Lesson 7: Rational Functions and End Behavior
The definition of a rational number is a ratio of integers. Similarly, ratios of polynomial functions
are known as rational functions. The domain for polynomial functions is all real numbers, but the
domain of a rational function will be restricted from any values of x that cause division by zero.
Rational Functions
Let (numerator) and ( ) (denominator) be polynomial functions, where ( ) 0.
Then, a Rational Function is: =
( )
Finding Horizontal and Slant Asymptotes
Case: Example:
(1) degree of numerator < degree of denominator
The line ________________ is the horizontal asymptote.
(2) degree of numerator = degree of denominator
The ________________________ of the leading coefficients
is the horizontal asymptote.
That is, =
(3) degree of numerator > degree of denominator
The graph has ____________ horizontal asymptote.
If the degree of the numerator is exactly one more than
the degree of the denominator then you have a
slant asymptote.
The equation of the slant asymptote is = the quotient,
without the remainder, when the numerator is divided
by the denominator.
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EX #1: Find the horizontal asymptotes for the given functions and provide a reason.
1 3 3 + 18
. = . = . =
2 + 15 +3 5
EX #2: Find the slant asymptote for the given functions.
2 +3 +1
. =
+ 2
3 + 1
. =
+ 2
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2020Jean
JeanAdams
Adams FlamingoMath.com
Flamingo Math.com
Analyzing More End-Behavior of Rational Functions
The end behavior of a rational function will be affected most by the polynomial with the greater
degree, as its values will dominate the values of the ration function for input values of large
magnitude. For input values of large magnitude, a polynomial is dominated by its leading term.
Therefore, the end behavior of a rational function can be understood by examining the
corresponding quotient of the leading terms.
EX #3: Describe the end behavior for the graph of the rational functions. Analyze using limit
notation to explain your answer.
2
. =
+ 2
5
. =
+ 2
©©2022
2020Jean
JeanAdams
Adams FlamingoMath.com
Flamingo Math.com
