5.3/5.
4 Rational Functions
A Rational Function is a function of the form,
Finding the Domain of
a Rational Function
where and are polynomial functions and is not the zero polynomial. The domain of a rational
function is the set of all real numbers except those for which the denominator is zero. To find those
values, just set the denominator equal to zero.
Examples:
Find the domain of each rational function.
Vertical, Horizontal, Slant/Oblique Asymptotes
When working with Rational Functions, you must be aware of a thing called Asymptotes. You can look at
Asymptotes as walls that, in almost all instances, you can NEVER cross or touch. The only exception is
with horizontal asymptotes, and those exceptions are not common.
When working with Rational Functions, you can have, at most, two types of Asymptotes in one rational
function. You can have,
• Vertical and Horizontal Asymptotes
• Vertical and Slant/Oblique Asymptotes.
You can NEVER have Horizontal and Slant/Oblique asymptotes together. You can have one or the other,
but never both in one rational function.
Just as a note, Slant/Oblique mean the same thing. These are used interchangeably, so be mindful of
that when they are used.
5.35.4 Rational Functions Page 1
that when they are used.
Finding the Asymptotes
1. Vertical Asymptotes: Make sure the rational function is in lowest terms, then set the denominator
equal to zero and solve. The equation for a vertical asymptote will be .
2. Horizontal Asymptotes: First you have to look at the rational function's highest exponent power in
the numerator and denominator.
Then you will have three options for the horizontal asymptote depending on how they compare.
i. If
ii. If .
iii. If .
3. Slant/Oblique Asymptotes: If the numerators highest power is ONLY one more than the
denominator, you have a slant/oblique asymptote. To find it, you will do long division. The
asymptote will be in the form of .
Finding Vertical Finding Horizontal/Oblique
Asymptotes Asymptotes
Examples:
Find the asymptotes of each rational function, if they exist.
5.35.4 Rational Functions Page 2
Using what we have just learned, we can now graph rational functions. These are the steps you should
take in graphing them.
1. Factor the numerator and denominator, then find the function's domain.
2. Simplify, if possible.
3. Find the intercepts and their multiplicity, then plot them.
4. Find the asymptotes and graph them. Use dotted/dashed lines to differentiate them from the
rational function.
5. Find out where the graph is above or below the horizontal asymptote.
6. Graph the functions.
Examples:
Graph the rational functions.
Graphing a Graphing a
Rational Function 1 Rational Function 2
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