Rational

Functions
Recall:
Definition:

A polynomial function of degree n, is a function of the

form
𝑷 𝒙 = 𝒂𝒏 𝒙𝒏 + 𝒂𝒏−𝟏 𝒙𝒏−𝟏 + 𝒂 𝒏−𝟐 𝒙𝒏−𝟐 + ⋯ + 𝒂𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒂𝟎

where 𝒂𝟎 , 𝒂𝟏 , 𝒂𝟐 , … , 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 , 𝒂𝒏 ≠ 𝟎 and n

is a non-negative integer.
Complete the table below:
Polynomial or not
Expression Reason, if not
polynomial
2
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑥 + 1 −5 Yes
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 + −3
𝑥−3
4. 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1
5. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 𝑥
𝑥 2 −1
6. 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1
Complete the table below:
Polynomial or not
Expression Reason, if not
polynomial
2
1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 𝑥 + 1 −5 Yes
2. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1 Yes
3. 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 + −3 No −3 = 𝑖 3, 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙
𝑥−3
4. 𝑓 𝑥 = No 𝑥 is in the denominator
𝑥+1
1
5. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 𝑥 No 𝑥= 𝑥2
(violates the definition)
𝑥 2 −1
6. 𝑓 𝑥 = Yes
𝑥+1

𝑥 2 − 1 (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)
𝑓 𝑥 = = =x−1
𝑥+1 𝑥+1
Real life examples of rational functions
A local barangay received a budget of Php 100,000 to
provide medical check ups for the children in the
barangay.
a. If the amount is to be allotted equally among all the
children in the barangay. Write an equation
representing the relationship of the allotted amount
per child (y-variable) versus the total number of
children (x-variable)
b. A philanthropist wants to supplement the budget
allotted for each child by providing an additional
Php 750 for each child in the barangay. If g(x)
represents this new amount allotted for each child,
construct a function representing this relationship.
 Answer
100,000
a. 𝑦 =
𝑥

100,000
b. 𝑔 𝑥 = +750
𝑥
 Rational Functions
Definition

A rational function is a function of the form

𝑝(𝑥)
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑞(𝑥)

where 𝑝 𝑥 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞 𝑥 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑙𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0.

 Further real-life example
1. Average speed or Velocity is computed by the
𝑑
formula 𝑠 = .
𝑡
An object is to travel a distance of 10 meters. Express
velocity v as a function v(t) of travel time t, in seconds.

Answer:
10
𝑣 𝑡 =
𝑡
 Further real-life example
2. A fence is to enclose a rectangular vegetable farm
with an area of 400 sq. meters.
(a)If x is the length of one side of this fence, find a
function P(x) representing the perimeter of the
fencing material required.
(b) Find the perimeter of the fence if one side has
length 10 meters, 50 meters.

Answer:
2𝑥 2 +800
(a) 𝑃 𝑥 = (b) 100m , 116m
𝑥
 Solution (a)
Given:
Area=400𝑚2 Area=400𝑚2
x

Recall: y

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝑥𝑦; 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦

400
So, 400 = 𝑥𝑦 𝑦=
𝑥
Thus,
400 800 2𝑥 2 + 800
𝑃 𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 2 = 2𝑥 + =
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥
 Rational Functions,
equations and Inequalities
Definition:
A rational expression is an expression that can be
written as a ratio of two polynomials.

1 𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
Example: ;
3𝑥 𝑥

𝑥+1
Non-example:
𝑥−1
 Rational • An equation involving rational
expressions.
Equations • Example: −
2
𝑥
3
2𝑥
=
1
5

Rational • An inequality involving rational

expressions
Inequality • Example:
5
𝑥−3
≤
2
𝑥

𝑝(𝑥)
Rational • A function of the form 𝑓 𝑥 =
0
𝑞(𝑥)
, 𝑞(𝑥) ≠

Function • Example: 𝑓 𝑥 =
100
𝑥
 Solving Rational Equations
Practice:
2 3 1
1. − =
𝑥 2𝑥 5
3 2
2. 𝑥+1
=
𝑥−3
2𝑥 5
3. 𝑥+1
+ =
2𝑥
2
𝑥 2 −10 −14−5𝑥
4. 𝑥−1
=
𝑥−1
𝑥 3 −4𝑥 1
5. 𝑥 2 +2𝑥
=
𝑥
Inequalities
Rational Inequalities

1.7 - 14
 Inequality Signs
An inequality is like an equation, but
instead of an equal sign (=) it has one of
these signs:
< : less than
≤ : less than or equal to
> : greater than
≥ : greater than or equal to
 Properties of Inequality

For real numbers a, b and c:

1. If a < b, then a + c < b + c,

2. If a < b and if c > 0, then ac < bc,
3. If a < b and if c < 0, then ac > bc.

Replacing < with >, ≤ , or ≥ results in similar properties.

 Motion Problems
Note Multiplication may be replaced
by division in properties 2 and 3.

Always remember to reverse the

direction of the inequality symbol when
multiplying or dividing by a negative
number.
Linear Inequality in One
Variable
A linear inequality in one variable is an
inequality that can be written in the
form
ax  b  0,
where a and b are real numbers with
a ≠ 0. (Any of the symbols ≥, <, or ≤
may also be used.)
 Example 1 SOLVING A LINEAR INEQUALITY

Solve 3 x  5  7

Solution 3 x  5  7
3 x  5  5  7  5 Subtract 5.

3 x  12 Divide by –3; reverse

direction of the
3 x 12 inequality symbol
Don’t forget to 
reverse the 3 3 when multiplying or
symbol here.
dividing by a negative
number.

1.7 - 19
 Graphing Rules
Symbol Circle Direction
of Arrow
< Open Left
> Open Right
≤ Closed Left

≥ Closed Right
• x<5
Examples:

• x > -2

• x ≤ -8

• x≥4
• x < -6
You Try:

• x>2

• x≤0

• x ≥ -7
Type of Set Interval Graph
Interval Notation

Open {x  x > a} (a, ) (

a
interval {x  a < x < b} (a, b)
(
(
a b
{x  x < b} (– , b)
(
b

Other {x  x ≥ a} [a, ) [
a
interval {x  a < x ≤ b} (a, b] a
(
b
]

{x  a ≤ x < b} [a, b) [
a
)
b
{x  x≤ b} (– , b] ]
b
Type of Set Interval Graph
Interval Notation

Closed
interval {xa ≤ x ≤ b} [a, b] [ ]
a b

Disjoint
{xx < a or x > b} (
(
interval (– , a) (b, ) a b

All real
numbers {xx is a real numbers} (– , )
 Example 2 SOLVING A LINEAR INEQUALITY

Solve 4 – 3x ≤ 7 + 2x. Give the solution

set in interval notation and graph it.
Solution
4  3 x  7  2x
4  3 x  4  7  2x  4 Subtract 4.

3 x  3  2x
3 x  2x  3  2x  2x Subtract 2x.

5 x  3

1.7 - 25
 Example 2 SOLVING A LINEAR INEQUALITY

Solve 4 – 3x ≤ 7 + 2x. Give the solution

set in interval notation and graph it.
Solution 5 x  3
5 x 3 Divide by –5; reverse the
 direction of the inequality
5 x 5 symbol.
3
x
5 [
3
 0
 3 
5

In interval notation the solution set is   ,   .

 5 
1.7 - 26
Solving a Rational Inequality
Step 1 Rewrite the inequality, if necessary, so that
0 is on one side and there is a single fraction on the
other side.
Step 2 Determine the values that will cause either
the numerator or the denominator of the rational
expression to equal 0. These values determine the
intervals of the number line to consider.
Solving a Rational Inequality
Step 3 Use a test value from each interval to
determine which intervals form the solution set.

A value causing the denominator to equal zero will

never be included in the solution set. If the
inequality is strict, any value causing the numerator
to equal zero will be excluded; if nonstrict, any such
value will be included.
 Caution Solving a rational inequality such as
5
1
x4
by multiplying both sides by x + 4 to obtain
5 ≥ x + 4 requires considering two cases, since
the sign of x + 4 depends on the value of x. If
x + 4 were negative, then the inequality
symbol must be reversed. The procedure
described in the next two examples eliminates
the need for considering separate cases.
 Example 3 SOLVING A RATIONAL INEQUALITY

5
Solve  1.
x4
Solution
Step 1 5
1 0 Subtract 1 so that 0 is on
x4 one side.

5 x4
 0 Use x + 4 as the common
x4 x4 denominator.

1.7 - 30
 Example 3 SOLVING A RATIONAL INEQUALITY

5
Solve  1.
x4
Solution
Step 1 5 x4
 0 Use x + 4 as the common
Note the x4 x4 denominator.
careful use
5  ( x  4) Write as a single fraction.
0
of
parentheses.
x4
1 x Combine terms in the
0 numerator; be careful
x4 with signs.
1.7 - 31
 Example 3 SOLVING A RATIONAL INEQUALITY

5
Solve  1.
x4
Solution
Step 2 The quotient possibly changes sign
only where x-values make the numerator or
denominator 0. This occurs at
1 x  0 or x  4  0
x  1 or x  4

1.7 - 32
 Example 3 SOLVING A RATIONAL INEQUALITY

5
Solve  1.
x4
Solution
Step 2
Interval A Interval B Interval C
(–, – 4) (– 4, 1) (1, )

0
–4 1

1.7 - 33
 Example 3 SOLVING A RATIONAL INEQUALITY

Step3 Choose test values.

Test 5
Interval Is  1True or False?
Value x4
A: (– , – 4) –5 5
 1 ? 5  1 False
5  4
B: (– 4, 1) 0 5
 1 ? 5  1 True
04 4
C: (1, ) 2 5 5
1 ?  1 False
24 6
The values in the interval (–4, 1) satisfy the original inequality. The value 1
makes the nonstrict inequality true, so it must be included in the solution
set. Since –4 makes the denominator 0, it must be excluded. The
solutions set is (–4, 1].
1.7 - 34
 Caution As suggested by Example 3,
be careful with the endpoints of the
intervals when solving rational
inequalities.
 Example 4 SOLVING A RATIONAL
INEQUALITY
2x  1
Solve  5.
3x  4
Solution
2x  1
5 0 Subtract 5.
3x  4
2x  1 5(3 x  4)
 0 Common denominator
3x  4 3x  4 is 3x + 4.

2x  1  5(3 x  4) Write as a single

0 fraction.
3x  4

1.7 - 36
 Example 4 SOLVING A RATIONAL
INEQUALITY
2x  1
Solve  5.
3x  4
Solution
2x  1  5(3 x  4) Write as a single
0 fraction.
3x  4
2x  1  15 x  20
0 Distributive property
Be careful 3x  4
with signs.
13 x  21
0 Combine terms in the
3x  4 numerator.

1.7 - 37
 Example 4 SOLVING A RATIONAL
INEQUALITY
2x  1
Solve  5.
3x  4
Solution
Set the numerator and denominator equal to
0 and solve the resulting equations to get the
values of x where sign changes may occur.
13 x  21  0 or 3x  4  0
21 4
x or x
13 3
1.7 - 38
 Example 4 SOLVING A RATIONAL
INEQUALITY
2x  1
Solve  5.
3x  4
Solution

Interval A Interval B Interval C

 21  21 4   4 
  ,     ,    , 
 13   13 3   3 

21 4
 
13 3

1.7 - 39
 Example 4 SOLVING A RATIONAL
INEQUALITY

Solution
Now choose from the intervals and verify that:

–2 from Interval A makes the inequality true;

–1.5 from Interval B makes the inequality false;
0 from Interval C makes the inequality true.
Because of the < symbol, neither endpoint satisfies
the inequality, so the solution set is
 21  4 
 ,      ,   .
 13   3 
1.7 - 40
TRY!

𝟐𝒙
1. 𝒙+𝟏
≥𝟏

𝟑 𝟏
2. 𝒙−𝟐
<
𝒙

𝟖
3. 𝒙𝟐
>𝒙

(𝒙+𝟑)(𝒙−𝟐)
4. (𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙−𝟏)
≥𝟎

𝒙+𝟏
5. 𝒙+𝟑
≤𝟐

1.7 - 41
 Applications Rational Equality and Inequality

Example 1.
In a inter-barangay league, barangay Osias has won
12 out of 25 games, a winning percentage of 48%. How
many games should they win in a row to improve their
win percentage to 60%?

1.7 - 42
 Applications Rational Equality and Inequality

Solution:
Let x be the number of games they need to win to raise their
winning percentage to 60%. Thus, they need to win 12+x out of 25+
x games, that is,

12 + 𝑥
= 0.6
25 + 𝑥
12 + 𝑥 = 0.6(25 + 𝑥)
12 + 𝑥 = 15 + 0.6𝑥
𝑥 − 0.6𝑥 = 15 − 12
0.4𝑥 = 3
𝑥 = 7.5
Since x represents the number of games, and it must be integer.
Then Brgy Osias must win 8 games in a row to raise their win
percentage to 60%.

1.7 - 43
Example 2:
The cost C (in dollars) to produce x items is given
by the function below. If the cost is to be kept
below $20, how many items may be produced?

150
C  x   0.5 x 
x
Example 2 continued:
 Assignment Rational Equality and Inequality

In a inter-barangay league, barangay Osias has won 12

out of 25 games, a winning percentage of 48%. How
many games should they win in a row to improve their
win percentage at most 60%?

1.7 - 46