Rational
Rational
EXAMPLES
2
x
2
x +2 x+ 3
x+ 1
5
x−3
RATIONAL EQUATION
Example:
5 3 1
− =
x 2x 5
RATIONAL INEQUALITY
Example:
5 2
≤
x−3 x
RATIONAL FUNCTION
p(x )
A function of the form f ( x )= where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial functions and q(x) is not
q (x)
equal to zero function (i.e. q(x)≠ 0).
2
x + 2 x +3
f ( x )=
x +1
f ( x )= y
A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation or
inequality. A rational function expresses a relationship betweem two variables (such as x and y),
and can be represented by a table of values or a graph.
PRACTICE EXERCISES
Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation, a rational inequality or
none of these.
2+ x
1. =8 RATIONAL EQUATION
x−1