CHAPTER 6

Rational Functions

Introduction: Rational Functions

A rational function is created by dividing two polynomials. Technically, a
rational function takes the form
N (x)
f (x) =
D(x)
where N (x) and D(x) are both polynomials. Essentially, these functions are
division problems.

The following are all examples of rational functions

1 x2 → 3x → 4 5x2 → 15x
x→4 x2 + 5x → 14 10x2

163
164 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

1. Division with Remainders

In Assignment 5, we used polynomial division as a tool for factoring and
graphing polynomial functions.

Recall the following equivalent statements:

• A is a factor of B
• B is divisible by A
B
• The division problem A
has a remainder of 0

In this lesson, we’ll look at examples of polynomial division problems that

have a remainder.

Example 6.1. Divide

6x3 + 11x2 → 31x + 15
3x → 2

Solution. Dividing these two polynomials results in a remainder of 1.

2x2 + 5x → 7
!
3x → 2 6x3 + 11x2 → 31x + 15
→ 6x3 + 4x2
15x2 → 31x
→ 15x2 + 10x
→ 21x + 15
21x → 14
1

We can see the meaning of this remainder once we try to multiply the quotient
by the divisor:
(2x2 + 5x → 7)(3x → 2)
= 6x3 → 4x2 + 15x2 → 10x → 21x + 14
= 6x3 + 11x2 → 31x + 14
Notice that this product is exactly 1 less than the original dividend. (That is
what it means to have a remainder of 1.) We could express this in an equation:
6x3 + 11x2 → 31x + 15 = (2x2 + 5x → 7)(3x → 2) + 1
 1. DIVISION WITH REMAINDERS 165

If we divide this equation by the divisor 3x→2, we see the result of our division
problem.
6x3 + 11x2 → 31x + 15 (2x2 + 5x → 7)(3x → 2) + 1
=
3x → 2 3x → 2
3 2 2
6x + 11x → 31x + 15 (2x + 5x → 7)(3x → 2) 1
= +
3x → 2 3x → 2 3x → 2
3 2
6x + 11x → 31x + 15 1
= 2x2 + 5x → 7 +
3x → 2 3x → 2

In general, a division problem will take the form

dividend remainder
= quotient +
divisor divisor

The equation we wrote in the previous problem

6x3 + 11x2 → 31x + 15 = (2x2 + 5x → 7)(3x → 2) + 1
is the division algorithm form of our division problem. In division algorithm
form, we express the parts of the division problem as

dividend = quotient ↑ divisor + remainder

When a division problem has a remainder that is not 0, it’s helpful to write
out the problem in division algorithm form. Then, dividing each side by the
divisor will give us the result of our division problem.
166 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Problem 6.1.
Divide
2x3 →x2 →7x+8
(a) x+2
x4 →33x2 +8x+243
(b) x+5
3x3 →7x2 +9
(c) x→1
x4 →100
(d) x→3

Problem 6.2.
Divide
x4 +2x3 →4x2 →2x+3
(a) x2 +4x+3
x4 →71x2 +270x→200
(b) x2 +9x→10
2x4 +9x3 →11x2 →27x+15
(c) x2 →3
2x4 +10x3 →11x2 +18x→22
(d) 2x2 +3

Problem 6.3.
When a polynomial P (x) is divided by x + 5, the quotient is x2 → 9 and the
remainder is 7. Find the original polynomial P (x). (Hint: write the division
problem in division algorithm form.)
Problem 6.4.
Let P (x) = (x → 4)(x + 3)(x + 5).

(a) What is the remainder when P (x) is divided by x2 + 8x + 15?

(b) Find all other division problems with P (x) that have a remainder of
0.
Problem 6.5.
In the following division problem, k is an unknown constant.
x3 + 12x2 + kx + 60
x+2
If the division problem has a remainder of 6, what is k?

Hint: kx → 20x = (k → 20)x

Problem 6.6.
Let
x+5
f (x) =
x+4
 1. DIVISION WITH REMAINDERS 167

x+5
(a) Divide x+4
.
(b) Graph f (x). (Hint: f (x) a translation of the reciprocal function.)
168 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

2. 1/x and Its Transformations

We begin our study of rational functions with the reciprocal function x1 . This
function exhibits two features that are common for rational functions but that
do not exist with polynomial functions: a vertical and horizontal asymptote.

Definition (Asymptote). An asymptote is a line that is related to but sepa-

rate from a function. We say a function “has an asymptote” when the graph
of the function approaches and becomes almost indistinguishable from the
asymptote.

1
The function x
has two asymptotes:

• It has the vertical asymptote x = 0: for values of x close to 0, the

value of 1/x is very large. So the graph of x1 rises (or falls) very steeply
close to x = 0 and becomes almost indistinguishable from x = 0.
• It has the horizontal asymptote y = 0: for large values of x (both
positive and negative), the value of 1/x is very small. So the graph
of x1 flattens and becomes almost indistinguishable from y = 0.

The fact that x1 becomes almost indistinguishable from these two lines is a
direct result of the division and so asymptotes are a property of rational func-
tions but not polynomial functions.
 2. 1/x AND ITS TRANSFORMATIONS 169

Example 6.2. Sketch the graph of f (x) = x1 . Sketch f (x + 4) → 1

2x→5
Example 6.3. Sketch the graph of f (x) = x→3

Solution. Because this is a division by x → 3, we can use synthetic division.

2 →5
3 6
2 1

In this problem, we have a remainder of 1. Division problems with remainders

can be represented as mixed numbers. For example 7 ÷ 3 = 2 13 . The mixed
number 2 13 is implicitly 2 + 13 .
1
Using this idea, the result of the division problem above is 2 + x→3
.

This is a transformation of x1 : right 3 units and up 2.

• The asymptotes will be at y = 2 and x = 3

1 5
• The y-intercept will be 2 + 0→3
= 3
1 5
• The x-intercept is found by solving 2 + x→3 = 0 which results in x = 2
170 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Transformations of 1/x Problems

Problem 6.7.
Let f (x) = x1 . Write a formula for each transformation and then sketch the
transformed function.

(a) y = f (x) + 3
(b) y = f (x + 3)
(c) y = f (x + 1) + 1
1
(d) y = f (x → 1) → 2

Problem 6.8.
Sketch a graph of each function.

• a(x) = → x1
" "
• b(x) = " x1 "
Problem 6.9.
Sketch a graph of each function.
1
• a(x) = 2 → x+1
" "
• b(x) = " 1 " → 2
x→1

Problem 6.10.
Sketch a graph of each function.
x+4
• a(x) = x→1
x→5
• b(x) = x+2
3x→2
• c(x) = x+1
x+1
• d(x) = 3x→2
 2. 1/x AND ITS TRANSFORMATIONS 171

Problem 6.11.
Let f (x) be a rational function with a horizontal asymptote at y = →2 and a
vertical asymptote at x = 5. Write a formula for f (x):

(a) in mixed number form

(b) as a single fraction
Problem 6.12.
Sketch the graph of

 1
 x+5 if x ↓ →4
f (x) = → 14 x if → 4 < x < 4

 1
x→5
if x ↔ 4
Problem 6.13.
Let g(x) be the continuous piecewise function defined below.
'
mx + b if x < 3
g(x) = 1
x→2
+ 1 if x ↔ 3
If g(→6) = →1, find m and b.
Problem 6.14.
Consider the function
1
f (x) =
x2
→ 6x → 7
This function has two vertical asymptotes. Make a hypothesis about where
they are and then check your hypothesis using Desmos.
Problem 6.15.
Find the vertical asymptotes of
1
g(x) =
x3 + x2 → 9x → 9
Problem 6.16.
Write a rational function with vertical asymptotes at →5, 0, and 23 .
172 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

3. Vertical Asymptotes and Holes

Example 6.4. Examine the following functions in Desmos. Describe simi-

larities and di!erences especially at x = →1 and x = 7.
x+3
a(x) =
x2
→ 6x → 7
2
x → 4x → 21
b(x) = 2
x → 6x → 7
x+3
c(x) =
x+1
x+3
Solution. In factored form, a(x) = (x→7)(x+1) . On its graph, we see that
a(x) has an x-intercept at x = →3, a y-intercept at → 37 , and vertical asymptotes
at x = →1 and x = 7.

In factored form, b(x) = (x+3)(x→7)

(x→7)(x+1)
. b(x) has an x-intercept at x = →3 just
like a(x). It does not have an x-intercept at x = 7 though. b(x) has a vertical
asymptote at x = →1 but not one at x = 7. Somehow, the factor of x → 7 in
the numerator and denominator has eliminated what we might expect to be
either an x-intercept or a vertical asymptote.

If we use Desmos to check what happens at x = 7, we see that the y-value is

undefined.

We call this a hole in the graph of a function. The function skips this single
point because x = 7 is not in the domain of the function. Otherwise, the
function looks like its continuous.

Finally, when we look at c(x), we see a graph that is almost identical with
b(x). This makes sense because c(x) is the simplified form of b(x). However,
c(x) does not have the same domain restrictions as b(x) and therefore does
not have a hole at x = 7.
 3. VERTICAL ASYMPTOTES AND HOLES 173

In general for rational functions:

• If the numerator and denominator share a root, then the graph of the
function will have a hole at that root.
• All other roots of the denominator are vertical asymptotes.

What about roots of the numerator? All other roots of the numerator are
x-intercepts.
174 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Vertical Asymptotes and Holes Problems

Problem 6.17.
Each rational function below has a hole. Find the coordinates of the hole.
2x2 +4x→6
• a(x) = x+3
x2 →16
• b(x) = x2 →5x+4
x3 →1
• c(x) = x2 +2x→3
x3 +2x2 +x+2
• d(x) = x3 +2x2 →2x→4

Problem 6.18.
Identify the intercepts, vertical asymptotes, and holes of each function (if any
of those exist for the given function). Find the coordinates of holes.
x→6
• a(x) = x→3
x2 +2x→8
• b(x) = x2 →3x+2
1
• c(x) = 2x2 +5x→3
x2 +2x→15
• d(x) = 4x+20
x2 →16
• e(x) = x2 →4x
x3 →1
• f (x) = x2 →1
x2 +x+2
• g(x) = x2 +x→2
x2 →9
• h(x) = x2 +9

Problem 6.19.
Consider the two functions below.
x2 + 2x → 8 3(x2 + 2x → 8)
a(x) = 2 b(x) =
x →x→2 x2 → x → 2
(a) Find the coordinates of the hole in each function.
(b) Change one number in b(x) so that the coordinates of the hole are
(2, →1).
Problem 6.20.2 ( !
Let f (x) = a(2x +9x→5)
2x2 →3x+1
. If f (x) has a hole at 21 , →22 , find a.
Problem 6.21.
Write a function that has a vertical asymptote at x = 5 and a hole at (→2, 3).
 3. VERTICAL ASYMPTOTES AND HOLES 175

Problem 6.22.
For each part, write a function that has the given properties.

(a) vertical asymptote at x = 4

(b) vertical asymptote at x = 4; hole at (1, 1)
(c) vertical asymptotes at x = 2 and x = →1; hole at (0, →1)
(d) no vertical asymptotes; hole at (3, 4)
(e) no vertical asymptotes; denominator has degree 5; hole at (2, 2)
Problem 6.23.
Does the following function have any holes? If yes, find the coordinates. If
not, how can you be sure?
x2 → x → 2
h(x) = 4
x → 4x3 + 2x2 + 4x → 3
Problem 6.24.
The graphs of two polynomial functions g(x) and h(x) are shown below. Let
g(x)
f (x) = h(x) . Identify the x-intercepts, vertical asymptotes, and x-coordinates
of holes of f (x).
176 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

4. Horizontal Asymptotes
Vertical asymptotes and holes are the results of domain restrictions in a ra-
tional function. On the other hand, horizontal asymptotes describe the end
behavior of that function.

For example, let f (x) = 2 + x1 and let’s consider what will happen when we
plug larger and larger numbers in for x. The value 2 will remain constant no
matter what x is while the fraction x1 will get smaller and smaller. Therefore,
we can say that the y values of this function will get closer and closer to 2.

In general, a rational function will share an end behavior with its quotient
when written in mixed number form.

Example 6.5. Determine whether each function has a horizontal asymptote.

x3 →3x2 +3x→1
• f (x) = x3 +x2 +x+1
x3 →3x2 +3x→1
• g(x) = x2 +x+1

Solution. To write each of these functions in mixed number form, we need

to use long division. For f (x):

1
!
x3 + x2 + x + 1 x3 → 3x2 + 3x → 1
→ x3 → x2 → x → 1
→ 4x2 + 2x → 2
2
So f (x) = 1 + x→4x +2x→2
3 +x2 +x+1 . Since 1 is the quotient of this rational function, it

has a horizontal asymptote at y = 1. For g(x):

x→4
2
! 3 2
x +x+1 x → 3x + 3x → 1
→ x3 → x2 → x
→ 4x2 + 2x → 1
4x2 + 4x + 4
6x + 3

So g(x) = x → 4 + x26x+3
+x+1
. So g(x) shares an end behavior with y = x → 4,
which is not a horizontal line. Therefore, g(x) has no horizontal asymptote.
 4. HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES 177

Example 6.6. Write a rational function with a horizontal asymptote at

y = 2, a hole at x = →1 and a vertical asymptote at x = 3.
Solution. It is more convenient to work with a rational function in mixed
number form when we are trying to construct one with specific properties.
The mixed number form consists of:
remainder
f (x) = quotient +
denominator

Keep in mind:

• The quotient determines the horizontal asymptote.

• To include a hole, the remainder and denominator must share a fac-
tor.
• To include a vertical asymptote, the denominator must have a factor
that is not in the remainder.

So the rational function will look like:

(x + 1)
f (x) = 2 +
(x + 1)(x → 3)
178 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Horizontal Asymptotes Problems

Problem 6.25.
Write each rational function in mixed number form and state its horizontal
asymptote if it has one.
3x2 +16x+17
• a(x) = x2 +5x+6
2x3 +x2 →5x+3
• b(x) = x2 +x→2
→2x2 +4x+21
• c(x) = 3x2 →6x→9
x+2
• d(x) = x2 +6x→7

Problem 6.26.
Amy has once again spilled co!ee on her math homework. Can you help her
determine whether the following functions have horizontal asymptotes?

Problem 6.27.
Let f (x) be a rational function. Consider the following three cases:

• the numerator has a higher degree than the denominator

• the numerator has a lower degree than the denominator
• the numerator and denominator have the same degree

For each case, will f (x) have a horizontal asymptote?

Problem 6.28.
Determine the horizontal asymptote of each function. If the function does not
have one, say so.
 4. HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES 179

x
• a(x) = x2 +5x+6
3x2
• b(x) = x2 +5x+6
8x3 →1
• c(x) = (x+1)(2x→1)(3x+2)
x2 (x+2)2 (x→1)3
• d(x) = (x→1)3 (x+4)3

Problem 6.29.
x+9
Let f (x) = →1 + x2 →x→6
.

(a) Write f (x) as a single fraction.

(b) Identify the intercepts and asymptotes (both horizontal and vertical).
Problem 6.30.
Let f (x) = 4 + x12x+12
2 +3x+2 . Identify the intercepts, asymptotes (both vertical and

horizontal), and holes. Find the coordinates of the holes.

Problem 6.31.
Write a function that has

• a horizontal asymptote at y = 2
• vertical asymptotes at x = 1 and x = →3.
Problem 6.32.
Write a function that has

• a horizontal asymptote at y = 2
• vertical asymptotes at x = 1 and x = →3.
• a hole at (2, 3)
180 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Problem 6.33.
The graphs of two polynomial functions g(x) and h(x) are shown below. Let
g(x)
f (x) = h(x) . Is it possible for f (x) to have a horizontal asymptote of y = 43 ?
Why or why not?

Problem 6.34.
Write a function that has a horizontal asymptote at y = 0 and x-intercepts at
x = →2 and x = 2.
Problem 6.35.
Let g(x) = 2(x+4)(x→1)
(x+1)2
.

(a) Solve the equation g(x) = 2.

(b) How is your solution related to the graph of g(x) and the horizontal
asymptote of g(x)?
 5. CROSSING HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES 181

5. Crossing Horizontal Asymptotes

3x2 +x→5
Example 6.7. Write f (x) = x2 →1
in mixed number form.

Example 6.8. Find the points at which the function f (x) = 3 + xx→2
2 →1 crosses

its horizontal asymptote.

Solution. We have a function f (x) written in mixed number form so we
know that its horizontal asymptote is y = 3.

If f (x) were to cross this asymptote, the y-coordinate of that crossing point
must be 3. We can use that idea to solve for x:
x→2
3=3+ 2
x →1
x→2
0= 2
x →1
0=x→2
x=2
Therefore f (x) crosses its horizontal asymptote at (2, 3).

From the above example, it becomes clear that a rational function will cross
its horizontal asymptote at the roots of its remainder term.
182 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Crossing Asymptotes Problems

Problem 6.36.
Determine where each of the following rational functions crosses its horizontal
asymptote.
x2 +5x→14
• a(x) = x3
2x2 →x→3
• b(x) = x4 →4
x2 +4x
• c(x) = x2 +3x+2
→2x2 +9x→2
• d(x) = x2 →4x+3
2x3 +7x2 +8x→1
• e(x) = x3 +3x2 +3x+1
→x3 +x2 →2x+8
• f (x) = x3 →8
x2 →7x→18
• g(x) = 4 + x3 +1

Problem 6.37.
Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• horizontal asymptote at y = 3
• vertical asymptotes at x = 0 and x = 2
• crosses its horizontal asymptote at x = 1
Problem 6.38.
Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• horizontal asymptote at y = →1
• vertical asymptotes at x = 0 and x = →3
• hole at x = 1
• crosses its horizontal asymptote at x = 2

What are the coordinates of the hole?

 5. CROSSING HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES 183

Problem 6.39.
Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• horizontal asymptote at y = →3
• vertical asymptote at x = 0 and x = 1
• hole at (2, →3)
Problem 6.40.
Determine where the following rational function crosses its horizontal asymp-
tote.
x2 + 3x → 10
h(x) = →3 + 3
x → 2x2 → 9x + 18
Problem 6.41.
Write a rational function that matches the graph below.

Problem 6.42.
Let f (x) = xN3(x)
→1
. Write di!erent versions of f (x) that cross its horizontal
asymptote

• 0 times
• 1 time
• 2 times

Why is it impossible for f (x) to cross its horizontal asymptote 3 times or

more?
Problem 6.43.
If a rational function crosses its horizontal asymptote 4 times, what is the
minimum degree of its denominator?
Problem 6.44.
Write a rational function that matches the graph below.
184 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Problem 6.45.
Write a rational function that matches the graph below.

Problem 6.46.
Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• has a horizontal asymptote at y = 5

• crosses its horizontal asymptote at x = →3
• bounces o! its horizontal asymptote at x = 1
• has one vertical asymptote at x = 0
 6. GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 185

6. Graphing Rational Functions

Now, we put everything together to sketch the graphs of rational functions by
hand. Our sketches should reflect the following:

• dotted lines for all asymptotes, and the graph is shown to approach
each asymptote
• accurate locations of holes with coordinates labeled
• accurately represent whether a function is above, below, or crosses its
horizontal asymptote
• if there is an asymptote crossing, those coordinates should be labeled
• (sometimes) accurate locations of all intercepts with coordinates la-
beled

1
Example 6.9. Graph the rational function f (x) = x2 →x→2
.
Solution. From examining the function, we know that f (x) has a horizontal
asymptote at y = 0 and vertical asymptotes at x = 2 and x = →1. We also
know that it doesn’t have any x-intercepts or asymptote crossings.

However, this does not give us a complete picture. For example, all 6 of the
graphs below fit the description in the previous paragraph.

1
The key insight here is that our rational function x2 →x→2 has the same sign
2
analysis as x → x → 2. That is because taking the reciprocal of a number does
not change its sign.

Here is the sign analysis of f (x).

186 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

And so the graph of f (x) will look like this.

x→1
Example 6.10. Graph g(x) = x2 +6x+9
.

Solution. In general, if f (x) = N (x)

D(x)
, it will have the same sign analysis
as N (x) · D(x). This means that if the horizontal asymptote of a rational
function is y = 0, we can apply the same principles of sign analysis we used
for polynomial functions.
x→1 x→1
Factor x2 +6x+9 = (x+3)2
and then create the sign analysis diagram for (x →
2
1)(x + 3) :

When using the sign analysis diagram to sketch the graph, be aware of which
points are x-intercepts and which are vertical asymptotes. There is a vertical
asymptote at x = →3 whereas there is an x-intercept at x = 1.
 6. GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 187

x2 +8x+16
Example 6.11. Graph h(x) = 3 + x3 +x2 →4x→4

Solution. When we have a rational function written in mixed number form,

we can create a sign analysis diagram of the fractional part. The interpretation
of the sign analysis diagram changes in this context. Rather than indicating
whether a function is negative, the sign analysis diagram now indicates whether
the function is above or below its horizontal asymptote.

Here is the sign analysis and graph of h(x).

188 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Graphing Rationals Problems

Problem 6.47.
Create a sign analysis diagram and sketch the graph of each function below.
→1
• a(x) = x3 +x2 →4x→4
x→3
• b(x) = x2 +2x→8
x2 →2x+1
• c(x) = x3 →2x2 →9x+18
2x→5
• d(x) = x2 +6x+9
x+3
• e(x) = x4 +4x3 +4x2
x3 →1
• f (x) = x4 →13x2 +36
Problem 6.48.
Create a sign analysis diagram and sketch the graph of each function below.
1
• a(x) = 2 → x3 +x2 →4x→4
x→3
• b(x) = →1 + x2 +2x→8
x2 →2x+1
• c(x) = 3 + x3 →2x2 →9x+18
2x→5
• d(x) = →4 + x2 +6x+9
x+3
• e(x) = 1 + x4 +4x3 +4x2
x3 →1
• f (x) = 2 → x4 →13x2 +36
Problem 6.49.
Compare and contrast the following two functions in terms of their sign anal-
ysis diagrams and their graphs.
x+2 x+4
f (x) = 2 g(x) = 2
x + 10x + 24 x + 8x + 12
Problem 6.50.
A rational function has a horizontal asymptote at y = 0 and the following sign
analysis diagram. Write two possible functions that could fit this description.

Problem 6.51.
A rational function has a horizontal asymptote at y = 0 and the following sign
analysis diagram. Write two possible functions that could fit this description.
 6. GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 189

Problem 6.52.
Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• has asymptotes at x = 2 and y = 1

• crosses its horizontal asymptote at x = 5
• lies above its horizontal asymptote only on (5, ↗)

Problem 6.53.
Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• has asymptotes at x = →3, x = 2, and y = →1

• always lies above its horizontal asymptote

Problem 6.54.
Write a rational function that matches the graph.

Problem 6.55.
Write a rational function that matches the graph.
190 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Problem 6.56.
Write a rational function that matches the graph.

Problem 6.57.
Sketch the graph of each function below.
x2 +x→6
• a(x) = x2 →5x+6
x2 →5x+6
• b(x) = x2 →2x→3
3x2 →5x→2
• c(x) = x3 →8
x2 →1
• d(x) = x3 →1
x3 →x2 →x+1
• e(x) = x3 +x2 →x→1
 6. GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS 191

Problem 6.58.
The function
3x3 + x2 → 38x → 47
g(x) =
x3 → 12x → 16
lies below its horizontal asymptote from (→↗, →2), (→2, 1), and (1, 4). It lies
above its horizontal asymptote from (4, ↗). Sketch the graph of g(x).
192 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

7. Practice Test
→3x+24
1. Sketch the graph of y = x→6
.

1
2. Let f (x) = x
and g(x) = →f (x + 2) → 1. Sketch the graph of g(x).

3. The graph of h(x) is shown below. If h(x) is a transformation of x1 ,

what is its vertical asymptote and y-intercept?

2
4. Let f (x) = ax +x→3
x2 +x+c
. The graph of f (x) has a hole at x = 1. Find the
vertical asymptote and x-intercept of f (x).

2
→7x+2
5. Let g(x) = 3xx3 →3x→2
. The graph of g(x) has at least one hole. Find
the vertical asymptote and x-intercept of g(x).

→3x +4 3 2
6. Let h(x) = x3x+5x 2 +8x+4 . The graph of h(x) has a vertical asymptote

at x = →2 and a x-intercept at x = 2. Find the coordinates of the

hole of h(x).

7. Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• horizontal asymptote at y = 5
• vertical asymptotes at x = 1 and x = 2
• crosses its horizontal asymptote at x = 4
 7. PRACTICE TEST 193

• hole at (3, 4)

8. Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• horizontal asymptote at y = 7
• vertical asymptotes at x = 1
• crosses its horizontal asymptote at x = 4
• hole at (3, 5)

9. Write a rational function that has the following properties.

• horizontal asymptote at y = 0
• no vertical asymptotes
• does not cross its horizontal asymptote
• hole at (4, 1)

10. Write a rational function that fits the following graph.

3x2 +11x→2
11. Find where f (x) = 2x2 +6x→8
crosses its horizontal asymptote.

2x2 →3x→5
12. Find where g(x) = 5 + x3 +3x2 +3x+1
crosses its horizontal asymptote.
194 6. RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

6x2 +4x+k
13. The function f (x) = 2x2 +x→3
crosses its horizontal asymptote at
x = 5. Find k.

2
14. The function g(x) = 4xx2+24x+21
+bx+c
has no holes or asymptote crossings.
If one of the vertical asymptotes of g(x) is x = →1, find the other one.