General

Quarter 1 – Week 2

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 Let’s Learn
This module was designed and written to help you understand the basic
concepts of rational functions.

The module is divided into three lessons, namely:

 Lesson 1 – Representing real-life situation using rational functions
 Lesson 2 – Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities
 Lesson 3 – Solving Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. represent real-life situations using rational functions.

2. distinguish rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality.

3. represent a rational function through its: (a) table of values, (b) graph, and
(c) equation.
4. find the domain and range of a rational function.
5. solve rational equations and inequalities.
6. determine the: (a) intercepts; (b) zeroes; and (c) asymptotes of rational
functions.
7. solves problems involving rational functions, equations, and inequalities.

Let’s Try

Directions: Analyze each question carefully and write the letter that corresponds to
the correct answer.

𝑁(𝑥)
1. Which of the following condition/s satisfy the rational function (𝑥) = ?
𝐷(𝑥)
I. 𝑁(𝑥) and 𝐷(𝑥) are polynomials.
II. 𝐷(𝑥) can be a zero function.
III. 𝑁(𝑥) can be a constant function

A. I and II B. I and III C. II and III D. I, II, and III

2𝑥−1
2. What are the zeros of the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = +1
𝑥 2 −2

A. 𝑥 = −1, 3 B. 𝑥 = −1, −3 C. 𝑥 = 1, −3 D. 𝑥 = 1, 3

3. With respect to the given function 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 + 1 , what is the value of its y-
intercept?
A. (1, 0) B. (0, 1) C. (−3, 0) D. (0, 3)

3−𝑥
4. Which of the following are the intercepts of 𝑦 =
𝑥+5

1
 3
A. (0, ) and (3, 0) C. (0, -3) and (5, 0)
5
3 3
B. ( , 0) and (0, 3) D. (0, 0) and (3, )
5 5

1
5. What is the vertical asymptote (𝑥) of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
𝑥−2
A. 𝑥 = 1 B. 𝑥 = −1 C. 𝑥 = 2 D. 𝑥 = −2

𝑥+2
6. Given the function 𝑓(𝑥) = , what is its horizontal asymptote?
𝑥 2 −1
A. 𝑦 = 1 C. 𝑦 = 2
B. 𝑦 = 0 D. no horizontal asymptote

7. Which of the following functions does not have a horizontal asymptote?

𝑥 3 −3𝑥 2 +3𝑥+1 𝑥−2

A. 𝑓(𝑥) = B. 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 −5 𝑥+2
𝑥 2 −1 3𝑥 2 −1
C. ℎ(𝑥) = D. 𝑑(𝑥) =
𝑥 3 +8 4𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1

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8. Which graph corresponds to the rational function (𝑥) = ?
𝑥

A. C.

B. D.

1 3 1
9. Solve the value of x in − =
𝑥 2𝑥 5
5 5 2 1
A. − B. C. − D. −
2 2 5 2

10. Which of the following is a rational inequality?

1 3 1 5 2
A. − = B. ≤
𝑥 2𝑥 5 𝑥−3 𝑥
𝑥 2 +2𝑥+3 𝑥 𝑥+1
C. 𝑓(𝑥) = D. + > 2𝑥 −2
𝑥+1 5𝑥−2 3

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 Lesson
Representing Real-life Situations
1 Using Rational Functions

Let’s Recall

What are the important features of a rational function?

Let’s Explore

Rational functions are the indicated quotient of two polynomial functions

𝑝(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = where 𝑝(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomial functions. The 𝑝(𝑥) is directly
𝑞(𝑥)
proportional to 𝑓(𝑥) while 𝑞(𝑥) is inversely proportional to 𝑓(𝑥).

Example 1

1. Represent the speed of a runner as a function of the time it takes to run 100
meters in the track, then
a) construct a table of values for the speed of a runner against different run
times.
b) determine the behavior of a function (whether it isa smooth curve or a
straight line).

SUGGESTION: Use the current men's world record 100- meter dash.

Solution
𝑑
We can use the structure of the formula 𝑠 = relating speed, distance and
𝑡
time to represent the function since the speed of a runner depends on the time it
takes the runner to run 100 meters.
Let x represent the time it takes the runner to run 100 meters. Then the
speed can be represented as a function 𝑠(𝑥) as follows:

100
𝑠(𝑥) =
𝑥

a) Table of Values
Since the current men's world record (as of October 2015) for the 100-meter
dash is 9.58 seconds set by Jamaica's Usain Bolt in 2009. We start our table of
values at 10 seconds.
Let x be the run time and 𝑠(𝑥) be the speed of runner in meters per second,
where

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 100
𝑠(𝑥) = . The table of values for run times from 10 seconds to 20
𝑥
seconds is as follows:

𝑥 10 12 14 16 18 20
𝑠(𝑥) 10 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56 5

b) Graph
From the table, plot the following ordered pairs ( x, s(x)) on a Cartesian
plane:
B(10,10) C(12, 8.33)
D(14 , 7.14 ) E(16 , 6.25 )
F(18 , 5.56) G(20 , 5)

The ordered pairs are not collinear,

they assemble a smooth curve by
connecting the points.

This example is based on a real

world scenario and has limitations on the
values of the x-variable and cannot exceed
the limits of human physiology (can a
person run 100-meters in 5 seconds?).

Example 2 𝑥
A fence is to enclose a rectangular vegetable farm
with an area of 400 square meters. If 𝑥 is the length of
one side of this fence, find a function 𝑃(𝑥) representing 𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦 = 400 𝑦
the perimeter of the fencing material required. Find the
perimeter of the fence if one side has length 10 meters
and 50 meters.

Solution

𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 Write function.

400
= 2𝑥 + 2( ) Substitute the value of y.
𝑥
800
= 2𝑥 + Distributive Property.
𝑥

2𝑥 2 +800
𝑃(𝑥) = Write the function in simplified form.
𝑥

Now, evaluate the function

If 𝑥 = 10
2(10)2 +800
𝑃(10) = = 100 𝑚.
10
If 𝑥 = 50
2(50)2 +800
𝑃(50) = = 116 𝑚.
50

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Example 3
An electronic company finds that the number of computers it can produce
200𝑡 2 +20,000𝑡
per week after 𝑡 weeks of production is approximated by 𝐶(𝑡) = ,
𝑡 2 +10𝑡+25
0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 50.
a. Find the number of computers it produced during the first week.
b. Find the number of computers it produced during the seventh week.

Solution
200𝑡³+20,000𝑡
a. 𝐶(𝑡) = Write the function.
𝑡²+10𝑡+25

200(1)2 +20,000(1)
𝐶(1) = Evaluate.
(1)2 +10(1)+25

200 +20,000 20,200

= = = 561.11
1 + 10 + 25 36

𝐶(1) ≈ 561 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

200(7)2 +20,000(7)
b. 𝐶(7) = Evaluate.
(7)2 +10(7)+25

200(49)+140,000 149,800
= = = 1040.28
49+70+25 144

𝐶(7) ≈ 1,040 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

Let’s Elaborate

The above examples are among the rational function models that occur
naturally such as velocity as a function of travel time, finding the perimeter as a
function of its side, and production of work as a function of length of time .
A rational function is a function of the form

𝑝(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

𝑓(𝑥) = =
𝑞(𝑥) 𝑏𝑚 𝑥 𝑚 + 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 + ⋯ + 𝑏1 𝑥 + 𝑏0
where 𝑝(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomial functions, and 𝑞(𝑥) is not the zero function (i.e.,
𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0). The leading coefficients of the numerator and denominator are 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑚
, respectively. The domain of 𝑓(𝑥) is all values of 𝑥 where 𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0.

The range of a rational function is sometimes easier to find by first finding the
inverse of the function and determining its domain. Moreover, the range can be
found by comparing the leading term degree of numerator and denominator. If 𝑝(𝑥)
𝑎
and 𝑞(𝑥) are linear, then the range is { 𝑦 | 𝑦 ≠ 𝑛 }. If 𝑝(𝑥) is a , nonzero constant
𝑏𝑚
polynomial, 𝑞(𝑥) is linear, then the range is { 𝑦 | 𝑦 ≠ 0 }. If this does not work, the
best way is to graph the rational function.

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The following are rational functions:
1 𝑥 𝑥2 + 3 3𝑥 2 −5𝑥−2
𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑔(𝑥) = , ℎ(𝑥) = , 𝑖(𝑥) =
𝑥 𝑥 2 −4 𝑥−3 3𝑥 2 +7𝑥 + 2

Notice that the domain of most rational functions y includes all real numbers
except x-values that make the denominator zero. In order to get the values of x to
exclude from the domain, set the denominator equal to zero and solve for x.

The domain of 𝑓 is a set whose elements are all the real numbers except 0.
The domain of 𝑔 is all real numbers except 2 and -2. The domain of ℎ is all real
numbers except 3. Finally, the domain of the function 𝑖 is all real numbers except
1
− and -2.
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1
Note: 0 in 𝑓, 2 and -2 in 𝑔, 3 in ℎ, and − and -2 in 𝑖 are restrictions on
3
the x-values of the functions 𝑓, 𝑔, ℎ, and 𝑖, respectively.

The following are not rational functions:

√2𝑥 𝑥+3 𝑥+3

𝑓(𝑥) = , 𝑔(𝑥) = 1 , ℎ(𝑥) = √
𝑥+3 𝑥−2
1+ 𝑥 2 −4𝑥²

The numerator of 𝑓(𝑥) is not a polynomial because polynomials do not allow

the square root of the independent variable. Thus, 𝑓 is not a rational function.
Similarly, the denominator of 𝑔(𝑥) is not a polynomial because fractions are not
allowed as exponents of polynomials. Thus, g is not a rational function. In ℎ(𝑥),
although the radicand is a rational function, the square root prevents ℎ from being
a rational function.

Finding the Domain and Range:

Example 4
𝑥+1
Find the domain and range of 𝑓(𝑥) = .
2𝑥−4
Solution
𝑎𝑛 1
Solve 2𝑥 − 4 = 0 𝑦 = =
𝑏𝑚 2
1
2𝑥 = 4 Range: { 𝑦 | 𝑦 ≠ }
2
𝑥 = 2
Domain: { 𝑥 | 𝑥 ≠ 2 }

Let’s Dig In

Activity 1: Identify which of the following are rational functions:

𝑥²−4𝑥−5 2+ 𝑥
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3. ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑥+2 𝑥+ 4

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 1
√𝑥 + 3 2 + 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 4. 𝑖(𝑥) =
𝑥²−9 𝑥² + 4𝑥 + 4

Activity 2: Give the domain and range of each function.

1 𝑥³+ 8
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 𝑥² + 4

𝑥− 1 3𝑥² + 5𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+ 4 𝑥4 − 1

Activity 3
Suppose that the rabbit population in Royalty Farm comes after the formula
3000𝑡
𝑅(𝑡) =
𝑡+1
where t ≥ 0 is the time (in months) since the beginning of the year.

a. Find the rabbit population after 4 months.

b. How long will it take the population to turn to 2,750?

Rational Functions,
Lesson Equations, and Inequalities
2

Let’s Recall

Review
1. Complete the table:

a b 𝑎•𝑏 Simplified Form

1. 7 1
𝑛−
7

2. 5x 2
+2
𝑥
3. 10t 1 3
+
2𝑡 5𝑡

4. 12k 2 5
−
3𝑘 2𝑘

5. x+1 4
3−
𝑥+1

2. Which of the terms in column a is the least common denominator (LCD) of the
expression in item column b?

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3. Discuss how to find the LCD. Give examples.

A rational expression is an expression that can be written as a ratio of two

polynomials. Rational expressions are also called algebraic fractions.
The following are rational expressions:

1 𝑥²+3𝑥+2 𝑥²+4𝑥−3
, , and
5𝑥² 𝑥+4 2

The following are not rational expressions:

3
5+ √𝑥 𝑥 2 +4 √𝑥+1
, , and
𝑥 𝑥−1 𝑥³−1

Let’s Explore

The table below show how to distinguish among rational equations, rational
inequalities, and rational functions:

Rational Equation Rational Inequality Rational Function

Definition An equation An inequality A function of the
involving rational involving rational form 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑝(𝑥)

expressions. expressions. 𝑞(𝑥)

where p(x) and q(x)
are polynomials, and
q(x) is not the zero
function.
Example 2 3 1 5 2 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥²+2𝑥+3
or
− = ≤ 𝑥+1
𝑥 2𝑥 5 𝑥−3 𝑥
𝑥² + 2𝑥 + 3
𝑦=
𝑥+1

A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy
the equation or inequality. Whereas we solve an equation or inequality, we do not
"solve" functions. Rather, a function (and, a rational function) expresses a
relationship between two variables (such as x and y) and can be represented by a
table of values or a graph.

Let’s Elaborate

Procedure for Solving Rational Equations

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To solve rational equations:
a. Eliminate denominators by multiplying each term of the equation by the least
common denominator.
b. Note that eliminating denominators may introduce extraneous solutions.
Check the solutions of the transformed with the original equation.

2 3 1
Example 1: Solve for x: − =
𝑥 2𝑥 5

Solution
The least common denominator is 10𝑥.

2 3 1
− = Write original equation.
𝑥 2𝑥 5

2 3 1
10𝑥 ( − ) = 10𝑥( ) Multiply each side by 10x.
𝑥 2𝑥 5
20 − 15 = 2𝑥 Simplify.
5 = 2𝑥 Subtract.
5
=𝑥 Divide each side by 2.
2
5
The solution is .
2
Check this in the original equation.

2 3 1
− =
𝑥 2𝑥 5

2 3 1
5 − 5 =
2(2) 5
2

4 3 1
− =
5 5 5

1 1
= True
5 5

5𝑥 10
Example 2: Solve: =7+
𝑥−2 𝑥−2

Solution
The least common denominator is 𝑥 − 2.

5𝑥 10
= 7+ Write original equation.
𝑥−2 𝑥−2

5𝑥 10
(𝑥 − 2) • = (𝑥 − 2) • 7 + (𝑥 − 2) • Multiply each term by (x - 2).
𝑥−2 𝑥−2

5𝑥 = 7(𝑥 − 2) + 10 Simplify.

5𝑥 = 7𝑥 − 4 Use distributive property.

−2𝑥 = − 4 Subtract -7x from each side

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 𝑥 = 2 Divide each side by -2.

The solution appears to be 2. After checking it in the original equation,

however, you can conclude that 2 is an extraneous solution because it leads to
division by zero. So, the original equation has no solution.

4𝑥+1 12
Example 3: Solve: = +3
𝑥+1 𝑥²−1

Solution

Write each denominator in factored form. The LCD is (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1).

4𝑥+1 12
= + 3
𝑥+1 (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)

4𝑥+1 12
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) • = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) • + (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) • 3
𝑥+1 𝑥 2 −1

(x -1) (4x + 1) = 12 + 3(x + 1) (x - 1)

4𝑥² − 3𝑥 − 1 = 12 + 3𝑥² − 3

𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 10 = 0

(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 5) = 0

𝑥+2 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥−5 =0

x = -2 or x=5

Thus, the solutions are -2 and 5. Check these in the original equation.

2 1
Example 4: Solve: =
𝑥²−𝑥 𝑥−1

Solution
2 1
= Write original equation.
𝑥²−𝑥 𝑥−1

2(𝑥 − 1) = 1(𝑥 2 − 𝑥) Cross multiply.

2𝑥 − 2 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 Simplify.
0 = 𝑥² − 3𝑥 + 2 Write in standard form.
0 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1) Factor.
x=2 or x=1 Zero product property.
The solutions appear to be 2 and 1. After checking in the original
equation, you notice that the only solution is 2. The apparent solution x = 1
is extraneous.

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Rational Inequality
A rational inequality is composed of rational expressions combined with a ≤,
≥, <, 𝑜𝑟 > sign. Some examples of rational inequalities are

1 𝑥+2 1 2 5
≤ 7, ≤ 0, + > 1, and ≥ 0.
𝑥 𝑥−3 2 𝑥²−1 𝑥²−4𝑥−5

Procedure for Solving Rational Inequalities

1. Set the inequality to zero. Transpose all terms on one side of the inequality.
2. Solve for the roots for both numerator and denominator by changing inequality
into an equation and mark these on a number line. Used a shaded circle to
indicate that the value is included in the solution set, and a hollow circle to
indicate that the value is excluded. These roots divide the number line into
intervals.
3. Choose test points along the interval and check whether substituting in the test
point would yield a positive or negative value which satisfies the inequality. If
satisfy the inequality, then they are part of the solution or else they are not part of
the solution.
4. The solutions can be written in either set builder notation or interval notation.

If the inequality is strict (<, >), the union of the open interval solution (𝑎, 𝑏) is
the solution set. If the inequality is non-strict (≤ , ≥ ), the solution set is the closed
interval [𝑎, 𝑏] except when a, or b is the root of the denominator at which it would
be an open interval.

The process for solving rational inequalities is nearly alike to the process for
solving polynomial inequalities with a few minor differences. As we recall that
multiplying positive number on both side of an inequality retains the direction of
the inequality and multiplying negative number on both side of inequality reverses
the direction of the inequality. But that won't work with by multiplying a variable.
It is not valid to multiply both sides of a rational inequality by a variable since the
sign of a variable is unknown.

2𝑥
Example 4: Solve: ≥1
𝑥+1
Solution
1. Set the inequality to zero.
2𝑥
−1 ≥ 0
𝑥+1

2𝑥−(𝑥+1)
≥0
𝑥+1

𝑥−1
≥0
𝑥+1

2. Used a shaded circle for 𝑥 = 1 (a solution) and a hollow circle for 𝑥 = −1 (Not a
solution). The value 𝑥 = 0 is included in the solution since it makes the fraction
equal to zero, while x = -1 makes the fraction undefined.
Numerator Denominator
𝑥−1 = 0 𝑥 + 1 = 0
𝑥 = 1 𝑥 = −1

11
 We need these numbers because these are the only numbers where the
rational expression may change sign.

-1 1

3. Choose test points in the intervals determined by -1 and 1 to determine the sign
𝑥−1
of in these intervals. Construct a table of signs as shown below.
𝑥+1

Interval 𝑥 < −1 −1 < 𝑥 < 1 𝑥>1

Test Point 𝑥 = −2 𝑥 = 0 𝑥 = 2
x-1 − − +
x+1 − + +
𝑥−1 -
𝑥+1 + - +

4. Since we are looking for the intervals where the fraction is positive or zero, the
solution intervals to be x < -1 and x ≥1. Plot these intervals on the number line.

-1 1
Thus, the solution set is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ|𝑥 < −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 ≥ 1}. It can also be written using
interval notation: (−∞, −1) ∪ [1, ∞).

3 1
Example 5: Solve: < .
𝑥−2 𝑥

Solution
a. We first transfer the rational expression on the right-hand side to the left-hand
side of the inequality and then find the least common denominator of the two
fractions.
3 1
− <0
𝑥−2 𝑥

3𝑥−(𝑥−2)
<0
𝑥(𝑥−2)

2𝑥+2
<0
𝑥(𝑥−2)

2(𝑥+1)
<0
𝑥(𝑥−2)

b. The fraction will be zero for 𝑥 = −1 and undefined for 0 and 2. Plot on a number
line. Use hollow circles since these values are not part of the solutions.

-1 0 2

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c. Construct a table of signs to determine the sign of the function in each interval
determined by -1, 0, and 2.

Interval 𝑥 < −1 −1 < 𝑥 < 0 0 < 𝑥 < 2 𝑥 >2

Test Point 𝑥 = −2 𝑥 = −½ 𝑥 = 1 𝑥 = 3
2(𝑥 + 1) − + + +
𝑥 − − + +
𝑥 − 2 − − − +
2(𝑥 + 1)
𝑥(𝑥 − 2) - + - +

d. Summarize the intervals satisfying the inequality. Plot these intervals on the
number line.

-1 0 2

Thus, the solution set of the inequality is the set {𝑥 ∈ ℝ|𝑥 < −1 𝑜𝑟 0 < 𝑥 < 2}.

Let’s Dig In

Activity 1

1. Determine which of the following are rational expressions.

4−𝑥³ 7
a. b. c. 5x³ - 6𝑥 5 + 1
𝑥 √𝑥−1

2. Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation, a

rational inequality, or none of these.
a. 𝑦 = 5𝑥³ − 3𝑥 + 2
5𝑥³−2√𝑥+1
b. 𝑦=
𝑥²+4
1 𝑥
c. −1 =
𝑥 2𝑥−1
d. √𝑥 − 2 = 4
5
e. 6𝑥 − ≥0
𝑥+3

3. Find the solution set for each rational inequality below.

(𝑥+3)(𝑥−2) (𝑥+4)(𝑥−3)
a. ≥0 b. =≥0
(𝑥+2)(𝑥−1) (𝑥−2)(𝑥 2 +2)

13
 Lesson Solving Rational
Functions, Equations, and
3 Inequalities

Let’s Recall

Activity 1

Directions: Determine whether the following statement is true or false. Put a check
(/) on the space that corresponds to your answer.

Statements True False

1. Every term of a polynomial function is either a constant,
a variable, or a product of constants and variables.
1
2. The domain of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = is the set of real
𝑥
numbers.
3. The graph of a rational function is a parabola.
4. A rational function is formed by dividing one polynomial
function by another polynomial function.

Let’s Explore

Activity 2

Jose lives about 30 kilometers from office. For one week, he keeps record of
time it takes him to go to the office as shown in Table A. He wanted to know his
average speed based on the time he recorded. Can you help him?

Table A. Jose' Trip to Office

Days Time (hours) Speed (kph)

Monday 0.5
Tuesday 0.75
Wednesday 0.6
Thursday 0.7
Friday 1
Any day 𝑛

a. Write a formula relating speed, time, and distance.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 _____________________________________________________________________________

b. Use the formula in (a) to determine Jose' average speed each day. Record
the results in the last column of Table A.

c. If t is time and s is the average speed, write the equation for a function that
contains Jose' average speed when the input is time.
d. Give the domain of the function you have in (c). ______________________________

e. Use a graphing calculator to describe the graph when the input is very close to
zero. Interpret this behavior in terms of Jose' time and average speed.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

f. Describe the graph when the input is very large. Interpret this behavior in
terms of Jose' time and average speed. ______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Let’s Elaborate

The product of speed and time represents distance. If s is the speed, t is the
time, and d is the distance, then 𝑠 • 𝑡 = 𝑑. If both sides of the equation 𝑠 • 𝑡 = 𝑑 is
𝑑
divided by 𝑡, we get 𝑠 = .
𝑡

Because Jose is 30 kilometers away from his office, we can write the
30
function 𝑠=
𝑡

If it takes Jose 30 minutes to go to office, then t = 0.5 hour. Thus,

30
𝑠= = 60
0.5

So, Jose' average speed would be 60 kph if it takes him 30 minutes to go to

the office.
30
The function 𝑠 = is an example of a rational function because we are
𝑡
dividing a constant function 𝑦 = 30 by a linear function 𝑦 = 𝑡.
30
Because division by 0 is undefined, the domain of the function 𝑠 = is all
𝑡
real numbers except 0. However, in this situation (Jose' time to go to office), the
input can neither be negative. Hence, the graph of this activity should be limited
to the first quadrant only.
In general, the domain of any rational function is the set of all real numbers
except those that make the denominator 0.

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Definition

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

Intercepts are x- or y-coordinates of the points at which a graph crosses the

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.

An asymptote is a line that that the graph of a function gets close to but
does not touch.

The line 𝑥 = 𝑎 is a vertical asymptote of the graph if 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ or 𝑓(𝑥) →

−∞ as 𝑥 → 𝑎, either from right or from left.

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 (𝑥 → +∞ 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 → −∞).

The Zeros of Rational Functions

𝑝(𝑥)
In the fraction , 𝑞(𝑥) must not be equal to zero since division by zero is
𝑞(𝑥)
7 53 0 𝑝(𝑥)
undefined. Thus, , , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 are all undefined. However, in the same fraction , if
0 0 0 𝑞(𝑥)
0 0 0
𝑝(𝑥) = 0 and 𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0, then the fraction is equal to zero. Example , , and are
7 53 6
all equal to zero.
In general, when dealing with rational functions, whatever value of 𝑥 that
will make the numerator zero without simultaneously making the denominator
equal to zero will be a zero of the said rational function.

Finding Zeros of Rational Functions

1. Factor the numerator and the denominator of the rational function f if possible.
2. Identify the restrictions of the rational function f. (The restrictions are the
values of the independent variable that make the denominator equal to zero).
3. Identify the values of the independent variable that make the numerator equal
to zero.
4. The zeros of the rational function f are the values of the independent variable
that make the numerator zero but are not restrictions of the rational function f.

𝑥²+6𝑥+8
Example 1: Find the zeros of the rational function (𝑥) = .
𝑥²−𝑥−6

Solution

1. Factor the numerator and (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 4)

𝑓(𝑥) =
denominator of f. (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
2. Identify the restrictions. The values 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 3 make the
denominator equal to zero and are
restrictions.

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 3. Identify the values of x that 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = −4 both make the
make the numerator equal to numerator equal to zero.
zero.
4. Identify the zero of 𝑓. 𝑥 = −2 will not be a zero of f because it is
also a restriction.
𝑥 = −4 will be a zero of 𝑓.

Intercepts of Rational Function

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.
Not all rational functions have both x and y intercepts. If the rational
function f has no real solution, then it does not have intercepts.

Example 2: Find the intercepts of the following rational functions.

𝑥+8 𝑥²−5𝑥+6
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = b. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−2 𝑥²−2𝑥+3

Solution

a. For y-intercept:
0+8 8
𝑓(0) = = − = −4
0 −2 2

Therefore, the y-intercept is -4.

For x-intercept:
𝑥+8
0=
𝑥−2

0 = 𝑥 + 8

𝑥 = −8

b. For y-intercept:
(0)2 −5(0)+6 6
𝑓(0) = (0)2 −2(0)+3
= =2
3

Therefore, the y-intercept is 2.

For x-intercept:
𝑥²−5𝑥+6
0= Substitute 0 for y or f(x)
𝑥²−2𝑥+3

0 = 𝑥² − 5𝑥 + 6 Multiply both side by 𝑥² − 2𝑥 + 3.

0 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) Factor

𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3
Therefore, the x-intercepts are 2 and 3.

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In Lesson 1 and 2 you learned rational functions of the form
𝑝(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑞(𝑥)

for which 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are linear polynomials and 𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0. In this lesson you
will learn rational functions for which p(x) and q(x) may be higher-degree
polynomials.
Let 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) be polynomials with no common factors other than 1. The
rational function
𝑝(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 +⋯+ 𝑎1 𝑥+ 𝑎0
𝑓(𝑥) = =
𝑞(𝑥) 𝑏𝑚 𝑥 𝑚 + 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 +⋯+ 𝑏1 𝑥+ 𝑏0

has the following characteristics:

1. The x-intercepts of 𝑓(𝑥) are the real zeros of p(x) where q(x) ≠ 0 and the y-
𝑎
intercept equal to 0 .
𝑏0
2. The vertical asymptotes of 𝑓(𝑥) are the line 𝑥 = 𝑎 where a is a real zero of 𝑞(𝑥).
3. The 𝑓(𝑥) has at most one horizontal asymptote. set the denominator to
a. If 𝑛 < 𝑚, then 𝑓(𝑥) has horizontal asymptote 𝑦 = 0.
𝑎
b. If 𝑛 = 𝑚, then 𝑓(𝑥) has horizontal asymptote 𝑦 = 𝑛 .
𝑏𝑚
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, then 𝑓(𝑥) has no horizontal asymptote.
4. If 𝑛 − 𝑚 = 1, and 𝑓(𝑥) can be reduced to a form
𝑅(𝑥)
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 + , then the line 𝑦 = 𝑐𝑥 + 𝑑 is the oblique asymptote.
𝑞(𝑥)

There may be no vertical, horizontal, or oblique asymptotes. A function

cannot have both horizontal and oblique asymptotes.

Example 3
Find the vertical, horizontal, and oblique asymptotes of the given functions.
State the domain and the range.
4 3𝑥² 8𝑥²−3𝑥+1
a) 𝑦 = b) 𝑦 = c. 𝑦 =
𝑥²+1 𝑥²−4 𝑥−2

Solution
The numerator has no zeros, so there is no x-intercept. The denominator has
no real zeros, so there is no vertical asymptote. The degree of the numerator (0) is
less than the degree of the denominator (2), so the line 𝑦 = 0 (the x-axis) is a
horizontal asymptote. The domain is all real numbers, and the range is 0 < 𝑦 ≤ 4.

Vertical Asymptote: None

Horizontal Asymptote: 𝑦 = 0
Oblique Asymptote: None
Intercept:
x-intercept: None
y-intercept: y = 4
Domain: {𝑥 | 𝑥 ∈ ℝ }
Range: {𝑦 | 𝑦 > 0, 𝑦 ≤ 4 }
3𝑥²
b. 𝑦 =
𝑥²−4

18
Solution
The numerator has 0 as its only zero, so the graph has one x-intercept at (0,0).
The denominator can be factored as (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2), so the denominator has zeros -
2 and 2. This implies that the lines 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 2 are vertical asymptotes. The
degree of the numerator (2) is equal to the degree of the denominator (2), so the
𝑎
horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑛 = 3.
𝑏𝑚

Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 = −2 , 𝑥 = 2
Horizontal Asymptote: 𝑦 = 3
Oblique Asymptote: None
Intercept:
x-intercept: 𝑥 = 0
y-intercept: 𝑦 = 0
Domain: 𝑥 |𝑥 ≠ −2 , 2}
Range: {𝑦 | 𝑦 ≠ 3}

8𝑥²−3𝑥+1
c. 𝑦 =
𝑥−2

Solution
using synthetic division: 2 8 -3 1
16 26
8 13 27
𝑦 = 8𝑥 + 13 is the oblique asymptote.

Problem solving means engaging in a task for which the solution method is
not known in advance. Here, we will discuss worded problem solving on
inequalities and equations. Many problems which are stated in words must be
translated into mathematical symbols before they can be solved. To find a solution,
we must draw our knowledge and through this process, develop new mathematical
understanding.

Example 4
A box with a square base is to have a volume of 8 cubic meters. Let x be the
length of the side of the square base and h be the height of the box. What are the
possible measurements of a side of the square base if the height should be longer
than a side of the square base?

Solution
The volume of a rectangular box is the product of its width, length, and
height. The base of the box is square, its width and length are equal.
The variable x is the length of a side of a box and h is the height, the
equation becomes
8 = 𝑥2ℎ
8
ℎ= .
𝑥²

19
 Since the height is greater than the width, h > x, the inequality is
8
>𝑥
𝑥²

a. Solve for inequality. Set the inequality to zero. solution

8
−𝑥 >0
𝑥²

8−𝑥³
>0
𝑥²

(2−𝑥)(𝑥 2 +2𝑥+4)
>0
𝑥²

b. The rational expression will be zero for x= 2 and undefined for x = 0. Since ℎ >
𝑥, 𝑥 = 2 must not include in the solution.

0 2
c. Construct a table of sign to determine the sign of the function in each
interval determined by 0 and 2.

Interval 𝑥<0 0<𝑥<2 𝑥>2

Test point 𝑥 = −1 𝑥 = 1 𝑥 = 3
2 − 𝑥 + + −
𝑥² + 2𝑥 + 4 + + +
𝑥² + + +
(2 − 𝑥)(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 4)
+ + -
𝑥²

d. The interval 0 < 𝑥 < 2 that satisfy the rational expression is the solution
set of the inequality. We reject the interval 𝑥 < 0 even if the expression is
positive since we only consider positive values of x for this problem.

0 2
Therefore, the length of the box should be less than 2 meters.

Let’s Dig In
A. Find (a) the zeros and (b) the intercepts of the following rational functions.
𝑥+2 𝑥−2
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥²−3𝑥+2 𝑥²+3𝑥+2

B. Find the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of the following functions.

𝑥+1 4
1. 𝑦= 2. 𝑦 =
𝑥 −4 𝑥−7

C. Find the oblique asymptote of the following functions.

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 𝑥³+8 𝑥²
1. 𝑦 = 3. 𝑦 =
𝑥²+4 𝑥−1

Let’s Apply

1. Find two rational functions f(x) and g(x) such that 𝑓(𝑥) • 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1 and
𝑓(𝑥) (𝑥+1)²(𝑥−1)
= .
𝑔(𝑥) 𝑥4

2. A, B, and C can do a piece of work in 10 days. A and B can do it in 12 days.

A and C in 20 days. How many days would it take each to do the work alone?

Let’s Evaluate

Directions: Analyze each question carefully and write the letter that corresponds to
the correct answer.
2𝑥
1. What is the vertical asymptote of the function 𝑔(𝑥) = ?
𝑥−4
1
A. 𝑥 = 2 B. 𝑥 = −2 C. 𝑥 = D. 𝑥 = 4
2

3𝑥+2
2. Find the horizontal asymptote of the function ℎ(𝑥) = .
𝑥 2 +4𝑥−5
2
A. 𝑦 = 3 B. 𝑦 = 0 C. 𝑦 = − D. 𝑦 = 5
3

(𝑥−1)(𝑥+2)
3. What is the x-intercept/s of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
(𝑥−3)(𝑥+4)
A. x = {1, -2} B. x = {-1, 2} C. x = {3, -4} D. x = {-3, 4}

4. Which of the following functions does not have a horizontal asymptote?

𝑥 3 −3𝑥 2 +3𝑥+1 𝑥−2
A. 𝑓(𝑥) = B. 𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 −5 𝑥+2
𝑥 2 −1 3𝑥 2 −1
C. ℎ(𝑥) = D. 𝑑(𝑥) =
𝑥 3 +8 4𝑥 2 −2𝑥+1

𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2
5. What is the oblique asymptote for (𝑥) = ?
𝑥+2
12 12
A. 𝑦 = 12 B. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 5 C. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 5 + D. 𝑦 =
𝑥+2 𝑥+2

𝑔(𝑥)
6. Which of the following statements is false for the function 𝑓(𝑥) = where both
ℎ(𝑥)
𝑔 and ℎ are polynomial functions?

A. It is possible to have both a vertical asymptote and a horizontal asymptote.

B. It is possible to have both a slant asymptote and horizontal asymptote.
C. It is possible to have both a vertical asymptote and a slant asymptote.

21
D. It is possible to have both a slant, horizontal and vertical asymptote.

7. Which of the following is a rational inequality?

3 5 2
A. 5 − = 2𝑥 B. >
2𝑥 𝑥−3 𝑥
𝑥 2 +2𝑥+3 𝑥 𝑥+1
C. 𝑔(𝑥) = D. + = 𝑥2
𝑥+1 5𝑥−2 3

8. A dressmaker ordered several meters of red cloth from a vendor, but the vendor
only had 4 meters of red cloth in stock. The vendor bought the remaining length
of red cloth from a wholesaler for ₱1120. He then sold those lengths of red cloth to
the dressmaker along with the original 4 meters of cloth for a total of ₱1600. If the
vendor's price per meter is at least ₱10 more than the wholesaler's price per meter,
what possible length of cloth did the vendor purchase from the wholesaler?

A. Between 16 to 28 meters inclusive B. Between 10 to 18 meters inclusive

C. Between 13 to 24 meters inclusive D. Between 12 to 19 meters inclusive

2𝑥²−4𝑥+5
9. Find the equation of the asymptote of the equation 𝑦 = .
3−𝑥

A. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 1 B. 𝑦 = −2𝑥 − 2 C. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 3 D. 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 3
3𝑥²
10. What is the domain of 𝑦 = ?
𝑥²−4

A. All real numbers except 1 and 0 B. All real number except -2 and 2
C. All real numbers except 0 and 2 D. All real number except -2 and 0

References
Boswel, L., Kanold, T.D., Larson, R., & Stiff, L. (2004). Algebra 2.
Illinois: Mc Dougal Littell.

Rider, P.R. (2010). College Algebra.

New York: Macmillan.

Banigon Jr., R.B., Camilon, M.G., & Manalo, C.B. (2016). General Mathematics.
Quezon City: Educational Resources Corporation.

Magcuyao, D.H. (2016). General Mathematics.

Pasay City.: JFS.

22
 Development Team of the Module

Writers: ORLANDO ARAZAS

Editors:
Content: JOHN CYRUS
SUZANNE PADERNA
Language: CHRISTIAN T. FRUTO
Reviewers: MRS. MIRASOL I. RONGAVILLA
ARMANDO V. EROLIN

Illustrators:
Layout Artist: JASPER T. AGUILAR
Management Team: DR. MARGARITO B. MATERUM, SDS
DR. GEORGE P. TIZON, SGOD-Chief
DR. ELLERY G. QUINTIA, CID Chief
MRS. MIRASOL I. RONGAVILLA, EPS - MATH
DR. DAISY L. MATAAC, EPS – LRMS/ ALS

For inquiries, please write or call:

Schools Division of Taguig city and Pateros Upper Bicutan Taguig City

Telefax: 8384251

Email Address: [email protected]

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