WHITEBOARD ENTRE-NETWORK
IB Mathematics HL — Rational Functions
Module 7: Asymptotic Systems, Boundary Profiles, and Reciprocal Inversion
Section 1: Asymptotic Invariant Rules & Calculation Protocol
A rational function is defined as an algebraic quotient f(x) = N(x) / D(x), where N(x) and D(x) are polynomial
functions. Unlike polynomials, rational functions are bounded by specific linear boundary vectors called
asymptotes.
Structured Protocol for Asymptote Calculation:
• Vertical Asymptotes (VA): Occur where the denominator equals zero while the numerator is non-zero.
Set D(x) = 0 and solve for x. If a factor cancels out completely with the numerator, it produces a coordinate
hole (removable discontinuity) rather than a vertical asymptote line.
• Horizontal Asymptotes (HA): Analyzes behavior as x → ±∞ by evaluating the leading term degrees:
◦ If Degree of N(x) < Degree of D(x), the horizontal asymptote line is natively y = 0.
◦ If Degree of N(x) = Degree of D(x), the horizontal asymptote is y = a_n / b_m (the ratio of the leading
coefficients).
◦ If Degree of N(x) > Degree of D(x), a horizontal asymptote does not exist (the curve follows an
oblique slant profile found via polynomial long division).
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Worked Example 1.1: Complete Rational Mapping
Map and sketch the structural invariants for the rational function: f(x) = (2x - 4) / (x + 1).
Analysis Workflow:
1. Vertical Asymptote: Set denominator x + 1 = 0 ⇒ x = -1.
2. Horizontal Asymptote: Degrees are equal (1 = 1). Ratio of leading terms yields y = 2 / 1 ⇒ y = 2.
3. Intercept Marks: y-intercept is f(0) = -4/1 = -4. The horizontal x-intercept occurs at 2x - 4 = 0 ⇒ x = 2.
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Practice Exercises — Set A: Graphing Rational Functions
Calculate all critical asymptotic limits and intercepts, then draw accurate sketches on the axis frames
provided.
Question 1: Sketch the rational profile f(x) = 1 / (x - 2)
Asymptote Steps & Intercept Derivations:
Question 2: Sketch the rational profile f(x) = (3x + 6) / (x - 1)
Asymptote Steps & Intercept Derivations:
Question 3: Sketch the rational profile f(x) = -1 / (x + 3)
Calculate equations for asymptotes and sketch cleanly:
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Question 4: Sketch the rational profile f(x) = (2x) / (x - 3)
Workspace for boundaries, analytical checks, and graphics layout:
Question 5: Sketch the rational profile f(x) = (x - 1) / (x^2 - 4)
Identify dual vertical asymptotic boundary systems before sketching:
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WHITEBOARD ENTRE-NETWORK
IB Mathematics HL — Rational Functions
Module 8: Equation Reconstruction from Intercept & Boundary Graphs
Section 2: Equation Inversion from Boundary Profiles
Reconstructing rational expressions from high-accuracy visual plots involves mapping asymptotes to localized
polynomial constraints. A single vertical asymptote line at x = k indicates a root factor (x - k) residing inside the
denominator D(x). A horizontal asymptote line mapping to y = c gives the scaling ratios for the leading
coefficients.
Worked Example 2.1: Reconstructing a Rational Function
Derive the algebraic equation for a curve that presents a vertical asymptote at x = 1, a horizontal
asymptote at y = 1, and crosses the vertical coordinate axis at (0, 3).
Solution Workflow:
1. Formulate baseline modeling template using constraints: f(x) = (1x + B) / (x - 1)
2. Substitute the independent anchor tracking coordinate point (0, 3): 3 = (0 + B) / (0 - 1) ⇒ 3 = B / -1 ⇒ B =
-3.
3. Finalized equation statement: f(x) = (x - 3) / (x - 1).
Practice Exercises — Set B: Deriving the Equation of the Graph
Derive the precise functional equation for each of the five mathematically accurate plots shown below. State
all boundary elements explicitly.
Question 1: Derive the functional equation from the high-accuracy plot below.
Analytical Solution Steps:
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Question 2: Derive the functional equation from the high-accuracy plot below.
Analytical Solution Steps:
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Question 3: Derive the functional equation from the high-accuracy plot below.
Analytical Solution Steps:
Question 4: Derive the functional equation from the high-accuracy plot below.
Analytical Solution Steps:
Question 5: Derive the functional equation from the high-accuracy plot below (Note the dual vertical
boundaries).
Analytical Solution Steps:
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