Scribd
Upload
3 views12 pages

Graphing Rational Functions Guide

The document discusses graphing rational functions of the form f(x) = a(x)/b(x), where a(x) and b(x) are polynomial functions. It provides examples of how the graphs appear depending on whether the degree of the numerator is even or odd. A 7-step process is outlined for sketching the graphs, which involves finding intercepts, roots, vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptotes, and the sign of the function over intervals. Two examples applying the 7 steps are shown.

Uploaded by

GERRY AQUINO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views12 pages

Graphing Rational Functions Guide

The document discusses graphing rational functions of the form f(x) = a(x)/b(x), where a(x) and b(x) are polynomial functions. It provides examples of how the graphs appear depending on whether the degree of the numerator is even or odd. A 7-step process is outlined for sketching the graphs, which involves finding intercepts, roots, vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptotes, and the sign of the function over intervals. Two examples applying the 7 steps are shown.

Uploaded by

GERRY AQUINO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions


Functions of the form

where a(x) and b(x) are polynomial functions.

Examples
January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions

Appearance

Where n is even, the Where n is odd, the


graph looks like this: graph looks like this:
January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching (7 steps)

Step 1: Find the y-intercept (let x = 0)

Step 2: Factor everything. (Use rational roots theorem if necessary.)

Step 3: Find the roots of the function by finding the roots of the
numerator a(x).

Step 4: Find the vertical asymptotes by finding the roots of the


denominator b(x).
January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions


Step 5: Find the horizontal asymptotes by dividing each term in the
function by the highest power of x, and take the limit as x goes to infinity.
(Use the UNfactored form.)

You will find that, in general, there are three possible results:

i When [degree of numerator < degree of denominator]


the horizontal asymptote is y = 0.

ii When [degree of numerator = degree of denominator]


the H.A. is the ratio leading coefficient of a(x)
leading coefficient of b(x)

iii When [degree of numerator > degree of denominator] there is


no horizontal asymptote; however there may be a slant asymptote or
a hole in the graph.
January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching (7 steps)

Step 6: Determine the sign of the function over the intervals defined by
the roots and vertical asymptotes. (Use the factored form.)

Step 7: Sketch the graph.


January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching: Example 1 of 4

Step 1: Step 5:

Step 6:

Step 2:

Step 3: Step 7:

Step 4:
January 19, 2010

Step 5:
January 19, 2010

Sketch the graph of


January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching: Example 2 of 4
Step 5:

Step 1:
Step 6:

Step 2:
Step 7:

Step 3:

Step 4:
January 19, 2010

Step 5:

You might also like