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Steps For Graphing A Rational Function

The document outlines the steps for graphing a rational function, starting with finding the domain and simplifying the function. It details how to determine intercepts, roots, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, and includes instructions for creating a sign chart. Finally, it emphasizes sketching the graph using the gathered information, noting that asymptotes should be represented as dotted lines.

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Pocholo Mendiola
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4 views1 page

Steps For Graphing A Rational Function

The document outlines the steps for graphing a rational function, starting with finding the domain and simplifying the function. It details how to determine intercepts, roots, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, and includes instructions for creating a sign chart. Finally, it emphasizes sketching the graph using the gathered information, noting that asymptotes should be represented as dotted lines.

Uploaded by

Pocholo Mendiola
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STEPS FOR GRAPHING A RATIONAL FUNCTION

Remember that a rational function is a RATIO of two polynomial functions.

STEPS TO GRAPHING:
1. Find the domain of the function by setting the denominator equal to 0 and solve for x. These are the
values that are NOT in the domain. Write your domain using interval notation.
2. Simplify as much as possible by cancelling factors that are common to both numerator and denominator.
The cancelled factor(s) will give you the location of any holes in the graph. Simply set the cancelled factor
= 0 to find the x-coordinate of the hole. If there are no common factors, just continue.

FOR THE REST OF THE STEPS YOU MAY USE THE FUNCTION IN ITS REDUCED FORM
3. Find the vertical intercept (y-intercept) by setting x = 0
4. Find the root(s) by setting the numerator (top polynomial) = 0 . If the numerator does NOT have a
variable in it (no x!), then there are NO ROOTS for the rational function.
5. Find the vertical asymptote(s) by setting the denominator (bottom polynomial) of the REDUCED
FUNCTION equal to 0 and solve. An asymptote is a LINE, not a number, so be sure you write your
asymptote as x = something.
6. Find the horizontal asymptote by looking at the end behavior of the reduced function. We noticed the
following:
a. If the degree of the denominator (bottom polynomial) is larger than the degree of the
polynomial on top, then y = 0 is the horizontal asymptote.
b. If the degree of the denominator (bottom polynomial) is the same as the degree of the
leading coefficient of numerator
polynomial on top, then y = is the horizontal asymptote.
leading coefficient of denominator

c. If the degree of the denominator (bottom polynomial) is smaller than the degree of the
polynomial on top, then there is NO HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE.
7. Make a sign chart to determine where the function values (the y-coordinates) are positive (above the x-
axis) or negative (below the x-axis).
8. USING THE ABOVE INFORMATION, SKETCH THE GRAPH. Be sure to use dotted lines for the asymptotes
since they are simply guides for the graph and not part of the function itself.

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