Lesson 6

Representing Rational
Functions through
Ordered Pairs, Tables,
and Graphs
 Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the learner should be able to

● correctly construct table of values for rational

functions;

● correctly determine the asymptotes of rational

functions; and

● accurately draw the graphs of rational functions.

 Try It!

●Activity:
1
Given the rational function, 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥
complete the table of values below.

x -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
−1 −1 1 1
y
3 2
−1  1 2 3
 Essential Questions

● How did you determine the y-values

that completed the table of values?
● What process did you apply to solve
for these y-values?
● What is the relevance of constructing
a table of values to a given function?
 Learn about It!

1 Table of values
composed of values 𝑥 and 𝑓 𝑥 or 𝑦 that satisfy the given function

Examples:

𝑥+1
Evaluate
Table of values for 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥

𝒙 −2 −1 0 1 2
1 3
𝒇(𝒙) 0 undefined 2
2 2
 Essential Questions

● Why do we need to know the graph

of a rational function?
● How will you graph a rational
function?
● What are the different properties of
the graph of a rational function?
 Essential Questions

Knowing the graph of a rational function is

essential for understanding its behavior,
identifying key features, and making informed
decisions in mathematics, science, and real-
world applications. It provides a visual
representation of the function's properties,
which can be crucial for analysis,
interpretation, and problem-solving.
 Warm Up!

●Activity:
1
Graph the rational function, 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥

Step 1:
- Simplify the function (if possible)
Step 2:
- Construct a table of values
 Warm Up!

● Activity:
1
Graph the rational function, 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥
Step 3:
- Identify the ordered pairs and plot the points on
the Cartesian plane. Label the points with their
coordinates.
Step 4:
- Connect the points to see the graph.
 Warm Up!
1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥
 Warm Up!
1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥
 Essential Questions

● How will you describe the

graph of the given function?
● What can you say about the

process of graphing a
rational function?
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

𝑥+10
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙)
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

𝑥+10
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

Solution: Assign values for 𝑥. Observe that the denominator

of 𝑓(𝑥) is 𝑥. When 𝑥 = 0, then the function becomes
undefined. We can, instead, select those values less than
zero and more than zero in our table of values.
𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙)
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

𝑥+10
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

Solution: Note that we are free to select whatever values of 𝑥

we want to have. However, it would be useful to select those
values close to the value of 𝑥 that makes the function
undefined.
𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙)
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

𝑥+10
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

Solution: Substitute the values of 𝑥 to the function to get the

corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).
−3+10 7 1
Example, for 𝑥 = −3, 𝑓 −3 = = − = −2 .
−3 3 3

𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙) 1
−2
3
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

𝑥+10
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

Solution: Continue to substitute the values of 𝑥 to the

function to get the corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).

𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙) 1 −4 −9 11 6 1 1
−2 4 3
3 3 2
 Try It!
(2, 6)
𝒙 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 4 (3, 4.33)
1 1 1 (4, 3.5)
𝒇(𝒙) −2
3
−4 −9 11 6 4
3
3
2

(-3, - 2.33)

(-2, - 4)

https://www.desmos.com/calculator

(-1, - 9)
Warm Up!

n a l
a i
t o
o f R
p h s i o n
G r a n c t
Fu
 Warm Up!

➢ Do the graphs look the same

from one another?

➢ What do you think are the

factors that affect such
differences in the shape of the
graphs?
 PROPERTIES OF
THE GRAPH OF A
FUNCTION
 Learn about It!

Asymptote
1
a line that a curve approaches but does not
intersect.

A line can be represented through an

equation.
This line can be vertical, horizontal or
oblique/slant.
 Learn about It!

1 Asymptote
a line that a curve approaches but does not intersect.

Example: vertical
The line 𝒙 = 𝟑 is
an asymptote of
the graph
on the right.
 Learn about It!

1 Asymptote
a line that a curve approaches but does not intersect.

Example: horizontal
The line y = 𝟏 is
an asymptote of
the graph
on the right.
 Learn about It!

1 Asymptote
a line that a curve approaches but does not intersect.

oblique
 Learn about It!

Vertical Asymptote
a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never touches.
The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the rational
functions are the vertical asymptotes.

Examples:

𝑥+2
The vertical asymptote of the function 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
is the line 𝑥 = 1.
Solution: equate the denominator to 0
X–1=0 change into the form x = a
X=1 x=a
 Learn about It!

Vertical Asymptote
a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never touches.
x=1
The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the rational
functions are the vertical asymptotes.

Examples:

The vertical
asymptote of the
𝑥+2
function 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
is the line 𝑥 = 1.
 Learn about It!

Vertical Asymptote
a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never touches.
The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the rational
functions are the vertical asymptotes.

Examples:

2𝑥+5
The vertical asymptote of the function 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+3
is the line 𝑥 = −3.
Solution:
X+3=0 change into the form x = a
X=-3 x=a
 Learn about It!

Vertical Asymptote
a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never touches.
x = -3
The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the rational
functions are the vertical asymptotes.

Examples:
The vertical asymptote of
2𝑥+5
the function 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+3
is the line 𝑥 = −3.
Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
a horizontal line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never
touches
𝑃 𝑥
To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = ,
𝑄 𝑥
the degrees of the numerator and the denominator will be considered.
Let 𝑛 and 𝑚 be the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) respectively.
a. If 𝑛 < 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) is the line 𝑦 = 0.
𝑎𝑛
b. If 𝑛 = 𝑚, he horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = , where 𝑎𝑛 is the leading
𝑏𝑚
coefficient of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏𝑚 is the leading coefficient of 𝑄(𝑥).
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal asymptote.
 Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
a. If 𝑛 < 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) is the line 𝑦 = 0.

Examples:
Determine the horizontal asymptote of the rational function
2𝑥+1
𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 −9
n = 1 degree of the numerator ; m = 2 degree of the denominator
n<m
Horizontal Asymptote: y=0
 Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
𝑎𝑛
b. If 𝑛 = 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = , where 𝑎𝑛 is the
𝑏𝑚
leading coefficient of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏𝑚 is the leading coefficient of
𝑄(𝑥).
Example:
Determine the horizontal asymptote of the rational function
3𝑥+1 n = 1 (degree of the numerator) ;
𝑓 𝑥 = m = 1 (degree of the denominator)
4𝑥−1
𝟑 n=m
Horizontal
𝒚=
Asymptote: 𝟒
 Learn about It!

Horizontal Asymptote
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Example:
Find the horizontal asymptote of the rational function
𝑥2 + 1
𝑓 𝑥 =
2𝑥 + 1
n = 2 degree of the numerator ; m = 1 degree of the denominator
n>m
Horizontal
NO horizontal asymptote
Asymptote:
Learn about It!

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.
This asymptote occurs only when the horizontal
asymptote is not present.
Its equation is in the form of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.
quotient
The equation can be achieved by dividing the numerator
by the denominator using either long division or synthetic
division (ignoring the remainder).
 Learn about It!

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. Its equation is in the form of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.

Example:
𝑥 2 +1
The rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = has no horizontal asymptote.
2𝑥+1
n = 2 degree of the numerator ; m = 1 degree of the denominator
n is 1 degree higher than the m
 Learn about It!
n = 2 degree of the numerator ; m = 1 degree of the denominator
Example: n is 1 degree higher than the m
𝑥 2 +1
Given: rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
2𝑥+1
Since the degree of the numerator is one degree higher than
the denominator, then it has no horizontal asymptote but an
oblique/ slant asymptote may occur.
To find the equation of the oblique asymptote, we need to
divide the numerator by the denominator using either the long
division or the synthetic division.
 Learn about It!
first term of
Example:
Given: rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 2 +1 the quotient
2𝑥+1
Long Division: 𝑥2 1
1. Divide the first term 𝑥 2 by 2𝑥. = 𝑥
2𝑥 2
2. Multiply the divisor by the answer in step 1.
1 1
(2𝑥 + 1) ( 𝑥) = 𝑥2 + 𝑥
2 2
 Learn about It!
Example:
𝑥 2 +1
Given: rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
2𝑥+1

3. Subtract the answer from the original dividend.

1 1
𝑥2 + 1 − (𝑥2 + 𝑥) = − 2 𝑥 + 1
2
4. Divide the first term of the new dividend (answer to step 3) by
the first term of the divisor.
−1 second term of
𝑥 1
2 = − the quotient
2𝑥 4
 Learn about It!
Example:
𝑥 2 +1
Given: rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
2𝑥+1

5. Multiply the result in step 4 to the divisor.

1 1 1
2𝑥 + 1 (− ) = − 𝑥 −
4 2 4
6. Subtract the result from the remaining expression.
−1 1 1 1 5
𝑥+1 − − 𝑥− = 1+ =
2 2 4 4 4
remainder
 Learn about It!
Example:
𝑥 2 +1
Given: rational function 𝑓 𝑥 =
2𝑥+1
1 1 1
Simplify the result (quotient): 𝑥 − into 𝑥 −
2 4 2
1
Thus, the quotient is 𝑥 − , ignoring the remainder
2

The equation of the oblique/ slant asymptote is:

1
𝑦 =𝑥−
2
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

5
function 𝑓 𝑥 = . Then, determine the asymptotes of the
𝑥−1
function.

𝒙 −2 −1 0 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙)
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

5
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .Then, determine asymptotes of the
𝑥−1
function.

Solution: Assign values for 𝑥. Observe that 𝑥 = 1, will make

the function becomes undefined. Instead, select those
integers less than 1 and more than 1.

𝒙 −2 −1 0 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙)
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

5
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .Then, determine the asymptotes of the
𝑥−1
function.

Solution: Substitute the values of 𝑥 to the function to get the

corresponding values of 𝑓(𝑥).

𝒙 −2 −1 0 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙) 2 1 −5 5 1 2
−1 −2 2 1
3 2 2 3
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational function

5
𝑓 𝑥 = .Then, determine asymptotes of the function.
𝑥−1

Solution: Determine the asymptotes.

5
The rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = is undefined at 𝑥 = 1. It means
𝑥−1
the graph of the function will not intersect with the line 𝑥 = 1.
Hence, the vertical asymptote is the line 𝐱 = 𝟏.
Or by solving for the zero of the denominator,
𝑥−1=0
𝑥=1
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

5
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .Then, determine the asymptotes of the
𝑥−1
function.

Solution: To determine the horizontal asymptote, we have to

determine the degrees of the numerator and the
denominator.

The degree of the numerator is 0 while the degree of the

denominator is 1. Thus, the case is 𝑛 < 𝑚. Thus, it means that
the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟎.
 Try It!

Example 1: Construct a table of values for the rational

5
function 𝑓 𝑥 = .Then, determine the asymptotes of the
𝑥−1
function.

Solution: Thus, the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of

5
𝑓(𝑥) = are 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑦 = 0 respectively.
𝑥−1
Its table of values is presented below.
𝒙 −2 −1 0 2 3 4
𝒇(𝒙) 2 1 −5 5 1 2
−1 −2 2 1
3 2 2 3
 Let’s Practice!

Activity:

Complete the table of values for the rational function and

determine the asymptotes:
𝑥2
1. 𝑔 𝑥 = . X –3 –2 –1 0 1 2
𝑥+1
Y

𝑥+1
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = X –3 –2 –1 0 5 6
𝑥 2 −4𝑥−5
Y
 Let’s Practice!
Activity: Solution

Complete the table of values for the rational function and

determine the asymptotes:
𝑥2
1. 𝑔 𝑥 = . X –3 –2 –1 0 1 2
𝑥+1
Y - 4.5 -4 undefined
0 0.5 1.33

Vertical Asymptote: 𝒙 = −𝟏
Horizontal Asymptote: None
Slant/ Oblique Asymptote: 𝒚 = 𝒙 − 𝟏 (by long/ synthetic
division)
 Let’s Practice!

Activity: Solution

Complete the table of values for the rational function and

determine the asymptotes:
𝑥+1
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 X –3 –2 –1 0 5 6
𝑥 −4𝑥−5
Y –0.125 –0.143 undefined
– 0.2 undefined
1
Vertical Asymptote: 𝒙 = −𝟏 and 𝒙 = 𝟓
Horizontal Asymptote: y = 𝟎
Slant/ Oblique Asymptote: 𝑵𝒐𝒏𝒆
 Essential Questions

● How did you find the activity?

● Is the process in finding the

asymptotes of the rational

function easy to follow? Why
or why not?
 Essential Questions

● What have you observed

between the two functions?
● What can you say about the

vertical asymptotes of the

second function?
 Learn about It! point
Hole in the graph of a rational
2 function
If any factors cancel out when simplifying,
the function has a hole at that x-value.
To find the y-coordinate of the hole,
substitute the x-value into the simplified
function.
 Learn about It!

Hole in the graph of a rational

2 function
𝑥+1
Given the function: 𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 −4𝑥−5

Simplify by factoring out the

denominator: 2
𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 5
 Learn about It!

Hole in the graph of a rational

2 function
𝑥+1
𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 5

𝑥+1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1 𝑥 −5
 Learn about It!

Hole in the graph of a rational

2 function
1
Simplified form: 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 −5

Cancelled factor: 𝑥 + 1 x-coordinate

𝑥 + 1 = 0 of the hole
𝑥 = −1
 Learn about It!

Hole in the graph of a rational

2 function
1
Simplified form: 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 −5

To find the y-coordinate, substitute the

x-value to the simplified form:
 Learn about It!

Hole in the graph of a rational

2 function
1
Simplified form: 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 −5
1
𝑓 −1 =
−1 − 5
y-coordinate 1
𝑓 −1 = −
of the hole 6
 Learn about It!

Hole in the graph of a rational

2 function
Thus, the hole of the graph of the given
function is at
𝟏
(–1, - )
𝟔
 Learn about It!

Domain of a function
3
the set of all values of 𝑥 that have
corresponding values of 𝑦; it
contains all values that go into the
function, except for those x-values
that make the denominator zero.
 Learn about It!

3 Domain of a rational function

𝐷: 𝑥 ϵ 𝑅|𝑥 ≠ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

domain
 Learn about It!

3 Domain of a rational function

Example:
5
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

To find the domain of 𝑓(𝑥), we can do the

following steps.
 Learn about It!

3 Domain of a rational function

Example:
5
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥
a. Make sure that the function is in its simplest
form.
(The numerator and the denominator of 𝑓(𝑥) have no
common factor, thus the function is already in its
simplest form.)
 Learn about It!

3 Domain of a rational function

Example:
5
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥
b. Find the vertical asymptote(s) of 𝑓(𝑥) by
setting the denominator equal to zero. Then,
solve the resulting equation.
 Learn about It!

3 Domain of a rational function

Example:
5
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥
c. Exclude the vertical asymptote(s) obtained in
the previous step from the set of real numbers.
The remaining elements of the set of real
numbers comprise the domain of 𝑓 𝑥 .
 Learn about It!

3 Domain of a rational function

Example:
5
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥
5
Thus, the domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = is the set of all
𝑥
real numbers 𝑥 such that 𝑥 ≠ 0. In symbols,
𝐷: 𝑥 ϵ 𝑅 |𝑥 ≠ 0 .
 Learn about It!

4
Range of a function
the set of all values of 𝑦 that can
be obtained from the possible
values of 𝑥; it contains all possible
values of the function, except for a
restricted value.
 Learn about It!

3 Range of a rational function

range
𝑅: 𝑦 ϵ 𝑅| 𝑦 ≠ 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
 Learn about It!

4 Range of a rational function

Example:

5
Consider the rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥

To find the range of 𝑓(𝑥), we can do the

following steps.
 Learn about It!

4 Range of a rational function

5
Example: 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥

a. Make sure that the function is in its simplest

form.
 Learn about It!

4 Range of a rational function

5
Example: 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥

b. Find the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) by

comparing the degrees of the numerator and
the denominator.
 Learn about It!

4 Range of a rational function

5
Example: 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥

c. The degree of the numerator (0) is less than

the degree of the denominator (1). Recall that if
𝑛 < 𝑚, then the horizontal asymptote of the
function is the line 𝒚 = 𝟎.
 Learn about It!

4 Range of a rational function

Example:

5
Thus, the range of 𝑓 𝑥 = is the set of all real
𝑥
numbers 𝑦 such that 𝑦 ≠ 0. In symbols,
𝑅: 𝑦 ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑦 ≠ 0 .
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

𝑥+4
Solution: To find the domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = :
𝑥−7

First, find the vertical asymptote(s) of 𝑓(𝑥) by setting the

denominator equal to zero and solving the resulting
equation.

𝑥−7=0
𝑥=7
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

𝑥+4
Solution: To find the domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = :
𝑥−7

Then, exclude the vertical asymptote(s) obtained in the

previous step from the set of real numbers. The remaining
elements of the set of real numbers comprise the domain of
𝑓(𝑥).
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

Solution:

𝑥+4
Thus, the domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = is the set of all real
𝑥−7
numbers 𝑥 such that 𝑥 ≠ 7.
In symbols,
𝐷: 𝑥 ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑥 ≠ 7 .
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

𝑥+4
Solution: To find the range of 𝑓 𝑥 = :
𝑥−7

First, find the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) by comparing the

degrees of the numerator and the denominator.
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

𝑥+4
Solution: To find the range of 𝑓 𝑥 = :
𝑥−7

The numerator and the denominator of 𝑓(𝑥) have the same

degree (1). Recall that if 𝑛 = 𝑚, then the horizontal asymptote
𝑎𝑛
of the function is the line 𝑦 = , where the expressions 𝑎𝑛
𝑏𝑚
and 𝑏𝑚 are the leading coefficients of 𝑃 𝑥 and 𝑄 𝑥 ,
respectively. For the given rational function, this expression
is equal to 1.
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

𝑥+4
Solution: To find the range of 𝑓 𝑥 = :
𝑥−7

Then, exclude the horizontal asymptote obtained in the

previous step from the set of real numbers. The remaining
elements of the set of real numbers comprise the range of
𝑓(𝑥).
 Try It!

𝑥+4
Example 1: Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−7

Solution:

𝑥+4
Thus, the range of 𝑓 𝑥 = is the set of all real
𝑥−7
numbers 𝑦 such that 𝑦 ≠ 1.
In symbols,
𝑅: 𝑦ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑦 ≠ 1 .
 Try It!

Example 1: Determine the

domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥
𝑥+4
= .
𝑥−7

Final Answer:

Domain: 𝐷: 𝑥 ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑥 ≠ 7 .

Range: 𝑅: 𝑦ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑦 ≠ 1 .
 Let’s Practice!

Individual Practice:

2𝑥+3
1. Determine the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+2

3𝑥+2 𝑥−4
2. Find the domain and range of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥−4 𝑥+4
 Learn about It!

5 Intercepts
of the graph of a rational function are
the points of intersection of its graph
and an axis.
 Learn about It!

5a X - Intercept
of the graph of a rational function f(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.
 Learn about It!

5b Y - Intercept
of the graph of a rational function f(x) if it
exists, occurs at f(0), provided that f(x) is
defined at x = 0. To find y-intercept simply
evaluate the function at x = 0.
 Learn about It!

5 Intercepts
of the graph of a rational function are the points of intersection of its
graph and an axis.
 Try It!

3 −𝑥
Example 1: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+1
 Try It!

3 −𝑥
Example 1: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+1

Solution:
To find x – intercept, equate the function to 0 (since: x, 0).
3 −𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1
3 −𝑥
0=
𝑥+1
 Try It!

3 −𝑥
Example 1: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+1
Solution:
3 −𝑥
0=
𝑥+1

3 – x = ( x+1 )( 0 )

3–x=0

3=x

X=3
 Try It!

3 −𝑥
Example 1: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+1

Solution:

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

(since: 0, y) .
3 −𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1
3 −0
𝑓 0 =
𝑜+1
 Try It!

3 −𝑥
Example 1: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+1

Solution:
3−0
𝑓 0 =
𝑜+1

3
𝑓 0 =
1

𝑓 0 =3
 Try It!

3𝑥
Example 2: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+3

Solution:
To find x – intercept, equate the numerator to 0.

3𝑥 = 0
3𝑥 0
=
3 3
x=0
 Try It!

3𝑥
Example 2: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+3

Solution:

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

3𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+3
3(0)
𝑓 0 =
𝑜 +3
 Try It!

3𝑥
Example 2: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+3

Solution:
3(0)
𝑓 0 =
𝑜 +3

0
𝑓 0 =
3

𝑓 0 =0
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2

u t
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥2 − 4
.

Solution:
B !!
To find the x – intercept, equate the numerator to 0.

i t !
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 = 𝑜

a
𝑥 −2 𝑥 −1 =0

w 𝑥 −2 =0
𝑥 −1 =0

x=2;x=1
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4

Check: If the x – intercepts will not make the denominator 0.

x=2 ; x=1
2 2
𝑥 −4 𝑥 −4
= 2 2 −4 = 1 2 −4
=4 −4 =1 −4
=0 = −3
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4

Solution:
If x = 2, the denominator will become 0, the function
becomes meaningless.
So, we will only accept x – intercept at x = 1 or (1, 0).
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4

Solution:
To find the y-intercept, change the value of x with 0.
𝑥2 − 3𝑥 + 2
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥2 − 4
02 − 3(0) + 2
𝑓 0 =
02 − 4
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Solution:
To find the y-intercept, change the value of x with 0.

02 − 3(0) + 2
𝑓 0 =
02 − 4
2
𝑓 0 =
−4
1
𝑓 0 =−
2
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Alternative Solution:
Simplify the function by factoring out both the numerator
and denominator:
𝑥 − 2 (𝑥 − 1)
𝑓 𝑥 =
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥 −1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+2
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Solution:
Simplify the function by factoring out both the numerator
and denominator:
𝑥 −1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+2
2 −1
𝑓 2 =
2+2
1
𝑓 2 =
4
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Solution:
Find the x-intercept by equating the numerator to 0 and
solve for x.
𝑥 −1=0

𝑥=1

(1, 0)
 Try It!

𝑥2 −3𝑥+2
Example 3: Find the x – and y-intercepts of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Solution:
Find the y-intercept by replacing x in the function (simplified
form) with 0 and solve for y.
0 −1
𝑓 0 =
0+2
−1
𝑓 0 =
2
1
(0, − )
2
 Try It!

Comparing the two different methods

shows that it is best to SIMPLIFY FIRST
the function before identifying the
different properties and finally
graphing it.
 Learn about It!

6 Zeroes of a function
The zeroes of a function are the values
of x which make the function zero. The
zeroes are also x-intercepts of the
graph of the function.
 Learn about It!

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

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.
 Try It!

𝑥 −2
Example 1: Find the zero/ zeroes of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥+6
Solution:
Equate numerator to 0 and solve for x.
𝑥−2 =0

𝑥=2

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

 Try It!

𝑥 −3
Example 2: Find the zero/ zeroes of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 9
Solution:
𝑥 −3
𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 9
𝑥 −3
𝑓 𝑥 =
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑥 −3
𝑓 𝑥 =
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
 Try It!

𝑥 −3
Example 2: Find the zero/ zeroes of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 9
Solution:
1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+3

1=0

So, there is no zero of the function. Which means that no

point on the graph touches the x – axis.
 Try It!

𝑥2 + 𝑥 −2
Example 3: Find the zero/ zeroes of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Solution:
𝑥2 + 𝑥 − 2
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥2 − 4
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑓 𝑥 =
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑓 𝑥 =
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 2)
 Try It!

𝑥2 + 𝑥 −2
Example 3: Find the zero/ zeroes of 𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥2 − 4
Solution:
𝑥 −1
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 −2

x–1=0

x=1
 Try It!

➢What have you noticed with

the different properties of
the graph of a rational
function?
➢Are they interrelated with
one another?
 Try It!

Mini-Performance Task No. 1

Summarize the properties of the graph of
a rational function and their connection
from one another using a graphic
organizer.
Use A4-sized bond paper and follow the
format used in our worksheet.
Pass it at the end of the period.
Let’s Practice!

Sketch the graph of

2𝑥+5
𝑓 𝑥 = .
𝑥 − 1
 Let’s Practice!

Vertical Asymptote:

𝑥 −1=0
𝑥 =1
 Let’s Practice!

Horizontal Asymptote: 𝑦= 2
degree : n = m
𝑎𝑛
𝑦=
𝑏𝑚
𝟐𝑥 + 5 2
𝟏𝑥 − 1 𝑦= =2
1
 Let’s Practice!

Domain:
𝐷: 𝑥 ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑥 ≠ 1

Range:
𝑅: 𝑦ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑦 ≠ 2
 Let’s Practice!

x-intercept/ zero of the function:

➢ Equate the numerator to 0 and solve for x
2𝑥 −5
2𝑥 + 5 = 0 = 5
2 2 (− , 0)
2𝑥 = −5 −5
2
x=
2
 Let’s Practice!

y-intercept:
➢ Change x with 0 and solve for y or f(x).

2𝑥 + 5 0+5
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥 − 1 −1 (0, −5)
2(0) + 5
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = −5
0 − 1
Let’s Practice!

Table of Values:

x -4 -3 -2 -1 0 2 3 4 5
-1 5 4 3
y 3/5 1/4 -1/3 -5 9 1/2 1/3 3/4
1/2
Let’s Practice! 2, 9

3, 5 1/2
4, 3 1/3
5, 3 3/4
-4, 3/4
-3, 1/4
-2, 1/3
-2 1/2, 0 -1, -1 ½

0, -5
Let’s Practice!

Sketch the graph of

5𝑥
𝑓 𝑥 = .
2𝑥−8
 Let’s Practice!

Vertical Asymptote:
2𝑥 − 8 = 0
2𝑥 = 8
2𝑥 8
=
2 2
𝑥 =4
 Let’s Practice!

Horizontal Asymptote: 5
𝑦=
degree : n = m 2
𝑎𝑛
𝑦=
𝑏𝑚
𝟓𝑥 5
𝟐𝑥 𝑦=
𝟐
 Let’s Practice!

Domain:
𝐷: 𝑥 ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑥 ≠ 4

Range:
𝑅: 𝑦ϵ 𝑅 | 𝑦 ≠ 5/2
 Let’s Practice!

x-intercept/ zero of the function:

➢ Equate the numerator to 0 and solve for x
5𝑥 0
5𝑥 = 0 =
5 5 (0, 0)

x=0
 Let’s Practice!

y-intercept:
➢ Change x with 0 and solve for y or f(x).

5𝑥 0
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 =
2𝑥 − 8 −8 (0, 0)
5(0)
𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 = 0
2 0 −8
Let’s Practice!

Table of Values:

x -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
1 1 -2 -7
y 1/3 1/2 0 -5/6
¼ 1/14 1/2 ½
Let’s Practice!

Graph:
Key Points

1 Table of values
composed of values 𝑥 and 𝑓 𝑥 or 𝑦 that satisfy the given function

2 Asymptote
a line that a curve approaches but does not intersect.

2a Vertical Asymptote
a vertical line of the form 𝑥 = 𝑎 which the curve approaches but never touches.
The vertical line passing through the zeroes of the denominator of the rational
functions are the vertical asymptotes.
Key Points

2b Horizontal Asymptote
a horizontal line of the form 𝑦 = 𝑏 which the curve approaches but never touches
𝑃 𝑥
To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function 𝑓 𝑥 = , the
𝑄 𝑥
degrees of the numerator and the denominator will be considered. Let 𝑛 and 𝑚
be the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) respectively.
a. If 𝑛 < 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) is the line 𝑦 = 0.
𝑎
b. If 𝑛 = 𝑚, he horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑛 , where 𝑎𝑛 is the leading coefficient
𝑏𝑚
of 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑏𝑚 is the leading coefficient of 𝑄(𝑥).
c. If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal asymptote.
Key Points

3 Domain
The domain of a function is a set of all values that the variable x can take

4 Range
The range of a function is a set of all values that f(x) can take.

5 Zeroes
The zeroes of a function are the values of x which make the function zero.
Key Points

6 Intercepts
Points on the graph that intersect the x and y axis.

6a X - intercepts
The real numbered zeroes are also x-intercepts of the graph of the function.

6b Y - intercepts
The y-intercept is the function value when x = 0.