GRADE 11

Center for Development, Training and Competency Assessment Inc.

0030 Zapote St. PHHC Area-D Camarin Caloocan City

General Mathematics
RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
(Polynomial Function, Domain and Range of a Rational
Functions, Intercepts of a Rational Functions, and
Evaluation of Rational Functions)

Week No: 6

NAME : _____________________________________________________________

STRAND: _____________________________________________________________

SECTION: _____________________________________________________________

DATE RELEASED: __________________ RELEASED BY: ___________________

DATE SUBMITTED: __________________ RECEIVED BY: __________________

 HOW TO USE THE MODULE?

As you start studying the module, I want you to set aside other task/s that may disturb you while enjoying the
lessons. Read the instructions below to successfully enjoy the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of the module.
2. Don’t forget to answer Pre-test before moving on to the other activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Analyze conceptually the post-test and apply what you have learned.
6. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
7. Enjoy studying!
8. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your
teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deep understanding
of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

When two polynomial functions are expressed as a quotient, a new function will be formed. This function is
𝑃(𝑥)
called a rational function. Given two polynomial functions P and Q, the function defined by f(x)=𝑄(𝑥) is a rational
function. The domain of any rational function is the set of real numbers except the zeroes of the denominator. Consider
𝑥+3
the rational function g defined by g(x)= . The domain of g consists of all real numbers except 5, Similarly, the rational
𝑥−5
𝑥+2
function f(x)= 𝑥−1
, is not defined at x=1.

A polynomial functions can be written as a fraction. For instance, we have the polynomial function f defined by
2 x2+3
f(x)= x +3, f can also be written as f(x)= 1 .
.

Most Essential Learning Competency

This module aims to assist the learners to be able to distinguish rational functions, define polynomial function,
find the domain of a rational functions, find the intercepts of a rational functions and simplify rational
expressions/functions.

Expectations

After going through this module, you are expected to:

At the end of the lesson, the learner is able to:

1. define rational function

2. find the x and y intercept of a rational function.

3. solve problems involving rational function

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 LESSON 1 POLYNOMIAL FUNCTION

A polynomial is a monomial or sum of monomials with real number coefficients. A polynomial is in standard
form if its written in descending order of exponents from left to right such as 9x5-x3+4x+7
When a polynomial is written in standard form, the coefficient of the first term is the leading coefficient, and
the exponent of the first term is the degree of the polynomial. A term that has no variable called a constant term.

iDegree Type Standard Form Example(s)

0 Constant f(x)=k f(x)=8, g(x)=-3
1 Linear f(x)=ax+b f(x)=2x+7
2 Quadratic f(x)=ax2+bx+c f(x)=4x2+x-5
3 Cubic f(x)=ax3+bx2+cx+d f(x)=2x3-5x2-1
4 Quartic f(x)=ax4+bx3+cx2+dx+e f(x)=3x4+x3-x+4

Example 1 Identify Polynomial Functions

Tell whether the function is a polynomial function. If it is, write the function in standard form. Then state its
degree, type, and leading coefficient.
a. f(x)= 2x2-1+7x3
b. f(x)=x4-3x-2-5x
c. f(x)=𝜋𝑥 -4x2+5
d.f(x)= 6x3-3x2+2x+3x

Solution:

a. This is a polynomial function. Its standard form is f(x)=7x3+2x2-1. It has a degree of 3, so it is a cubic function. The
leading coefficient is 7

b This is not a polynomial function. The term 3x-2 has an exponent that is not a whole number.
c. This is a polynomial function. Its standard form is f(x)= -4x2+𝜋𝑥 + 5
d.This is not a polynomial function. The term 3x has an exponent that is not a whole number.

When two polynomial functions are expressed as a quotient, a new function will be formed. This function is
𝑃(𝑥)
called a rational function. Given two polynomial functions P and Q, the function defined by f(x)=𝑄(𝑥) is a rational
function. The domain of any rational function is the set of real numbers except the zeroes of the denominator. Consider
𝑥+3
the rational function g defined by g(x)=𝑥−5. The domain of g consists of all real numbers except 5, Similarly, the rational
𝑥+2
function f(x)= 𝑥−1, is not defined at x=1.

A polynomial functions can be written as a fraction. For instance, we have the polynomial function f defined by
2 x2+3
f(x)= x +3, f can also be written as f(x)= 1 .
From this, we can say that the polynomial functions are also rational functions. The following examples will provide you
a further knowledge on how to determine rational functions.

Example 2. Tell whether each of the following functions is a rational function.

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

e. f(x)= 3x-4+5x2+x-1

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Solution:
The functions defined in (a), (b), and (e) are rational functions. The function in (b) can be expressed as a single
term by determining the least common denominator (LCD) of the two terms. The LCD is equal to (x+2)(x-2), or
𝑥−2 2𝑥 3𝑥 2 +4 3
equivalently, x2-4. Therefore, f(x)= 𝑥+2 + 𝑥−2 is the same as f(x)= 𝑥 2 −4 . Moreover, (e) can be written as f(x)= 𝑥 4 +5x2+x-1.,
which is a rational function.

On the other hand, the functions defined in (c) and (d) are not rational functions. Since f(x)=√3𝑥 can be written
1
1
as f(x)= (3𝑥)2 and is not an integer, therefore f(x)= √3𝑥 is not a polynomial function or rational function. The same
2
explanation applies for the function defined in(d).

Generally, functions which permit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and which allow negative
and rational exponents, are called algebraic functions

Domain of a Rational Function

As we previously learned, the domain of a rational function consists of the set of all real numbers with the
exception of those numbers that make the denominator undefined or equal to zero (0).

Examples:

𝑥−2
1. Find the domain of f(x)= 𝑥+5

Solution: Since x+5=0, only for x=-5, the domain of f is the set of all real numbers except -5. The domain can also
be written {x x≠ −5}.

3𝑥−1
2. Find the domain of f(x)= 𝑥 2 −9
Since x2-9=0 for x=±3, the domain of f is the set of all real numbers with the exception of +3 and -3. The domain
can be written {x x≠ 3 and x≠ −3}

Intercepts of Rational Functions

Definition: Intercepts are x-or y-coordinates of the points at which a graph crosses he x –axis or y-axis
respectively.

y- intercept is the y- coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the y-axis.
x-intercept is the x-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the x-axis. 3

Rule to find the y-intercept and x-intercept of a rational functions

1. To find the y-intercept, substitute 0 for x and solve for y or f(x).
2. To find the x-intercept, substitute 0 for y and solve for x.

Example:
Find the intercepts of the following rational functions.

𝑥+8
1 .f(x)= 𝑥−2

For y-intercept:
0+8
f(0)=0−2 Substitute 0 for x

8
=−2 Simplify.

= Therefore the y-intercept is-4

∴ The y-intercept is -4.

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 For x-intercept:
𝑥+8
0=𝑥−2 Substitute 0 for y or f(x)

0= x+8 Multiply both sides by x-2

X=-8 SimplifyType equation here.
Therefore, the x- intercept is -8.

𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
2. f(x)= 𝑥 2 −2𝑥+3

For y-intercept:
(0)2 −5(0)+6
f(0)= (0)2 −2(0)+3 Substitute 0 for x
6
=3 Simplify
=2
Therefore, the y-intercept is 2

For x-intercept:
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
0= 𝑥 2 −2𝑥+3 Substitute 0 for y or f(x)

0= x2-5x+6 Multiply both sides by x2-2x+3

0= (x-2)(x-3) Factor
x=2 and x=3
Therefore, the x intercepts are 2 and 3.

𝑥 2 +9
3. f(x)= 𝑥 2 −3

For y-intercept:
(0)2 +9
f(0)= (0)2 −3 Substitute 0 for x
9
=−3 Simplify 4
=-3 Therefore, the y-intercept is -3
For x-intercept:

𝑥 2 +9
0= 𝑥 2 −3 Substitute 0 for y or f(x).

0= x2+9 Multiply both sides by x2-3

-9=x2

Therefore is no real solution for x2+9=0. Hence, there is no x-intercept.

Evaluation of Rational Function

Examples
1. Find R(2) for the rational function.
2𝑥+3
R(x)= 3𝑥 2 −2

Solution:
Substitute 2 for x in the rational function.
2(2)+3
R(x)= 3(2)2 −2
4+3
= 3(4)−2
𝟕
=𝟏𝟎

2. Find R(-2) for the rational function.

𝑥 2 −1
R(x)= 2𝑥+1

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 Solution:
Replace x for -2 in the rational function.
(−2)2 −1
R(x)= 2(−2)+1

4+1
= −4+1

𝟓
=−
𝟑

3. A local electric fan manufacturer spent P10M to develop and produce a powerful 3-speed electronic fan to be sold at
P950. If the cost of producing each electric fan is P600, determine the rational function that will give the average cost of
producing x electric fans. Determine the average cost per electric fan for producing a.) 50,000 electric fans , and b)
3,000,000 electric fans.

Solutions:
The cost of developing and producing x no. of electric fans is expressed in the following polynomial:

600 x  10,000,000
C(x)=
x

The average cost per electric fan in producing 50,000 electric fans is P800, computed as shown below.

600(50,000)+10,000,000
AC(x)=
50,000
=P800

The average cost per electric fan in producing 3,000,000 electric fans is P603, calculated as follows:
600(3,000,000)+10,000,000
AC(x)= 3,000,000
=P603

4. A travel agent offers a tour package covering airplane tickets, shuttle transportation and hotel accommodations. It
cost the agent P500,000 plus P6,000 per person to accommodate the airfares. Find a rational function for the average
price per person for the airfares. How much is the average cost per person if 50 persons buy the tour package?

Solution:
The cost of the tour package is expressed in the following rational function.

6,000𝑥+500,000
c(x)= 𝑥

The average cost per person if 50 persons buy the tour package is Ᵽ16,000, calculated as follows:
6,000(50)+500,000
c(x)=
50
= Ᵽ16,000

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 General Mathematics

Week 6
ACTIVITY SHEET

NAME: _______________________________________________________________________
STRAND: _______________________________________________________________________
GRADE & SECTION: _______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT TEACHER: _______________________________________________________________________
DATE SUBMITTED: __________________

PRE-TEST

Read and analyze each questions, Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is an example of Linear Function?

A. f(x)= 8 C. f(x)= 4x2+x-5

B. f(x)= 2x+7 D. f(x)= 3x4+x3-x+4

2. It is defined as “a function that is a ratio of two polynomials”.

A. Rational Function C. Inverse Function
B. Polynomial Function D. Composite Function

3. Which of the following is not an example of rational function?

3 𝑥+2
A. f(x)=𝑥+2 B. f(x)= √3𝑥 C. f(x)= 3x4+x3-x+4 D. f(x)= 𝑥−1

𝑥 +3
4. Given f(x)= , the domain of g consists of all real numbers in the denominator except___________.
𝑥−5
A. 5 B. -5 C. 4 D. -4

5. What is the degree of the polynomial function f(x)= 7x3+2x2-1?

A. 1 b. 2 C. 3 D. 4

Looking Back

Read, analyze and solve each problem. Show your solutions if necessary.

Given the polynomial function , find f(x)= 12+4x-3x2+x3

(a) the degree of the polynomial

(b) the leading coefficient

(c) the constant term

(d) the number of terms

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 ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY

1. Determine whether each of the following is a rational function. If it is not rational function, explain why.

1
a. f(x)= 𝑥−2

𝑥
b. f(x)= √𝑥−1

c. f(x)= 3x2-4x2+5x-1

3
d. f(x)= (𝑥−1 )(𝑥+2)(𝑥−3)

𝑥3
e. f(x)= 1
(2𝑥−4)2

f. f(x)= -5x2-4√𝑥 2 -1

2. Give the domain of the following rational functions.

1
a. f(x)=
𝑥

𝑥
b. f(x)=
𝑥−1

𝑥+1
c. f(x)=𝑥 2 −4

3.Find the x and y-intercepts of the following rational functions.

𝑥+2
a. f(x)=𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2

𝑥−5
b. f(x)= 𝑥 2 −25

4.Solve the following problem.

a. The manufacturer of LED bulbs spent Ᵽ5M to develop and produce a 10-watt bulb to be sold at Ᵽ250. If the cost of
producing each bulb is Ᵽ180, determine the rational function that will yield the average cost of producing x bulbs.
Determine the average cost per bulb for producing a.) 20,000 bulbs and b.) 5,000,000 bulb. Rational function :
180𝑥+5,000,000
c(x)= 𝑥

Page 8
 ASSESSMENT
A. Read and analyze each questions carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the degree of f(x)= -6x4+5x2-3?

A. 6 B. -6 C. 4 D. -4

2. Which of the following is not an example of rational function?

2+𝑥 𝑥 2 −4𝑥−5
A. f(x)= 𝑥+1 B. g(x)= 𝑥+3

√𝑥
C. f(x)= D. g(x)= x2-5x+6
𝑥−4

𝑥−2
3. What makes a rational function f(x)= undefined?
𝑥+6

A. -6 B. 6 C. 2 D. -2

4. Which of the following polynomial function is not in standard form?

A. f(x)= 8x2-13x+58 B. f(x)= -x4+2x2-6
3 2
C. f(x)= 2x -4x +6x-8 D. f(x)= 7+3x=6x2-x3

𝑥+8
5. Solve for the x-intercept of the function f(x)= 𝑥−2.
A. 8 B.-8 C. 2 D. -2

16𝑥 3
6.It is the simplified form of rational function f(x)= 2𝑥
.
A. 8x B. 8x2 C. 8x D. 8

5𝑡
For numbers 7-10 Suppose the amount of bacteria growing in a petri dish is represented by the function b(t)= 𝑡+1
, where t is in hours and b(t) is in million.
Evaluate the function at:

7. t=1
A.2.5 B. 2.6 C. 2.7 D.2.8

8. t=2
A. 3.023 B. 3.333 C. 3.445 D.3.510

9. t=5
A. 3.925 B.4.025 C. 4.167 D. 4.333

10. t=10
A. 4.064 B.4.233 C. 4.467 D. 4.545

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