share

Defined formulas
𝑥𝑅 𝑥𝐷

Substitute the value of 𝑔(𝑥)

𝑥𝑅 𝑥𝐷
𝑥𝑅 = 𝑃ℎ𝑝 3, 608.20 𝑥𝐷 = 𝑃ℎ𝑝 3,006.83 Multiply the values

Therefore, Rose’s share is 𝑃ℎ𝑝 3, 608.20 and Dave’s share is 𝑥𝐷 = 𝑃ℎ𝑝 3,006.83.

To solve for father’s share,

𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥𝑅 + 𝑥𝐷 + 𝑥𝐹 Defined formula
Substitute values of
𝑃ℎ𝑝 9,020.50 = 𝑃ℎ𝑝 3, 608.20 + 𝑃ℎ𝑝 3,006.83 + 𝑥𝐹
𝑔(𝑥), 𝑥𝑅, 𝑥𝐷
𝑃ℎ𝑝 9,020.50 = 𝑃ℎ𝑝 6,615.03 + 𝑥𝐹 Add values of 𝑥𝑅 and 𝑥𝐷
Transpose the sum of 𝑥𝑅 and
𝑃ℎ𝑝 9,020.50 − 𝑃ℎ𝑝 6,615.03 = 𝑥𝐹
𝑥𝐷.

4
 𝑃ℎ𝑝 2,405.47 = 𝑥𝐹 Get the difference.

Finally, the amount of their father’s share on the expenses will be

𝑃ℎ𝑝 2,405.47.

Nowadays, being practical in life is a must. And we see that applying

the concept of rational functions can help us achieve it. So, let’s learn more
about rational functions, equations, and inequalities in the next discussions
of this handout.
Activity 1:

A. Examine each of the following given. Write RE if it is a rational

equation, RI if it is a rational inequality, and RF if it is a rational
function on the space provided before each number.
e e
_______ 1. − =5
e+5 e−5
3 y+1
_______ 2. ≠500 y
y
( 3 x−10 )
_______ 3. <x
( x−2 )2

_______ 4. xy=4+ x 2−x 4

x−1 x−2
_______ 5. =
x+ 1 x +2
5t
_______ 6. c (t )= 2
t +1
4 x 3 +3 x 2+2 x+ 1
_______ 7. ≥1
x−3

B. Solve the given rational equations below then check for extraneous
solutions.

3 10
3. −¿ 2 =
x−1 ( x+1 ) ( 2
x +2 x ) 8 x −5 x−5 x −25
1. = 2. =
2 x +4 x +2 x +3 x+3 2
x+5
C. Find the solution for the following rational inequalities.

D. Solve the situations below.

2 a+10 x−2
1. ≤1 2. >−1 3. 2
<¿ 0
x a+1 x −3 x −10

5
 1. Xyrra and Luisa are preparing for a party. Xyra can pump 10 balloons
in 35 mins while Luisa can pump 15 balloons in 32mins. If they have
to pump 150 balloons and the party will start in 3 hours, will they be
able to make if they work together?

2. An inflatable pool can be filled by a pipe in 2 hours and a smaller pipe

can fill it in 3 hours. How long will it take to fill the pool if both pipes
are open?

Lesson 2: Rational Functions

In this lesson you will learn how to represent real-life situations using rational
functions and illustrate the nature of these functions in terms of it graphs and
elements.

A polynomial function is a function such as a quadratic, a cubic, a

quartic, and so on, involving only non-negative integer powers of x. We can
give a general definition of a polynomial, and define its degree.

A polynomial of degree n is a function of the form

f ( x )=an x n +a n−1 x n−1+ .. .+a 2 x 2+ a1 x + a0

Where the a’s are real numbers (sometimes called the coefficients of
the polynomial). Although this general formula might look quite
complicated, particular examples are much simpler. For example,

f ( x )=4 x 3−3 x 2+ 2

is a polynomial of degree 3, as 3 is the highest power of x in the

formula. This is called a cubic polynomial, or just a cubic. And

f ( x )=x 7−4 x 5 +1

is a polynomial of degree 7, as 7 is the highest power of x. Notice here

that we don’t need every power of x up to 7: we need to know only the
highest power of x to find out the degree. An example of a kind you may be
familiar with is

f ( x )=4 x 2−2 x−4

which is a polynomial of degree 2, as 2 is the highest power of x. This

is called a quadratic. Functions containing other operations, such as square
roots, are not polynomials. For example,

f ( x )=4 x 3 + √ x −1

is not a polynomial as it contains a square root. And

6
 3
f ( x )=5 x 4 −2 x 2 +
x

is not a polynomial as it contains a ‘divide by x’, making it a Rational

Function.

Definition
A polynomial function p of degree n is a function that can be
written in the form

f ( x )=an x n +a n−1 x n−1+ .. .+a 2 x 2+ a1 x + a0

Where a 0 , a1 , … , an ∈ R , a n ≠ 0, and n is a positive integer. Each

summand is a term of the polynomial function. The constants
a 0 , a1 , a2 , … , an are the coefficients. The leading coefficient is
a n x n and the constant term is a 0.

Now, identify which of the following functions are

polynomials and indicate its degree; if it is not a polynomial
indicate the reason why it is not:

Function Degree/reason

1. f ( x )=6 x 3+ 4

2. f ( x )=3 x 4 −8 x+ √ 10 x

3. f ( x )=15−4 x6 +10 x 3

8 18
4. f ( x )=4 x +
x3

7
 The local government received a budget of P5,000,000.00 to provide
goods for the families living in the barangay as a part of the social
amelioration program. Write an equation representing the relationship
of the allotted amount per household (y-variable) versus the total
number of households in the barangay (x-variable).

To represent the situation as an equation, we must first understand

that variables that are being used; the P5,000,000.00 is a constant
therefore there will be no variable in the equation that would change that
value; the number of households in the barangay (x-variable) is an
independent variable because it may be an unknown value no other
variable change affects its value and; the allotted amount per household (y-
variable) is the dependent variable because its value depends on the
number of household (x-variable). Therefor we can say that
P5,000,000.00
alloted amount =
no . of households

or
P 5,000,000.00
y=
x

Using this equation, we can calculate the expected amount of

allocation for different values for the number of households from this table:
No. of households, x 1000 900 800 700 600 500
Allocated amount, y P5,000 P5,555 P6,250

This type of function is called a rational function. It is defined as:

p( x )
 A rational function is a function of the form f ( x )=
where p
q( x )
and q are polynomial functions and q is not the zero
polynomial.

 A rational function is any function which can be written as the

To understand the nature of rational functions we must first learn the

following terminologies:

 Domain is the set of all values of the variable x can take.

 Range is the set of all values that f(x) or y can take.

8
  Asymptote is a straight line that is the limiting value of a curve.
o Vertical Asymptotes is the value(s) of x that limits the function’s
domain or the values that are not in the domain.
o Horizontal Asymptotes is the value(s) of y where the value of the
variable x increases or decreases without bound.
 Intercepts or zeroes are the points in a graph where the function crosses
the x and y axes.
 X-intercept is where the function crosses the x-axis (n,0)
 Y-intercept is where the function crosses the y-axis (0,n)

The nature of a rational functions is defined by its asymptotes and

intercepts. In the section below we will discuss how to find these parts of the
function.

X AND Y INTERCEPTS

The x and y intercepts of all functions are found by plugging a 0 value in the
x or y variables on the equation to get the other variable’s value at (x, 0) and (0, y).
For example, in

y=12 x−36
To get the y-intercept, we must plug the 0 value in the x and solve for the
value of y

y=12 ( 0 ) −36

y=−36
Therefore, our y-intercept is (0, -36). To get the y-intercept, we must plug in
the 0 value in the y and solve for the value of x

( 0 ) =12 x−36
12 x 36
=
12 12
x=3
Therefore, our x-intercept is (3, 0). A function can have multiple x and y
intercepts depending on its nature.

VERTICAL ASYMPTOTES AND DOMAIN

Vertical asymptotes (VA) are the values of x in the function that makes the
function ‘illegal’ or undefined. In rational functions these can be found as the
zeroes or x-intercepts of the function in the denominator. For example, in the
rational function

−5 x
f ( x )=
( x−1 ) ( x+3 )

9
 Whereas ( x−1)(x+ 3) is the function in its denominator. We must find the
values of x that will make the function undefined or {f(x)} over {0} by equating the
denominator to 0

0=( x−1 ) ( x +3 )

x 1 :0=x−1

x 1=1

x 2 :0=x +3

x 2=−3

Therefore, the vertical asymptotes of the function are x=1 and x=−3 . The
domain is defined as all of the possible values of the variable x of the function. We
can get this directly by looking at the vertical asymptotes and stating the x is a real
number such that x is not equal to the vertical asymptotes. In this case,

{x ∈ R : x ≠ 1 , x ≠−3 }

HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES

Horizontal asymptotes (HA) are the values of y in the function that limits the
functions range because it is impossible to obtain using the function at any value
of x. To find the horizontal asymptote, we need to compare the polynomial degrees
of the functions in the numerator and denominator

p( x )
f ( x )=
q( x )
I. If the denominator’s polynomial degree is larger than the polynomial
degree of the numerator (q ( x ) > p ( x ) , in terms of polynomial degree), then the HA
is y=0. For example,

2 x+5
f ( x )= 2
x −3 x+ 4
Since the polynomial degree of the denominator is greater than the
polynomial degree of the numerator ( 2>1), the horizontal asymptote for this
function is y=0.

II. If the numerator’s polynomial degree is equal to the denominator’s

polynomial degree ( p ( x ) =q( x), in terms of polynomial degree) or

ax n
f ( x )=
bx n

10
 Then the horizonal asymptote is the ration between the coefficients of the
terms with the highest degree on both the numerator and the denominator or

a
y=
b
Take this function as an example:

2 x 2+ 4 x +5
f ( x )=
3 x 2−3 x+ 4
Since the highest polynomial degree on both numerator and denominator
functions we will get the ratio between their coefficients as its horizontal asymptote

2 x 2+ 4 x +5
f ( x )=
3 x 2−3 x+ 4
2
Therefore, the horizontal asymptote for this function is y=
3
III. If the polynomial degree of the numerator is greater than the
denominator’s ( p ( x ) > q( x ), in terms of polynomial degree), then there is no
horizontal asymptote in the rational function but an oblique asymptote or slanting
asymptote. It is found by dividing the numerator using the denominator, the
resulting quotient ignoring its remainder is the oblique asymptote. For example,

x 3+ 2 x 2−3 x +5
f ( x )=
x2 −3 x + 4
Since the polynomial degree of the numerator is greater than the polynomial
degree of the denominator (3>2), we will perform long division on the numerator (
p(x )) using the denominator (q ( x)) as the dividend.
x +5
2
x −3 x+ 4 x 3+ 2 x 2−3 x +5
- x 3−3 x 2+ 4 x
5 x 2−7 x+5
- 5 x 2−15 x+20
8 x−15
Ignoring the remainder 8 x−15 , the resulting quotient will be the oblique
asymptote. The oblique asymptote of the function is written as y=x +5.

RANGE

The range of a rational function is all of the values or y or f(x) can take.
Unlike the domain, the range is not instantly available from the function’s
asymptotes. The range of the function is defined by graphing the function and
getting the possible values of y. This will be further discussed on the following
examples.

11
 x−2
Example 1: Consider the function f ( x )= . (a) Find its domain, (b) intercepts, (c)
x +2
sketch its graph and (d) determine its range.

a. To define the domain we must first, equate the denominator to 0 and

solve for the value of x.
0=x+ 2
x=−2
Domain: {x ∈ R : x ≠−2}
b. For the x-intercept, we must equate the function to 0 to get the x-
intercept and solve for the value of x.
x−2
0=
x+2
x−2
x +2 0=(x+2 )
0=x−2
x=2
x-intercept: ( 2 , 0 )
For the y-intercept, we must plug a 0 value to x variables in the
function and solve for the value of y.
( 0 ) −2
y=
( 0 )+ 2
−2
y=
2
y=−1
y-intercept: (0 ,−1)
c. To sketch the graph of f (x), let us look at what happens to the graph
near the values of x which make the denominator undefined. The
denominator is zero when x=−2. Let us look at values of x close to -2
on its left side (i.e. x ←2, denoted −2−¿ ¿) and the values of x close to
-2 on its right side (i.e. x >−2, denoted −2+¿¿ ).

I. The table of values of x approaching 2-

x -3 -2.5 -2.1 -2.01 -2.001 -2.0001 As x approaches -2-

f (x) 5 9 41 401 4001 40001 f (x) increases without

bound

II. The table of values of x approaching 2+

x -1 -1.5 -1.9 -1.99 -1.999 -1.9999 As x approaches -2+

f (x) -3 -7 -39 -399 -3999 -39999 f (x) decreases without

bound

12
 Now we plot these values in a Cartesian plane.

Figure 1: Note that the axes do not have the same scale

We can observe that as x approaches -2 from the left and from the
right, the graph gets closer and closer to the line x=−2, indicated in
the figure with a dashed line. This is what the vertical asymptote looks
like.

A vertical line x=a is a vertical asymptote of a function if its graph

either increases or decreases without bound or infinitely as the
x-values approach a from right or left but never be equal to a.

We will also look how the function behaves as x increases or decreases

without bound. To observe that we will construct a table of values for
f (x) as x increases and decreases infinitely or as x →+ ∞ and x →−∞.

a. The table of values for f (x) as x →+ ∞

13
 x 5 10 100 1000 1000 As x →+ ∞

f (x) 0.43 0.67 0.96 0.9960 0.99960 f (x) approaches 1-

b. The table of values for f (x) as x →−∞

x -5 -10 -100 -1000 -1000 As x →−∞

f (x) 2.33 1.5 1.041 1.00401 1.0004001 f (x) approaches 1+

When we plot these values to a Cartesian plane, it would look like

this.

Figure 2. Note that the axes do not have the same scale

We can observe that as the value of x increases or decreases without

bound or infinitely, the value of f (x) gets closer and closer to 1. The
line y=1 is indicated in the figure with a dashed line. This is a
horizontal asymptote, and we can solve for it using the methods stated
earlier in this handout.

A horizontal line y=b is a horizontal asymptote of a function if

its value gets closer to b as x increases or decreases without
bound (x →+ ∞ and x →−∞).

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.

Now that we know the behavior of the function as x approaches -2

(where the function is undefined) and also as x →+ ∞ or x →−∞, we can
complete the sketch of the graph at the zeroes.

Construct a table of signs to determine the sign of the function on the

intervals determined by the zeroes and the vertical asymptotes. That
is, construct a table of signs using the values of x that make either the

14
numerator or denominator 0 as boundaries. In this example, the
boundaries are x=−2 and x=2.

Observe that at the x-intercept, x=2, the graph changes from negative
to positive.
Now can plot the zeroes, the y-intercept, and the asymptotes. From
the table of signs and the previous graphs, we know that f ( x ) >1 as
x →−∞. Draw a short segment across (2 , 0) to indicate that the
function transitions from negative to positive at this point.

We also know that f (x) increases without bound as x →−2−¿¿ and f (x)
decreases without bound as x →−2+¿¿. Sketch some arrows near the
asymptotes to indicate this information.

Figure 3. Zeroes and asymptotes of f (x)

Trace the arrowheads along with the intercepts using smooth curves.
Do not cross the vertical asymptote.

Figure 4. Tracing smooth curves

15
 This graph shows the correct behavior of the function, but it may not
show the correct heights. To do so, one would need to plot more
points. This graph was obtained through the use of a graphing
software.

x−2
Figure 5. The actual sketch of the graph of y= for reference
x +2

d. From the graph of the rational function, we can observe that the
function does not cross the horizontal asymptote. We also observe
that the function increases and decreases without bound, and is
asymptotic to the line y=1. Therefore, only the value 1 is not included
in the range of the f (x).
The range of f (x) is (−∞, 1) ∪(1 ,+∞)

4 x2 + 4 x+ 1
Example 2: Find the horizontal asymptote of f x = 2
( )
x +3 x +2
From the previous example we have defined horizontal asymptotes by
looking at the behavior of rational functions at extreme values of x (
x →+ ∞ or x →−∞ ¿ .

In this case however, at extreme values of x, the value of a polynomial

can be approximated using the value of the leading term. For example,
if x=1000, the value of 4 x2 + 4 x+ 1 is 4,004,001. A good approximation is
the value of 4 x2 , which is 4,000,000.

Similarly, for the extreme values of x, the value of x 2+ 3 x +2 can be

approximated by x 2. Thus, for extreme values of x, the f (x) approaches
can be approximated by

4 x2
=4
x2
Therefore, f (x) approaches 4 for extreme values of x. This means that
we have a horizontal asymptote at y=4. We can observe that in this

16
 case the leading terms of the polynomials of the numerator and the
denominator are in the same degree and the resulting horizontal
asymptote is equal to the ratio of their leading terms’ coefficients.

2 x2 −5
Example 3: Find the horizontal asymptote of f ( x )=
3 x 2+ x−7
Following the ideas from the previous example, the value for the
2 x 2−5
extreme values of x of can be approximated by
3 x 2 + x−7

2 x2 2
=
3 x2 3
Or simply by observing their leading terms’ coefficients. Thus, the
2
horizontal asymptote is y=
3
3x+4
Example 4: Find the horizontal asymptote of f ( x )=
2 x2 +3 x +1
By applying the idea from the previous examples, the value of
3 x +4
can be approximated by the ratio of the leading terms for
2 x 2 +3 x+1
the extreme values of x
3x 3
=
2x 2
2 x

3
If we substitute extreme values of x in , we will obtain values very
2x
close to 0. We can also observe that in this function the leading term
in the numerator has a lower polynomial degree than the leading term
of the denominator. Thus, the horizontal asymptote is y=0.

4 x 3−1
Example 5: Show that f ( x )= has no horizontal asymptote
3 x 2+2 x−5

4 x3 −1
For large values of x, the value of can be approximated by
3 x 2 +2 x−5
its leading terms as well

4 x3 4 x
=
3 x2 3

17
 4x
If we substitute extreme values of x in , we obtain extreme values
3
as well. Thus, if x takes on extreme values, then y also takes on
extreme values and do not approach a particular finite number. The
function has no horizontal asymptote.

We can observe that in this example the leading term on the

numerator has a higher polynomial degree than the denominator.
Therefore, we can say that this function has no horizontal
asymptote but has an oblique asymptote instead, which can be
derived by getting the quotient of the rational function using long
division.

4 x3 −1 4x 8
2
3 x +2 x−5
= (
− +remainder
3 9 )
4x 8
Oblique asymptote: y= −
3 9
2
3 x −8 x−3
Example 6: Sketch the graph of f ( x )= 2 . Find its domain and range.
2 x +7 x−4
The domain of the function is all values of x not including those where
the function is undefined. Therefore, the domain of f (x) is the set
1 1
(−∞,−4)∪(−4 , )∪ ( ,+∞).
2 2

The numerator and denominator of f (x) can be factored as follows.

3 x 2−8 x−3 (3 x +1)(x−2)

f ( x )= =
2 x 2 +7 x−4 (2 x−1)(x+ 4)
We also obtain the following:

 Y-intercept: 0 , ( 34 )
0−0−3 3
f ( 0 )= =
0+0−4 4

 X-intercept or zeroes: ( −13 , 0) ,( 3 , 0)

3 x+ 1=0
−1
x 1=
3
x−3=0
x 2=3

18
 1
 Vertical asymptotes: x= , x=−4
2
2 x−1=0
1
x 1=
2
x +2=0
x 2=−4
 Horizontal asymptotes:
The polynomials in the numerator and the denominator have
equal degree. The horizontal asymptote is the ratio of the
3
leading coefficients: y=
2
Plot the intercepts and asymptotes on the Cartesian plane.

Figure 6. Intercepts and asymptotes of f (x)

Construct a table of signs using the values of x that make either the
numerator or denominator 0 as boundaries. These are (in increasing
1 1
order) −4 ,− , , 3.
3 2

Draw sections of the graph through the zeroes indicating the correct
transition based on the table of signs.

19
 Figure 7. Sketch the graph across the zeroes based on the table of signs

Draw sections of the graph near the asymptotes based on the

transition indicated on the table of signs.

Figure 8. Sketch the graph near the asymptotes based on table of signs

Complete the sketch by connecting the arrowheads, making sure that

the sketch passes through the y-intercept as well. The sketch should
follow the horizontal asymptote as the x-values goes to the extreme left
and right of the Cartesian plane.

20
 Figure 9. rough sketch of the graph following the information above

The actual graph, obtained through a graphing software, is shown in

the next figure.

Figure 10. Actual sketch of the graph using a graphing software

From the graph, we observe that the function increases and decreases
without bound. The graph also crosses the horizontal asymptote.
Therefore, the range of the function is the set R of all real numbers.

NOTE:
There are cases in which a zero or intercepts is also one of the values that
make the rational function undefined. In this case you must simplify the
rational function by cancelling out common factors on the numerator and
denominator.

Assessment

21
Identify the intercepts, vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptote, domain,
and range of the following functions.

−4
1.) f ( x )=
x

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

−x +2
3.) f ( x )=
x−1

−3
4.) f ( x )=
x

1
5.) f ( x )= 2
3 x +3 x−18

x −2
6.) f ( x )=
x−4

x 3−x 2−6 x
7.) f ( x )=
−3 x 2−3 x+18

22
References

Kuta Software. (n.d.). Graphing Simple Rational Functions. Retrieved July

25, 2020, from https://www.kutasoftware.com/freeia2.html

Libretexts. (2020, May 14). 5.7: Rational Functions. Retrieved July 25, 2020,
from
https://math.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Algebra/Map:_College_Algebr
a_(OpenStax)/05:_Polynomial_and_Rational_Functions/507:_Rational_
Functions

MathCentre. (2009). Search by entering one or more keywords or a phrase

in quotes. Retrieved July 25, 2020, from
http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/search/?q=polynomial

Miro, E., Ocampo, S., Hao, L., Crisologo, L., Tresvalles, R., & Palomo, E.
(2016).Rational Functions. In General Mathematics Teacher's Guide (pp.
58-81). Pasig City: Lexicon Press.