Subject : General Mathematics

Topic : Rational Functions

Number of Hours : 12 hours and equivalent of 8 regular meetings

Learning Outcomes :

This module will help you understand the key concepts of rational functions and
apply these concepts to formulate and solve real-life problems with precision and
accuracy. At the end of the lesson, the students must be able to:

 distinguish rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality;

 represent real-life situations using rational functions; and

 solve rational equations and inequalities.

Instructions:

To achieve the competencies of this module, complete the following:

1. Take your time reading and practicing the examples in every lesson diligently.
2. Understand and follow the steps or procedures of the solutions of the given
problem carefully.
3. Accomplish the pretest to identify your preparedness about the lessons in this
module.
4. Refer your answers to the given answer key.
5. Take the self-test to the lessons to assess your understanding of the topics.
6. Answer the post-test to measure how much you have gained from the topics.

Good luck and have fun!

Module Content :

1. Rational equations and inequalities

2. Rational functions and graphing rational functions

Before we begin our lesson proper, Let us check how much you know about rational
functions and their graphs. This Pre-test served as your guide as you go along through this
module.

1
 PRETEST

Direction: Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

1. Which of the following is not rational?

a. ( ) c. ( )
√
b. ( ) d. ( )

2. Which family of functions does ( ) belongs to?

a. Logarithmic c. Rational
b. Exponential d. Trigonometric

3. Simplify the following and state the excluded values:

a. c.
b. d.

2
4. Multiply. State the excluded values: .

a. c.

b. d.

5. Simplify: .
a. c.
( )( ) ( )( )

b. d.
( )( )

6. Given the graph of the function ( ) below. Which of the following represents the
behavior of the function as approaches negative infinity?

a. approaches negative infinity c. approaches positive infinity

b. approaches zero d. approaches one

3
7. Describe the vertical asymptote(s) and the x-intercept(s) for the graph of
( )( )
.
( )( )
a. asymptote: and - intercepts:
b. asymptote: and – intercept:
c. asymptote: = and – intercept : =5
d. asymptote: = and – intercept : = -4

8. Solve for
a. 3 c. -1
b. -2 d. 0

9. Sketch the horizontal asymptote and the graph the function: .

a. c.

b. d.

4
10. If is the total resistance for a parallel circuit with two resistors of resistances and ,
then . Find the resistance if the total resistance is 20 ohms and is 75
ohms. Round-off your answer to the nearest ohm if necessary.
a. 16 ohms c. 27 ohms
b. 1405 ohms d. 102 ohms

11. Which function does not have a horizontal asymptote.

a. ( ) c. ( )

b. ( ) d. ( )

12. Find the x-intercept of the function: ( ) .

a. (-1, 0) c. (0, 1)
b. (1, 0) d. there is no x-intercept

13. Which equation represents the graph?

a. c.

b. d.

5
 14. Determine the horizontal asymptote of the function: ( ) .
a. horizontal asymptote: c. horizontal asymptote:
b. horizontal asymptote: d. there is no horizontal asymptote.

15. Determine the vertical asymptote of the rational function: .

a. vertical asymptote: c. vertical asymptote:
b. vertical asymptote: d. vertical asymptote:

END

How was your performance in pre-test? Were you able to answer all the questions? Did
you find difficulties in answering the test? Are these/there questions familiar to you?

Lesson RATIONAL EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

1
In this lesson you will learn about rational functions, discontinuities and
how we can use them to model real-life scenarios. Some example will include
work problem. Before we proceed on the lesson proper, we need to review what a
polynomial function is which we encounter most of the time in the Rational
Functions including rational expressions. Lets go! and be smile.

Recall: Polynomial function

A polynomial function of degree is a function that can be written of the form

( ) ,

where , ≠ 0 and Each addend of the sum is a

term of the polynomial function. The constant are the coefficients. The
leading coefficient is . the leading term is , and the constant term is .

6
Examples: ( )

( )

( )

Recall: Rational expression

A rational expression can be written in the form

where A and B a n a and 0

Examples: , ,

Recall: Simplifying rational expression

1. Factor the numerator and denominator.

2. Write a product of two rational expressions, one factor containing the GCF of the
numerator and denominator, and the other containing the remaining factors.

3. Rewrite the factor containing the GCF as 1.

4. Multiply the remaining factors by 1.

Example1. Simplify

Solution:

( )
( )

7
Recall: Adding and subtracting rational expression with like denominators

1. Add (or subtract) the numerators.

2. Retain the common denominator.

3. Simplify the result..

To know more about this, follow the link below:

[Link]

Example 1. Find the sum of and

Solution:

+ =

Example 2. Add and

Solution:

( ) ( )
+ = =
( )
= =

Recall: Adding and subtracting rational expression with different denominators

1. Find the least common denominator (LCD).

2. Write the equivalent expression of each rational expression.

3. Add or subtract the numerators and keep the LCD.

4. Simplify the result, if possible..

To know more about this, follow the link below:

[Link]
expressions 8
Examples. Add the following rational expression:

Recall: Multiplying rational expression

1. Multiply the numerators and denominators.

2. Write the resulting numerator and denominator in factored form.

3. Divide out any numerator factor with matching denominator factor.

4. Simplify, if possible.

To know more about this, follow the link below:

[Link]

9
Example 1. Multiply the rational expression and simplify:

Solution:

Example 2. Multiply the rational expression and simplify:

Solution:

10
SAQ # 1. Perform the indicated operations and simplify whenever possible.

1. 5.

2. 6.

3.

4.

Definition.

A rational equation is an equation that contains one or more rational

expressions.

Examples: , ,

Solving Rational Equation

(a) Eliminate the denominators by multiplying each term of the least common
denominator.

(b) Exclude the values that make the denominator zero. These is /are value(s) extraneous
the make the equation indeterminate or undefined.

11
Example 1.

Solution:

LCD (2,3) =

There is no restricted value since 6 is just a constant.

0 1

( ) ( ) ( )

Therefore the solution set is 2 3

Example 2.

Solution:

LCD ( ) ( )( )

The restricted value are * +

( )( )0 1( )( )

( ) ( ) ( )

( )( )

( ) ( )

12
 Therefore the solution set is * +, since -1 is restricted value.

Example 3. =
Solution:

Restricted value is 0

Activity #1. Perform the indicated operations and simplify whenever

possible. If you finished scan your answer sheet and send to my email-
address. Good Luck and be honest.

1. 4. =

2. 5.

3. =2

13
Rational Inequality

The values that will make the inequality statement true is infinite and it is impossible
to enumerate. Instead of stating this infinitely many solution we often use the following notation.

1.) The set notation

2.) Interval notation

3.) A number line graph (line graph)

Statement Interval
Set Notation Line graph
Notation
( )
* + Open
(
interval
)
, -
* + Closed
( ) interval
, )
* +
Half-open

( -
* +
Half-open

( )
* +
Open

⟦ )
* +
Half-open

( )
* +
Open

( -
* +
Half-open

( )
R Entire real
line

Interval notation is a symbolic way of indicating of the real numbers. When a

numbers acts as a the boundary point for an interval (also called an endpoint), we use a left

14
bracket “[” or the right bracket “]” to indicate the inclusion of the endpoint. If the boundary
point is excluded, we use the left parentheses “(” or the right parenthesis “)”.

Property of Inequality

Let , then

(1.) If (additive property of inequality)

(2. ) If (multiplicative property of inequality)

If

Multiplying (or dividing) an Inequality by a negative quantity reverse the order.

Linear Inequality

, where

Solving Linear Inequality

Example :

1.) 2. ( )

Solution: Solution:

Therefore the s.s. Therefore the s.s.

1.) Set notation: { } 1.) Set notation: { }

2.) Interval notation: , ) 2.) Interval notation: ( )

3.) A number line graph (line graph): 3.) A number line graph (line graph):

15
Example 3 and 4 are special Cases:

3.) ( ) ( )

Solution:

Since the resulting statement is always true, the original inequality is true for all
Real numbers. Thus, the solution is the set of Real number

Set notation: * +

Interval notation: ( )

Line graph:

4.)

Solution:

Since the statement is always false, the original inequality is false for all Real
numbers, the solution is empty.

The set notation: * +

Interval notation: * +

Line graph: none

16
 Definition.

A rational inequality is an inequality that contains a rational expression, where

a rational expression is a ratio of two polynomials. That is, a rational expression is of
the form R(x) / Q(x) where R(x) and Q(x) are polynomials and Q(x) is not zero. The
general form of a rational inequality has a rational expression on the left hand side of
the inequality and 0 on the right hand side of the inequality.

𝑹(𝒙)
General form of a Rational Inequality: 𝟎, where can be replaced with
𝑸(𝒙)
𝑜𝑟

Solving rational inequality

Suggested steps:

1. Rewrite the inequality as a single rational expression on side of the inequality symbol
and 0 on the other side.

2. Determine over what intervals the rational expression takes on positive and negative
values.

i. Locate the x values for which the rational expression is zero or undefined
(factoring the numerator and denominator is a useful strategy).

ii. Mark the numbers found in (i) on number line. Use the bracket to indicate the
value is included in the solution set, and parentheses to indicate that the value
is excluded. These numbers partition the number line into intervals.

iii. Select a test point within the interior of each interval in ( ii ) The sign of the
rational expression at this test point is also the sign of the rational expression
at each interior point in the aforementioned interval

iv. Summarize the intervals containing the solutions

17
Example 1. Solve:

Solution:

S1:

( )

S2 i) Critical point

Zero(s) of the numerator zero(s) of denominator

since the inequality is

( ),
thus is included.
Note that zero(s) of denominator is
“not” part of the solution, it is
because this/these is/are the
value(s) that make the expression
undefined.

S2 ii):

Intervals: ( -0 / . /

S2 iii) and S2 iv): sign table

18
 Step S2 iii) and S2 iv)can be summarize by constructing sign table. Choose a convenient
test point from each interval. Substitute this value in each expression in the numerator and
denominator and use the sign of this value.

Intervals
( - [ ) ( )
Test point

Sub to

Since the rational inequality , we look for the interval that will satisfy less than
0(negative) or equal to zero. Thus 0 / is the interval that is . Therefore solution set is

( i ) Set notation:2 3

( ii ) Interval notation: 0 /

(iii) Line graph:

Example 2. Solve

Solution:

S1:

( )

( )

19
 (you may opt to change the sign of don’t forget to reverse the
inequality sign)

S2 i): Critical points

Zero of numerator: Zero of denominator:

Excluded

, then 10 is excluded

S2 ii):

Intervals: ( )( ) ( )

S2 iii) and S2 iv): sign table

Intervals
( ) ( ) ( )
Test point

Since the statement , we look for the interval that will satisfy greater
than 0 (positive) Thus is the interval ( ) or ( ) that is . Therefore solution set
is

( i ) Set notation:* + * +

( ii ) Interval notation: ( ) ( )

(iii) Line graph:

20
 Congratulations! You have finished the lesson 1.

Are you ready to take Self-Assessment Test? Try the SAQ # 3 below.

Activity #2. Perform the indicated operations and simplify whenever

possible. If you finished scan your answer sheet and send to my email-
address. Good Luck and be honest.

1. 3.

( )( )
2. 4. ( )( )

Lesson Rational function and its graph

2

Definition.

A rational function is function that can be expressed as a quotient of two

polynomial functions it usually written of the form
𝒑(𝒙)
𝒇(𝒙)
𝒒(𝒙)
𝑝(𝑥)
where 𝑞(𝑥) and the domain 𝑓(𝑥) is the set of all 𝑥 that will not 𝑞(𝑥) . Here
𝑞(𝑥)
we assume the domain is the set of real number, otherwise it will stated and define.

21
Graphing of Rational Function

The most common way to sketch the graph is through the aid of table of values, and plot
these points in the Cartesian plane and connect it by smooth curve. Looking at the values where
( ) is very helpful in graphing a rational function. Moreover, to observe the values that is
going closer and closer to the zero(s) of the denominator.

Example 1. Sketch the graph of ( )

Solution:

The zero of the denominator is , thus, domain of ( ) , is the set of all real
numbers except when .

Table of values:

→ ← ( )
( )

-3 -2

( )
Observation : un Observation :
d
1. as approaches to 0 from the left e 1. as approaches to 0 from the right
f (denoted by )
(denoted by ) i ( ) is increases without a bound
( ) is decreases without a bound n (denoted by ( ) )
(denoted by ( ) ) e
d 2. As increases without a bound
2. As decreases without a bound ( )
( ) ( )approaches to 0
( )approaches to 0 (denoted by )
(denoted by )

22
Graph:

To make easier to graph a rational function we need some tools and aid, these are given below,
and familiarize this defination and terms .

1.) Domain

The domian of the function is the set of all values that varaible can take. The domain of a
rational function is the set of all real numbers except the zero of the denominator.

2.)

The is the point where the graph crosses or touches the , in rational
function this/these is/are the zero/zeroes of the numerator. The is the point
where the graph crosses or touches the . To find the evaluate ( ) if it
exist.

3.) Assymptote

The vertical line is a vertical asymptote of a function if ( ) is increases or

decreases without a bound as from the rigth or left (e.i. ( ) )

The horizontal line is a horizontal asypmtote of the function if ( ) gets closer

to as increases or decreases without a bound ( ) as ).

Finding vertical asymptotes:

Find the zero(es) of the denominator , if they exist.

23
Finding Horizontal Asymptotes
( )
Given ( ) ( )
is rational function in lowest term, where the leading term(highest
exponent/degree of the numerator) of is and the leading term of is

i. If , the horizontal asymptote is ( )

ii. If there is no horizontal asmptote .

iii. If the horizontal asymptote is .

4. ) Range

The range of the function is the set of all values of ( ).To find the range solve the
eqaution for in terms of , then determine the restriction.

Example 2. Given the function ( ) then discuss the (1) domain (2) intercepts (3)
asymptotes (4) range and (5) skecth the graph.

Solution:

Factor the function if possible and writ in simplest form.

(1 )Domain of is the set of real number except the values that makes the denominator
zero

Domain of :* +

(2) Intercepts

: (zero of numerator) ( )
( )
( )

( )

( )

(3) asymptotes

24
 Vertical asymptotes: Horizontal asymptotes:

(Zero of the denominator) Since the degree of the numerator is eqaul to

the degee of the denominator then we have

( 4 ) Range:

( )

0 1

y( )

( )
( )

Range is of :* +

( 4 ) Graph

Plot the intercepts and asymptotes on the cartesian plane. Use broken line in graphing the
asymptotes.

25
 Construct sign table as aid to trace the possible path of the graph. Use the zero(s) of the
numerator and denominator as crictical points (this is point where the graph change the sign of
the funcion), and identify the inerval.

(Zero of numerator) (Zero of the denominator)

Interval generated: ( )( ) ( )

Sign table:

Interval ( ) ( ) ( )
Test point

26
 Now we may use this information to aid us to sketch the graph, to refine more the graph
we also opt to use few points.

In the interval ( ) all start from 0 going to left ( ) is increasing (

) and aproach to the horizontal asymptote but can never cross over. And all from going
closer and closer to ( ) is decreasing ( ) and going closer and closer to the
vertical asymptote. Also from going to the rigth ( ) is – , to refine the graph
we find two points within the interval ( ), if the oredered pair is ( )
and if the oredered pair is ( ).

27
Example 3. Given the function ( ) , then discuss the (1) domain (2) intercepts (3)
asymptotes (4) range and (5) skecth the graph.

Solution:
( )( )
( )
( )( )

(1) Domain:

(Zeroes of the denominator)

Domain of : * +

(2) Intercept:

: (zero of numerator) ( )

( ) ( ) ( )

( )

( ) ( )

(3) asymptotes

Vertical asymptotes: Horizontal asymptotes:

Zero of the denominator Since the degree of the numerator is eqaul to the
degee of the

denominator then we have

(4) range

Range of * ( ) ( ) +

28
 Interval:

(Zero of the denominator) : (zero of numerator)

( ) ( )

Intervals:( )( )( )( ) ( )

Sign table:

( )
interval ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

Test point

( )( )
( )( )

Graph: (see next page)

29
 Congratulations! You have finished the lesson 2.

Activity #3. For each, identify the asymptotes, and the x and y-intercepts
where the function is above or below the x-axis. Sketch the graph, then
identify the domain, and (if possible) the range.

1. ( )
2. ( )
3. ( )
4. ( )
( )

30
What I Learned…
You encountered a lot of concepts related to functions. Now it’s time to pause for

 What are the most important things you learned? write at least 3
______________________________________________________________________

 What are the things you are not sure about? Write at least 3.
_______________________________________________________________________

 What is the most important thing you want to clarify immediately?

______________________________________________________________________

Let us check how much you have learned in this module 2

POSTTEST

Direction: Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.

1. Which of the following is not rational?

a. ( ) c. ( )
√
b. ( ) d. ( )

31
2. Which family of functions does ( ) belongs to?

a. Logarithmic c. Rational
b. Exponential d. Trigonometric

3. Simplify the following and state the excluded values:

a. c.
b. d.

4. Multiply. State the excluded values: .

a. c.

b. d.

5. Simplify: .
a. c.
( )( ) ( )( )

b. d.
( )( )

32
6. Given the graph of the function ( ) below. Which of the following represents the
behavior of the function as approaches negative infinity?

a. approaches negative infinity c. approaches positive infinity

b. approaches zero d. approaches one

7. Describe the vertical asymptote(s) and the x-intercept(s) for the graph of
( )( )
.
( )( )
a. asymptote: and - intercepts:
b. asymptote: and – intercept:
c. asymptote: = and – intercept : =5
d. asymptote: = and – intercept : = -4

8. Solve for
a. 3 c. -1
b. -2 d. 0

33
9. Sketch the horizontal asymptote and the graph the function: .
a. c.

b. d.

10. If is the total resistance for a parallel circuit with two resistors of resistances and ,
then . Find the resistance if the total resistance is 20 ohms and is 75
ohms. Round-off your answer to the nearest ohm if necessary.
a. 16 ohms c. 27 ohms
b. 1405 ohms d. 102 ohms

11. Which function does not have a horizontal asymptote.

a. ( ) c. ( )

b. ( ) d. ( )

34
12. Find the x-intercept of the function: ( ) .
a. (-1, 0) c. (0, 1)
b. (1, 0) d. there is no x-intercept

13. Which equation represents the graph?

a. c.

b. d.

14. Determine the horizontal asymptote of the function: ( ) .

a. horizontal asymptote: c. horizontal asymptote:
b. horizontal asymptote: d. there is no horizontal asymptote.

15. Determine the vertical asymptote of the rational function: .

a. vertical asymptote: c. vertical asymptote:
b. vertical asymptote: d. vertical asymptote:

END

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