General Mathematics

Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Rational Functions
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master the different ways of solving Quadratic Inequalities. The scope
of this module permits it to be used in many different learning situations.
The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The
lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But
the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with the
textbook you are now using.
The module is divided into four lessons, namely:
• Lesson 1 –Representing Real Life Situations Using Rational Functions
• Lesson 2 – Distinguishing Rational Function, Rational Equation and Rational
Inequality
• Lesson 3 – Solving Rational Equations and Inequalities
• Lesson 4 – Graphing Rational Functions

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. solve rational equations and inequalities; and
4. determine the: (a) domain, (b) range, (c) intercepts, (d) zeroes, and (e)
asymptotes of rational functions’

What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following illustrates a rational function?
𝑥−2
I. 𝒚 = 𝟐𝒙 II. 𝒙 + 𝟓 = 𝟎 III. 𝑦 = 3𝑥+5

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

2. Which of the following functions is NOT rational?

𝑥−1 𝑥−2 √3𝑥 𝑥 2 +7𝑥+6
A. 𝑦 = 𝑥+2 B. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 +𝑥−6 C. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 +5𝑥+6 D. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 −2𝑥−3

4
3. Which family of functions does 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 belong to?
A. Linear function C. Rational function
B. Quadratic function D. Trigonometric function

1
4. Given the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . Which of the following represents the
behavior of the function as x approaches negative infinity?
A. approaches negative infinity C. approaches zero
B. approaches positive infinity D. approaches one

𝑥+2
5. Find the domain of the rational function (𝑥) = 𝑥−1 .
A. All real numbers except -2 C. All real numbers
except 1
B. All real numbers except -1 D. All real numbers
except 2
 1 1
6. The graph of 𝑦 = (𝑥−3)2 looks like that of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 but is shifted
A. Left 3 units C. right 3 units
B. Up 3 units D. down 3 units
C.
𝑥+4
7. What is the domain of the function defined by ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 −4𝑥 ?
A. All real numbers, except 2, -2 C. {0, 2, −2}
B. All real numbers, except 0, 2, -2 D. {0. 2, −2, 4}

1
8. What is the range of the function (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 ?
A. All real numbers C. all negative real numbers
B. All positive real numbers D. all real numbers except 1

9. The Prom committee is trying to decide how much to charge for the Prom
ticket. They know that the total cost of the DJ, the venue and the
decorations will be Php20,000.00. Also, each person’s food will cost
Php300.00. Write the function that will represent the charge per ticket if n
people attend.
20000 20000
A. 𝑓(𝑛) = 300𝑛
C. 𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑛
+ 300
300 300
B. 𝑓(𝑛) = 20000𝑛
D. 𝑓(𝑛) = 𝑛
+ 20000

10. Which of the following statements is FALSE?

A. A rational function is a quotient of two polynomials.
𝑔(𝑥)
B. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥) is a rational function. If the degree of the numerator
is greater than the degree of the denominator, there will be no
horizontal asymptote.
𝑔(𝑥)
C. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥) is a rational function. If the degree of the numerator
is greater than the degree of the denominator, the line 𝑥 = 0 is the
horizontal asymptote.
𝑔(𝑥)
D. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥) is a rational function. If the degree of the numerator
is equal to the degree of the denominator, the horizontal
asymptote will be the ratio of the leading coefficients.

3𝑥−2
11. What is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of 𝑦 = ?
5𝑥+3
−2 3 5
A. 𝑦 = 0 B. 𝑦 = C. y = D. 𝑦 =
5 5 3

𝑥−2
12. What is the vertical asymptote of the graph of = ?
4𝑥+5
5 2 1 1
A. 𝑥 = −4 B. 𝑥 = −5 C. 𝑥 = −2 D. 𝑥 = 4

For numbers 13 - 15: Jovanie takes 2 hours to plant 500 sunflower seeds.
Joules takes 3 hours to plant 450 sunflower seeds. Working together, how
long should it take them to plant 1500 sunflower seed?

13. How many sunflower seed Jovanie plant in 1 hour? How about Joules?
14. Combining their work together, what is their hourly rate?
15. Write the formula to find the time that would take them to plant
1500 sunflower seeds.
 Lesson Representing Real Life
1 Situations Using
Rational Functions

What’s In

Recall from your previous math lessons in which the reciprocal of any
1 1
number 𝑥 is 𝑥 . For example, the reciprocal of 5 is 5 and the reciprocal of 0.5
1
is , or 2. Throughout these lessons, you have studied many connections
0.5
between polynomial functions and real numbers. Does it follow then that
polynomial functions also have reciprocals? Is the reciprocal also a
1
polynomial? Is it a function? How would the graph and table of values of 𝑓(𝑥)
compare to the original function 𝑓(𝑥).

Before answering these questions, let us recall what a polynomial function is.

Definition:
A polynomial function p of degree n is a function that can be written in the
form:

𝑝(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 + 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + ⋯ + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0

where 𝑎0 , 𝑎1 , . . . , 𝑎𝑛 ∈ ℝ, 𝑎𝑛 ≠ 0, and 𝑛 is a positive integer. Each addend of the sum
is a term of the polynomial function. The constants 𝑎0 , 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , … , 𝑎𝑛 are the coefficients.
The leading coefficient is 𝑎𝑛 . The leading term is 𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 , and the constant is 𝑎0 .
The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of x in its expression. Constant (non-
zero) polynomials, linear polynomials, quadratics, cubics, and quartics are
polynomials of degree 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The function 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 is also a
polynomial, but we say that its degree is undefined.

What’s New

When a patient undergoes major surgery, the anesthesiologist must

prepare specific mixture of drugs that will put the patient under for a specific time
period. If the drugs are too weak, the patient might wake up in the middle of the
procedure; if they are too powerful, there is a risk that the patient may not wake
up at all.
 The surgery patient’s health and well-being rest on
the ability of the anesthesiologist to accurately and
effectively administer just the right amount of medicine at
the right time. How does he or she do this? It turns out
that there is a mathematical model that describes how
medicine concentration varies over time in the human
body. The formula is:
𝑨𝒕
𝑪(𝒕) =
𝑨𝟐+𝑩
in which A and B are constants determined by various factors including the body
weight of the individual, types of drugs used, and quantity of the drugs
administered.

This is an example of a rational function. The graph shown here

illustrates the case in which A=30 and B=4. The black curve is the graph of C(t).

Suppose that a certain drug will only be effective if its concentration in the
bloodstream is at least 5%. However if the drug concentration exceeds 7.5%, then
the patient may experience adverse side effects, while any amount less than 7.5%
is safe. According to the graph, the drug becomes effective at a little less than an
hour from the time it was first administered and remains above the effective level
until about 5 hours. So the duration of effect is at least 4 hours total (within the
time window between the two dotted blue lines). Furthermore, this graph shows
that the concentration peaks at 7.5% and then decreases, indicating the drug is
safe for the patient.

What is It

In this lesson, you will explore how rational functions are applied in real
life situations. For example, you will learn how you can use the formula for C(t) to
precisely identify when the drug concentration reaches the effective level. You will
also be able to show that over time the drug concentration becomes
insignificant. That is, the values of C(t) get closer to 0 as t increases. This is good
news for the patient who probably wants to get back to his or her daily routine as
soon as possible after the surgery.

Example 1. Suppose we know that the cost in making a product is dependent on

the number of items, 𝑥 produced. This is given by the equation 𝐶(𝑥) = 15,000𝑥 −
0.1𝑥 2 + 1,000. If we want to know the average cost for producing 𝑥 items, we would
divide the cost function by the number of items, 𝑥.

The average cost function, which yields the average cost per item for 𝑥
𝟏𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎𝒙−𝟎.𝟏𝒙𝟐 +𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎
items produced, is 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙

Many other application problems require finding an average value in similar

way, giving us variables in the denominator. Written without a variable in the
denominator, this function will contain a negative integer power.
Definition:

A rational function is a ratio of polynomial functions. If 𝒑 and 𝒒 are

𝒑(𝒙)
polynomial functions, then 𝒓(𝒙) = 𝒒(𝒙) is a rational function. Since the
denominator of a fraction can never be equal to zero, the domain of 𝒓 is the set of
all values of 𝒙 where 𝒒(𝒙) ≠ 𝟎.

Example 2. In an organ pipe, the frequency 𝑓 of vibration of air is inversely

proportional to the length 𝐿 of the pipe. Suppose that the frequency of vibration
in a 10-foot pipe is 54 vibrations per second. Express 𝑓 as a function of 𝐿.

Solution:
𝑘
• Since 𝑓 is inversely proportional to 𝐿, then 𝑓 = , where k is the
𝐿
constant of the proportionality.
𝑘
• If L=10, then 𝑓 = 54. Thus, 54 = 10 𝑘 = 540.
540
• Thus, the function 𝑓(𝐿) = 𝐿
.

What’s More

Activity: Representing Real-Life Situations Using Rational

Numbers
A. Jovanie takes 2 hours to plant 500 sunflower seeds. Joules takes 3 hours to
plant 450 sunflower seeds. Working together, how long should it take them
to plant 1500 sunflower seed?

• Determine the hourly rate for each person and for the whole group using the
𝑊
formula 𝑟 = 𝑡 .

𝑱𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆 = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓 ; 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 = 𝟐𝟐𝟓 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓

𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎
𝑱𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆 + 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 = 𝒕

•Write an equation to show that the sum of their individual hourly rates
equals the group rate.
𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎
𝟐𝟓𝟎 + 𝟐𝟐𝟓 =
𝒕
B. Joyjoy, Saysay and Joules can paint a room together in 2 hours. If Joyjoy
does the job alone, she can paint the room in 6 hours. If Saysay works alone,
she can paint the room in 5 hours. If Joules works alone, how long would it
take him paint the room?

• Determine the hourly rate for each person and for the whole group using the
𝑊
formula 𝑟 = 𝑡
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
𝑱𝒐𝒚𝒋𝒐𝒚 = 𝟔 ; 𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒔𝒂𝒚 = 𝟓 ; 𝐽𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 = 𝒙 ; 𝑱𝒐𝒚𝒋𝒐𝒚 + 𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒔𝒂𝒚 + 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 = 𝟐

• Write an equation to show that the sum of their individual hourly rates
equals the group rate.
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
+ + =
𝟔 𝟓 𝒙 𝟐
 C. One pipe can fill a pool 1.5 times faster than a second pipe. If both pipes
are open, the pool can be filled in 6 hours. If only the smaller pipe is open,
how long would it take to fill the pool?

• Find the rate of each pipe alone and two working together.
𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌 = 𝟏 𝒑𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅

𝟏
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒆 = 𝒑 hours needed for fast pipe to fill the pool, 𝑝
𝟏
𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒆 = 𝟏.𝟓𝒑
hours needed for slow pipe to fill the pool, 1.5𝑝
𝟏
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒆 + 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒊𝒑𝒆 = 𝟔 hours needed for both pipes together

• Write an equation that shows that the amount of work completed by

both pipes in one hour.

𝟏 𝟏 𝟏
+ =
𝒑 𝟏. 𝟓𝒑 𝟔

What I Have Learned

Definition:

Rational function is a ratio of polynomial functions. If 𝒑 and 𝒒 are polynomial

𝒑(𝒙)
functions, then 𝒓(𝒙) = 𝒒(𝒙) is a rational function. Since the denominator of a fraction
can never be equal to zero, the domain of 𝒓 is the set of all values of 𝒙 where 𝒒(𝒙) ≠ 𝟎.
Rational equations can be used to solve a variety of problems that involve
rates, times and work. Using rational expressions and equations can help us answer
questions about how to combine workers or machines to complete a job on schedule.

What I Can Do
Complete the needed information.
1. The speed of a passenger train is 12 mph faster than the speed of the freight
train. The passenger train travels 330 miles in the same time it takes the freight
train to travel 270 miles. Find the speed of each train.

Distance Rate Time

Passenger train (1) (3) (5)
Freight train (2) (4) (6)

From the information above, write a rational equation to find the speed of each
train. (7)________________________
 Assessment
Representing Real-Life Situations Using Rational Numbers.

A. Joseph can pour a concrete walkway in 6 hours working alone. Aldwin has
more experience and can pour the same walkway in 4 hours working alone.
How long will it take both people to pour the concrete walkway working
together?

1. What is the hourly rate of Joseph? _________________________________________

2. What is the hourly rate of Aldwin? _________________________________________
3. What is the hourly rate of Joseph and Aldwin working together?
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Write the equation to determine the time will it take Joseph and Aldwin
to pour the concrete walkway working together?
______________________________

B. One person can complete a task 8 hours sooner than another person.
Working together, both people can perform the task in 3 hours. How many
hours does it take each person to complete the task working alone?

5. How will you represent the rate of the faster person to complete the
task? _______________________________________________________________
6. How will you represent the rate of the slower person to complete the
task?_______________________________________________________________
7. Working together, what is their hourly rate? _______________________________
8. What equation will help you solve the problem? ____________________________

Lesson Distinguishing Rational Function,

2 Rational Equation, and Rational

Inequality

What’s In

Again, think of a rational expression as a ratio of two polynomials.

Here are some examples of expressions that are or are not rational expressions.

Rational or
Expression Explanation
Not?
𝑥+5
YES Ratio of two polynomials
2𝑥 − 1
3√𝑥
NO The numerator is not a polynomial
5
Ratio of two polynomials. The denominator
2𝑥
2𝑥 or 1
YES “1” which is a constant monomial is not
written but it is there
𝑥 −2 + 2𝑥 − 6 The numerator has a negative exponent,
NO
𝑥−3 thus it is not a polynomial
1 Ratio of two polynomials. “1” is a constant
YES
𝑥−7 monomial
 What’s New
Definitions:

• A rational function is a ratio of polynomial functions. If 𝒑 and 𝒒 are

𝒑(𝒙)
polynomial functions, then 𝒓(𝒙) = 𝒒(𝒙) is a rational function. Since the
denominator of a fraction can never be equal to zero, the domain of 𝒓 is the
set of all values of 𝒙 where 𝒒(𝒙) ≠ 𝟎.

𝑥−6 1
Examples: (1) 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥+3 (2) 𝑦 = 5𝑥 2 (3) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥+3

• A rational equation is an equation that involves ratio of two polynomials.

𝑥−1 1 5𝑥 2 −6𝑥+1
Examples: (1) 3𝑥+1
=4 (2) 3𝑥 2 = 2
(3) 𝑥 + 5 = 7

• A rational inequality is an inequality that involves ratio of two

polynomials. It uses inequality symbols such as <, >, ≥, ≤, ≠.

2𝑥 3 2𝑥 3 −𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2
Examples: (1) 𝑥+1
>2 (2) 𝑥2 ≤ 2𝑥−1
(3) 3𝑥 − 5 < 2𝑥 + 1

What is It

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

rational inequality or none of these. Explain.
Given Answer Explanation
3𝑥 + 5 none of these It is simply an expression
𝑥−5 It is an equation that involves
= 𝑥2 rational equation
3 ratio of two polynomials
𝑥 It is a ratio of two polynomial
𝑓(𝑥) = rational function
𝑥+3 functions
√𝑥 1
none of these
≤ √𝑥 is not a polynomial
2 𝑥−1
3 1 It is an inequality that involves
≥ rational inequality
𝑥√2 𝑥−1 ratio of two polynomials

What’s More
Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation, a
rational inequality or none of these.
3−𝑥
1. 2𝑥+5
6. 𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 9 = 1
1
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 7 7. 𝑥
− 5𝑥 = 2𝑥 2
2
3. 5
−𝑥 =7 8. 5𝑥 + 4 ≤ 3𝑥 − 8
𝑥−2 5√𝑥−3𝑥+7
4. 5𝑥 −1 < 𝑥+2
9. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥
1 1
5. 𝑥 −2 − 3𝑥 + 6 = 10. ℎ(𝑥) = +3
2 𝑥
 What I Have Learned
• A rational function is a ratio of polynomial functions. If 𝒑 and 𝒒 are
𝒑(𝒙)
polynomial functions, then 𝒓(𝒙) = 𝒒(𝒙) is a rational function. Since the
denominator of a fraction can never be equal to zero, the domain of 𝒓 is
the set of all values of 𝒙 where 𝒒(𝒙) ≠ 𝟎.

3𝑥−5 1
Examples: (1) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−7
(2) 𝑦 = 5𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 3 (3) 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥+3

• A rational equation is an equation that involves ratio of two polynomials.

2𝑥−1 𝑥+3 𝑥−7 5𝑥 2 −6𝑥+1

Examples: (1) 3𝑥+1
= 𝑥−4 (2) 2
= 2
(3) 3𝑥 + 2 = 7

• A rational inequality is an inequality that involves ratio of two polynomials.

It uses inequality symbols such as <, >, ≥, ≤, ≠.
2−𝑥 3 3
Examples: (1) > (2) 𝑥2 ≤ (3) 5 − 3𝑥 ≠ 2𝑥 + 7
𝑥+1 2 2𝑥−1

What I Can Do

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

rational inequality or none of these. Explain.

1. 3𝑥 + 5 = 0 𝑥 2 +2𝑥−3
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥−1
𝑥−5 4. 3𝑥 + 7 > 4
3. ≠ 𝑥2
3
𝑥+7 𝑥+5
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−3 6. = 2𝑥 − 3
𝑥−4
𝑥+1 𝑥√5 1
7. +𝑦 =0 8. ≤ 𝑥−1
𝑥−3 2
2 3 1
9. 𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 3 10. ≥ 𝑥−1
𝑥√2

Lesson
Solving Rational Equations
3 and Rational Inequalities

What’s In

To understand easily how to solve rational equations and rational

inequalities, you have to recall your knowledge on the fundamental operations of
fractions/rational expressions, factoring and solving polynomial equations.
REVIEW:
A. Add/subtract the following:
2 5
1. + To add/subtract fractions, we need to make sure
3 4
the denominators are the same. Since 3 and 4
have no common factor, then the LCD is 𝟑(𝟒) = 𝟏𝟐.
To rename fractions, divide the LCD by the original
denominator then multiply the product to the
numerator. (Do this for each term.)
8 15
= 12 + 12 Simplify each term. Add the numerators and
simply copy the common denominator.

𝟐 𝟓 𝟐𝟑
Therefore, 𝟑
+ 𝟒 = 𝟏𝟐 .

𝑥+2 2
2. − To add/subtract rational expressions, we need to
𝑥−1 𝑥 2 −1
make sure that the denominators are the same.
Since 𝑥 − 1 is one of the factors of 𝑥 2 − 1, thus the
LCD is (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) = 𝑥 2 − 1
(𝑥+1)(𝑥+2) 2
= − To rename rational expressions, divide the LCD by the
(𝑥+1)(𝑥−1) (𝑥+1)(𝑥−1)
original denominator then multiply the product to the
numerator. (Do this for each term.)
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2 2
= − Subtract the numerators and simply copy the common
𝑥 2 −1 𝑥 2 −1
denominator.

𝒙+𝟐 𝟐 𝒙𝟐 +𝟐𝒙
Therefore, 𝒙−𝟏
− 𝒙𝟐−𝟏 = 𝒙𝟐 −𝟏

B. Solve the following:

1. 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1 = 5 Given
2
𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 1 − 5 = 5 − 5 Addition Property of Equality
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 4 = 0 Equate the equation to zero
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 1) = 0 Factor
𝑥+4=0 ; 𝑥−1=0 Equate each factor to zero
𝑥+4+ (−4) = 0 + (−4) ; 𝑥 − 1 + 1 = 0 + (−1) Addition Property of Equality
𝒙=𝟒 ; 𝒙 = −𝟏

What’s New

Consider this problem given in Lesson 1.

Jovanie takes 2 hours to plant 500 sunflower seeds. Joules takes 3

hours to plant 450 sunflower seeds. Working together, how long should it take
them to plant 1500 sunflower seed?

We have previously represented this problem with the equation below:

1500
250 + 150 =
𝑡

To know the time it takes for Jovanie and Joules to plant 1500
sunflower seed, we are to use the knowledge in solving equations specifically
solving rational equation.
 What is It

Solve the following rational equations/inequalities.

2𝑥+3 𝑥−2
1. 5
= 5 The equation has two rational expressions on
either side of the “equals” sign. The two
rational expressions have the same
denominator. They will be equal if their
numerators are equal.

2𝑥 + 3 = 𝑥 − 2 Equate the numerators.

2𝑥 + (−𝑥) = −2 + (−3) Solve the resulting equation.

𝒙 = −𝟓

Check the solutions of the transformed equations with the original

equation.

2𝑥 + 3 𝑥 − 2
=
5 5
2(−5)+3 −5−2
=
5 5
−10 + 3 −7
=
5 5
−7 −7
=
5 5

Thus, the solution 𝒙 = −𝟓 is correct!

𝑥−5 1
2. 12
=4 The LCD of the two rational expressions is 3(4) = 12.
𝑥−5 1
12 ( 12 ) = 12(4) Multiply both sides by the LCD.
𝑥−5=3 Simplify and solve the resulting equation.
𝑥 =3+5

𝒙=𝟖

Check the solutions of the transformed equations with the original

equation.
𝑥−5 1
12
=4
8−5 1
12
=4
3 1 3 1
12
=4 Reducing 12 into lowest term is 4 . Thus, 𝑥 = 8.

2−𝑥
3. 𝑥+3
≤0

• The first thing to do is to get the zero on one side of the inequality and
then, if possible, factor the numerator and denominator. For this
problem we already have zero on one side of the inequality and there is
no need to factor.
 2−𝑥 2−𝑥
• Since 𝑥+3 ≤ 0, then we need to find all the values of 𝑥 that makes 𝑥+3
negative.

• To do this, we make sign analysis. We look first at the sign of the

numerator 2 − 𝑥.
If 𝑥 = 2, then 2 − 𝑥 is 0.
If 𝑥 < 2, then2 − 𝑥 is positive.
If 𝑥 > 2, then 2 − 𝑥 is negative.

• We then look for the sign of the denominator 𝑥 + 3.

If 𝑥 = −3, then 𝑥 + 3 is 0.
If 𝑥 < −3, then 𝑥 + 3 is negative.
If 𝑥 > −3, then 𝑥 + 3 is positive.
𝟐−𝒙
Finally, to find the sign of 𝒙+𝟑
, we use the rules of dividing the sign.

𝑥 < −3 -3 −3 < 𝑥 < 2 2 𝑥>2

2−𝑥 + 5 + 0 -
𝑥+3 - 0 + 5 +
2−𝑥
𝑥+3 - undefined + 0 -

Note that for 𝑥 = −3, the 𝑥 is undefined and so −3 is not part of the solution.

For 𝑥 = 2, the quotient is 0, and so 2 is part of the solution.

We write the solution in interval notation (−∞, −𝟑) ∪ [𝟐, ∞)

1 1
4. 𝑥−5
>3

The first thing to do is to get the zero on one side of the inequality.
1 1
− >0
𝑥−5 3
Rename each term of rational expression on the left of the equation so that
they have the same denominator.
1(3) 1(𝑥 − 5)
− >0
3(𝑥 − 5) 3(𝑥 − 5)
Simplify.
3 𝑥−5
− >0
3𝑥 − 15 3𝑥 − 15
Subtract
−𝑥 + 8
>0
3𝑥 − 15
−𝑥+8 −𝑥+8
Since 3𝑥−15
> 0, we need to find all the values of x that makes 3𝑥−15
positive.
To do this, we make sign analysis. We look first at the sign of the numerator
−𝑥 + 8.
If 𝑥 = 8, then −𝑥 + 8 is 0.
If 𝑥 > 8, then −𝑥 + 8 is negative.
If 𝑥 < 8, then −𝑥 + 8 is positive.

We look for the sign of the denominator 3𝑥 − 15.

If 𝑥 = 5, then 3𝑥 − 15 = 0.
If 𝑥 > 5, then 3𝑥 − 15 is positive.
If 𝑥 < 5, then 3𝑥 − 15 is negative.
 −𝑥+8
Finally, to find the sign of 3𝑥−15
, we use the rules of dividing the sign.
𝑥<5 5 5<𝑥 <8 8 𝑥>8
−𝑥 + 8 + 3 + 0 -
3𝑥 − 15 - 0 + 9 +
−𝑥 + 8
3𝑥 − 15 - undefined + 0 -

We write the solution in interval notation (5, 8) .

What’s More

Solve for the following.

2𝑥−3 2𝑥 𝑥 𝑥 2 −𝑥−6
1. = 3. + 1=0 5. >0
𝑥+5 𝑥−1 𝑥−2 𝑥−3

𝑥+3 𝑥+2 3 2
2. 𝑥−8
= 𝑥−3 4. 𝑥−1
≤3

What I Have Learned

Steps on Solving Rational Equations

1. Eliminate denominators by multiplying each term of the equation by

the least common denominator.
2. Solve the resulting equation.

Steps on Solving Rational Inequalities

1. Rewrite the inequality as a single rational expression in one side of
the inequality symbol and 0 on the other side.
2. Find the key or critical values. To find the key/critical values, set
the numerator and denominator of the fraction equal to zero and
solve.
3. Make a sign analysis chart. To make a sign analysis chart, use the
key/critical values found in Step 2 .
4. Write the solution in interval notation.

What I Can Do

Solve for the following.

2𝑥−3 2 3 𝑥−1 1
1. 𝑥+5
≥0 3. 𝑥−1
+ 𝑥+1 =0 5. 𝑥+3
>2
𝑥+3 2 3
2. 𝑥−8
=3 4. 2𝑥−1
=1
Lesson
Graphing of Rational
4 Functions

What’s In

In this section, we will practice determining the domain and range,

intercepts, asymptotes of rational function. But before we continue, we have
to recall the following:
• The domain of a function is the complete set of possible values of the
independent variable. It is the set of all possible x-values which will
make the function work and will output real y-values

➢ When finding the domain, remember:

- the denominator of a fraction cannot be zero
- the number inside the square root sign must be positive.

• The range of a function is the complete set of all possible resulting

values of the dependent variable (y, usually), after we have
substituted the domain. It is the resulting y-values we get after
substituting all the possible x-values.

• A rational function is a ratio of polynomial functions. If 𝒑 and 𝒒 are

𝒑(𝒙)
polynomial functions, then 𝒓(𝒙) = 𝒒(𝒙) is a rational function. Since the
denominator of a fraction can never be equal to zero, the domain of 𝒓
is the set of all values of 𝒙 where (𝒙) ≠ 𝟎.

• The x-intercept is where the graph intersects the x-axis. It is the value of x
that makes the function zero.
• The y-intercept is where the graph intersects the y-axis. It is the value of y
when 𝒙 = 𝟎.

What’s New

We have learned that the denominator of a rational function is never

allowed to equal to zero, thus division by zero is not defined. So, with rational
functions, there are special values of the independent variable that are of
particular importance, thus make the rational functions exhibit special
behavior. In here we will also discover that values that make the numerator
zero creates additional special behavior in rational functions.
Below is an example of a graph of rational functions.

What is It

𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
Example 1. Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 . Identify the asymptotes,
zeroes, intercepts, domain and range of the function.
➢ To find the zeroes of rational function, identify the values of the
independent variable (usually x) that makes the numerator zero.
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
Given
(𝑥+2)(𝑥+1)
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1
Factor the numerator
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 2 Simplify
𝑥+2=0 Solve for x
𝒙 =−2 ;
Zeroes of 𝒇.

(−𝟐, 𝟎) x-
intercept
(𝟎, 𝟐) y-
intercept

➢ If the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the

denominator, the rational function has no horizontal asymptote.
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) = has no horizontal
𝑥+1
asymptote.

➢ Find the values of 𝒂 where the denominator is zero. If this value of 𝒂

does not make the numerator zero, then the line 𝒙 = 𝒂 is a vertical
asymptote.
𝑥+1=0 Equate the denominator to zero.
𝑥 = −1 Solve for x.
Since -1 makes the numerator zero, then this rational
function has no vertical asymptote.

Domain:
{𝑥|𝑥 ∈ ℝ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ≠ −1}

Range:
{𝑦|𝑦 ∈ ℝ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 ≠ 1}
 𝑥 2 −5𝑥−6
Example 2. Sketch the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −𝑥−2 . Identify the asymptotes,
zeroes, intercepts, domain and range of the function.
➢ If the degree of the numerator and denominator of the function are
𝒂
the same, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝒃 where the 𝒂 is the leading
coefficient of the numerator and 𝒃 is the leading coefficient of the
denominator.
Thus, the horizontal asymptote of 𝒇 is
𝒚 = 𝟏.
➢ Redefine the function by factoring both numerator and denominator
(𝑥−6)(𝑥+1)
of the rational function. 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥−2)(𝑥+1)
𝑥−6
𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥−2
𝑥−6=0 Equate the numerator of the redefined function
to zero
𝒙=𝟔 Zero of the
function
𝑥−2=0 ; 𝑥+1 =0 Equate each factor of the denominator to zero.
𝑥 = 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = −1 Restrictions in the values of x
Thus, the vertical asymptote is 𝑥 = 2; since when 𝑥 =
−1, it makes the numerator zero.

(𝟔, 𝟎) x- intercept
(𝟎, 𝟑) y- intercept

Domain:
{𝑥|𝑥 ∈ ℝ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ≠ 2, 𝑥 ≠ −1}

Range:
7
{𝑦|𝑦 ∈ ℝ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 ≠ 3}

𝑥−4
Example 3. Sketch the graph of ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +4 . Identify the asymptotes,
zeroes, intercepts of the function.
➢ The domain of 𝒉 is ℝ (all real numbers) since 𝑥 2 + 4 will never
be zero.
➢ Since the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the
denominator, therefore the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟎.
➢ There is no vertical asymptote.
➢ The zero of the 𝒇 is at 𝒙 = 𝟒.
➢ The x-intercept is at (𝟒, 𝟎).
➢ The y-intercept is at (−𝟏, 𝟎).
 𝑥−2
Example 4. Sketch the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −7𝑥+6 .
Identify the asymptotes, zeroes, intercepts, domain and range of the
function.

𝑥−2
𝑓(𝑥) = The degree of the numerator is less than the degree
𝑥 2 −7𝑥+6
of the denominator, thus the horizontal asymptote
is 𝒚 = 𝟎.
𝑥−2
𝑓(𝑥) = Factor the denominator.
(𝑥−6)(𝑥−1)
𝑥−2=0 Equate the numerator to zero.
𝒙=𝟐 Zero of the function
𝒙=𝟐 x-intercept
𝑥 − 6 = 0; 𝑥 − 1 = 0 Equate the denominator to zero to find the
restrictions in it.
𝒙 = 𝟔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 = 𝟏 vertical asymptote of the function
𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏: {𝒙|𝒙 ∈ ℝ 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒙 ≠ 𝟔, 𝒙 ≠ 𝟏}

vertical
asymptote
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆: (−∞, 𝟏) ∪ (𝟏, 𝟔) ∪ (𝟔, ∞)

𝑥 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡. = 2 horizontal
𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡. = 0 asymptote

What’s More

A. Identify the asymptotes, zeroes, intercepts, domain and range of the

following rational functions.
𝑥+2 𝑥−3
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥+5 𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
𝑥 2 +3𝑥+2
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −4
4 𝑥 2 +7𝑥+12
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥−3 5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+4
 What I Have Learned
To determine the domain of a rational function, find its excluded
value by equating the denominator to zero, then solve for x.

To find the range, redefine the function by x in terms of y. Equate

the denominator of redefined function to zero, then solve for y in order to
find the excluded value/s.

Finding the Horizontal Asymptotes of Rational Function

Let n be the degree of the numerator and m be the degree of the

denominator.
➢ If 𝑛 < 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is y=0.
𝒂
➢ If 𝑛 = 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝒃 where the 𝒂 is the
leading coefficient of the numerator and 𝒃 is the leading coefficient
of the denominator.
➢ If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal asymptote.

What I Can Do

A. Identify the asymptotes, zeroes, intercepts, domain and range of each

function.
7 𝑥−1
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +4 2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥+5

Assessment

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following illustrates rational function?

𝑥−2
A. 3𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 1 B. 𝑥 + 5 = 0 C. 𝑦 = 3𝑥+5 D. 𝑦=
𝑥 2 −3√𝑥−5
𝑥−7

2. Which of the following functions is NOT rational?

𝑥−1 √𝑥−2 3𝑥
A.𝑦 = 𝑥+2 B. 𝑦 = 𝑥+5
C. 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6 D. 𝑦=
𝑥 2 +7𝑥+6
𝑥 2 −2𝑥−3

4
3. Which family of functions does 𝑦 = 𝑥−1 belong to?
A. Linear function C. Rational function
B. Quadratic function D. Trigonometric function
 𝑥−1
4. Given the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . Which of the following
represents the behavior for the function as x approaches positive infinity?

A. approaches negative infinity C. approaches zero

B. approaches positive infinity D. approaches one

𝑥 2 +𝑥−2
5. Find the domain of the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = .
𝑥+2
A. All real numbers except -2 C. All real numbers except 1
B. All real numbers except -1 D. All real numbers except 2
1 1
6. The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 5 looks like that of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 but is shifted
A. Left 5 units C. right 5 units
B. Up 5 units D. down 5 units
𝑥+4
7. What is the domain of the function defined by ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 +16 ?
A. All real numbers except 4, -4 C. All real numbers
B. All real numbers except 0, 4 D. {−4, 4}

1
8. What is the range of the function (𝑥) = 𝑥 ?
A. All real numbers C. all negative real numbers
B. All positive real numbers D. all real numbers except 0
𝑥+5
9. Solve for the inequality: >0
𝑥−7
A. 𝑥 < −5 B. 𝑥 > 7 C. −5 < 𝑥 < 7 D. (−∞, −5) ∪
(7, ∞)

10. Which of the following statements is false?

A. A rational function is a quotient of two polynomials.
𝑔(𝑥)
B. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥) is a rational function. If the degree of the numerator is
greater than the degree of the denominator there horizontal asymptote
is 𝑦 = 0.
𝑔(𝑥)
C. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥) is a rational function. If the degree of the numerator is
greater
than the degree of the denominator there is no horizontal asymptote.
𝑔(𝑥)
D. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = ℎ(𝑥) is a rational function. If the degree of the numerator is equal
to the degree of the denominator, the horizontal asymptote will be the ratio
of the leading coefficients.

3𝑥 2 −2
11. What is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of 𝑦 = 5𝑥+3
?
3
𝑛𝑜 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑒 B. 𝑦 = 0 C. 𝑦 = 5
D. y=1

𝑥−2
12. What is the vertical asymptote of the graph of = 4𝑥+5 ?
5 2 1 1
A. 𝑥 = − 4 B. 𝑥 = − 5 C. 𝑥 = − 2 D. 𝑥 = 4
 For 13-15. TRUE or FALSE

13. 13. Every rational function has vertical asymptote.

14. 14. Rational function is a quotient of two polynomial functions, where the
denominator is not equal to zero.
𝑥+7
15. 15. 𝑥−4
= 8 is an example of a rational function

Additional Activities

𝑥−4
1. Find all asymptotes of (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −6𝑥+8 .
3𝑥 2
2. Identify the domain , intercepts and asymptotes of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −4 .