7.

2 Graphing Rational Functions

Essential Question What are some of the characteristics of the
graph of a rational function?
4
The parent function for rational functions with
a linear numerator and a linear denominator is
1 −6
f(x) = — . Parent function 6
x
The graph of this function, shown at the right,
is a hyperbola. −4

Identifying Graphs of Rational Functions

Work with a partner. Each function is a transformation of the graph of the parent
1
function f (x) = —. Match the function with its graph. Explain your reasoning. Then
x
describe the transformation.
1 −1 x+1
a. g(x) = — b. g(x) = — c. g(x) = —
x−1 x−1 x−1
x−2 x −x
d. g(x) = — e. g(x) = — f. g(x) = —
x+1 x+2 x+2

A. 4 B. 4

−6 6 −6 6

−4 −4
C. 4 D. 4

−6 6 −6 6

−4 −4

E. 4 F. 4

−6 6 −6 6

LOOKING FOR −4
−4
STRUCTURE
To be proficient in math,
you need to look closely Communicate Your Answer
to discern a pattern 2. What are some of the characteristics of the graph of a rational function?
or structure.
3. Determine the intercepts, asymptotes, domain, and range of the rational function
x−a
g(x) = — .
x−b

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 7.2 Lesson What You Will Learn
Graph simple rational functions.
Translate simple rational functions.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry Graph other rational functions.
rational function, p. 366
Previous Graphing Simple Rational Functions
domain p(x)
range A rational function has the form f (x) = —, where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials
q(x)
asymptote a
and q(x) ≠ 0. The inverse variation function f (x) = — is a rational function. The graph
long division x
of this function when a = 1 is shown below.

Core Concept
Parent Function for Simple Rational Functions
1
The graph of the parent function f(x) = — is a y
x vertical 4 1
hyperbola, which consists of two symmetrical asymptote f(x) =
x
parts called branches. The domain and range are x=0 2
all nonzero real numbers.
a
Any function of the form g(x) = — (a ≠ 0) has 2 4 x
x horizontal
STUDY TIP the same asymptotes, domain, and range as the asymptote
1 1 y=0
Notice that — → 0 as function f (x) = —.
x x
x → ∞ and as x → −∞. This
explains why y = 0 is a
horizontal asymptote of
a
1
the graph of f(x) = —. You Graphing a Rational Function of the Form y = —
x x
can also analyze y-values 4 1
as x approaches 0 to see
Graph g(x) = —. Compare the graph with the graph of f(x) = —.
x x
why x = 0 is a vertical
asymptote. SOLUTION
a
Step 1 The function is of the form g(x) = —, so the asymptotes are x = 0 and y = 0.
x
Draw the asymptotes.
y
Step 2 Make a table of values and plot the points. 4
Include both positive and negative values of x. g
2
LOOKING FOR
STRUCTURE x −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 f
4
− —3
4
—3 2 4 x
Because the function is y −2 −4 4 2
⋅
of the form g(x) = a f(x),
where a = 4, the graph of Step 3 Draw the two branches of the hyperbola so
g is a vertical stretch by that they pass through the plotted points
a factor of 4 of the and approach the asymptotes.
graph of f.
The graph of g lies farther from the axes than the graph of f. Both graphs lie in the
first and third quadrants and have the same asymptotes, domain, and range.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at [Link]

−6 1
1. Graph g(x) = —. Compare the graph with the graph of f (x) = —.
x x

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 Translating Simple Rational Functions

Core Concept
Graphing Translations of Simple Rational Functions
a
To graph a rational function of the form y = — + k, follow these steps:
x−h
Step 1 Draw the asymptotes x = h and y = k. y a
y= +k
x−h
Step 2 Plot points to the left and to the right
of the vertical asymptote.
y=k
Step 3 Draw the two branches of the
hyperbola so that they pass through
the plotted points and approach the x
asymptotes. x=h

Graphing a Translation of a Rational Function

−4
Graph g(x) = — − 1. State the domain and range.
x+2

SOLUTION
LOOKING FOR Step 1 Draw the asymptotes x = −2 and y = −1. y
4
STRUCTURE Step 2 Plot points to the left of the vertical
(−3, 3)
−4 2
Let f(x) = —. Notice asymptote, such as (−3, 3), (−4, 1), and (−4, 1)
x
that g is of the form (−6, 0). Plot points to the right of the
vertical asymptote, such as (−1, −5), −4 2 x
g(x) = f(x − h) + k, where
(0, −3), and (2, −2). (−6, 0) −2
h = −2 and k = −1. (2, −2)
So, the graph of g is a Step 3 Draw the two branches of the hyperbola (−1, −5) (0, −3)
translation 2 units left so that they pass through the plotted points
and 1 unit down of the and approach the asymptotes.
graph of f.
The domain is all real numbers except −2 and the range is all real numbers
except −1.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at [Link]

Graph the function. State the domain and range.

3 −1 1
2. y = — − 2 3. y = — 4. y = — + 5
x x+4 x−1

Graphing Other Rational Functions

ax + b
All rational functions of the form y = — also have graphs that are hyperbolas.
cx + d
d
• The vertical asymptote of the graph is the line x = − — because the function is
c
undefined when the denominator cx + d is zero.
a
• The horizontal asymptote is the line y = —.
c

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 Graphing a Rational Function of the
ax + b
Form y = —
cx + d
2x + 1
Graph f(x) = —. State the domain and range.
x−3

SOLUTION
y Step 1 Draw the asymptotes. Solve x − 3 = 0 for x to find the vertical asymptote
(4, 9) a 2
8 x = 3. The horizontal asymptote is the line y = — = — = 2.
( 6, 133 ) ( 8, 17 ) c 1
(−2, ) 43
5
5
(
Step 2 Plot points to the left of the vertical asymptote, such as (2, −5), 0, − —13 , and)
−4 4 8 12 x ( −2, ). Plot points to the right of the vertical asymptote, such as (4, 9),
3
—5

(0, )1
−3 (2, −5) ( 6, — ), and ( 8, — ).
13
3
17
5

Step 3 Draw the two branches of the hyperbola so that they pass through the plotted
points and approach the asymptotes.

The domain is all real numbers except 3 and the range is all real numbers
except 2.

Rewriting a rational function may reveal properties of the function and its graph. For
a
example, rewriting a rational function in the form y = — + k reveals that it is a
x−h
a
translation of y = — with vertical asymptote x = h and horizontal asymptote y = k.
x

Rewriting and Graphing a Rational Function

3x + 5 a
Rewrite g(x) = — in the form g(x) = — + k. Graph the function. Describe
x+1 x−h
ANOTHER WAY a
the graph of g as a transformation of the graph of f(x) = —.
You will use a different x
method to rewrite g in
SOLUTION
Example 5 of Lesson 7.4.
Rewrite the function 3 y
by using long division: x + 1 )‾
3x + 5
3x + 3
2 4

2
2 g
The rewritten function is g(x) = — + 3.
x+1
The graph of g is a translation 1 unit left −4 2 x

2
and 3 units up of the graph of f (x) = —.
x

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at [Link]

Graph the function. State the domain and range.

x−1 2x + 1 −3x + 2
5. f(x) = — 6. f(x) = — 7. f(x) = —
x+3 4x − 2 −x − 1
2x + 3 a
8. Rewrite g(x) = — in the form g(x) = — + k. Graph the function.
x+1 x−h
a
Describe the graph of g as a transformation of the graph of f (x) = —.
x
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 Modeling with Mathematics

A 3-D printer builds up layers of materials to make three-dimensional models. Each

deposited layer bonds to the layer below it. A company decides to make small display
models of engine components using a 3-D printer. The printer costs $1000. The
material for each model costs $50.
• Estimate how many models must be printed for the
average cost per model to fall to $90.
• What happens to the average cost as more models
are printed?

SOLUTION
1. Understand the Problem You are given the cost c of a printer and the cost to create
a model using the printer. You are asked to findd the number of models for which the
average cost falls to $90.
2. Make a Plan Write an equation that represents the average cost. Use a graphing
calculator to estimate the number of models for which the average cost is about
$90. Then analyze the horizontal asymptote of the graph to determine what
USING A GRAPHING happens to the average cost as more models are printed.
CALCULATOR 3. Solve the Problem Let c be the average cost (in dollars) and m be the number of
Because the number models printed.
of models and average
cost cannot be negative, (Unit cost)(Number printed) + (Cost of printer) 50m + 1000
c = ———— = ——
choose a viewing window Number printed m
in the first quadrant.
Use a graphing calculator to graph 400
the function.
50m + 1000
c=
Using the trace feature, the average m
cost falls to $90 per model after about
25 models are printed. Because the
horizontal asymptote is c = 50, the
average cost approaches $50 as more 0 X=25.106383 Y=89.830508 40
0
models are printed.
4. Look Back Use a graphing calculator to create tables of values for large
values of m. The tables show that the average cost approaches $50 as more
models are printed.

X Y1 X Y1
ERROR ERROR
50 70 10000 50.1
100 60 20000 50.05
150 56.667 30000 50.033
200 55 40000 50.025
250 54 50000 50.02
300 53.333 60000 50.017
X=0 X=0

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at [Link]

9. WHAT IF? How do the answers in Example 5 change when the cost of
the 3-D printer is $800?

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 7.2 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at [Link]

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

7
1. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE The function y = — + 3 has a(n) __________ of all real numbers
x+4
except 3 and a(n) __________ of all real numbers except −4.
−3x + 5
2. WRITING Is f(x) = — a rational function? Explain your reasoning.
x 2 +1

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

2
In Exercises 3–10, graph the function. Compare the 20. y = — − 2
x−1
1
graph with the graph of f(x) = —. (See Example 1.)

✗
x
y
3 10
3. g(x) = — 4. g(x) = —
x x

−5 −9 −4 −2 x
5. g(x) = — 6. g(x) = — 2
x x
−3
15 −12
7. g(x) = — 8. g(x) = —
x x

−0.5 0.1
9. g(x) = — 10. g(x) = —
x x

In Exercises 11–18, graph the function. State the ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS In Exercises 21–24, match
domain and range. (See Example 2.) the function with its graph. Explain your reasoning.
4 2 2 2
11. g(x) = — + 3 12. y = — − 3 21. g(x) = — + 1 22. h(x) = — + 1
x x x−3 x+3

6 1 2 2
13. h(x) = — 14. y = — 23. f(x) = — − 1 24. y = — − 1
x−1 x+2 x−3 x+3
−3 −2
15. h(x) = — 16. f(x) = — y
x+2 x−7 A.
4
y B. 2

−3 10 x
17. g(x) = — − 1 18. y = — − 5 2
x−4 x+7 2 4

1 5 x
ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 19 and 20, describe and
correct the error in graphing the rational function.

✗
−8
19. y = — y y
x C. y D.
4 2
x
4
−6 −4 −2
−2
−2 4 8x −6 −2 x
−2 −4

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 In Exercises 25–32, graph the function. State the 44. REASONING What are the x-intercept(s) of the graph
domain and range. (See Example 3.) x−5
of the function y =— ?
x2 − 1
x+4 x−1
25. f(x) = — 26. y = —
x−3 x+5 A 1, −1 B 5

x+6 8x + 3 C 1 D −5
27. y = — 28. h(x) = —
4x − 8 2x − 6
45. USING TOOLS The time t (in seconds) it takes for
−5x + 2 6x − 1 sound to travel 1 kilometer can be modeled by
29. f(x) = — 30. g(x) = —
4x + 5 3x − 1 1000
t=—
0.6T + 331
−5x −2x + 3
31. h(x) = — 32. y = — where T is the air temperature (in degrees Celsius).
−2x − 3 −x + 10

In Exercises 33–40, rewrite the function in the form

a
g(x) = — + k. Graph the function. Describe the
x−h
a
graph of g as a transformation of the graph of f(x) = —.
(See Example 4.) x

5x + 6 7x + 4
33. g(x) = — 34. g(x) = —
x+1 x−3

2x − 4 4x − 11
35. g(x) = — 36. g(x) = —
x−5 x−2 a. You are 1 kilometer from a lightning strike. You
hear the thunder 2.9 seconds later. Use a graph to
x + 18 x+2 find the approximate air temperature.
37. g(x) = — 38. g(x) = —
x−6 x−8
b. Find the average rate of change in the time it takes
7x − 20 9x − 3 sound to travel 1 kilometer as the air temperature
39. g(x) = — 40. g(x) = — increases from 0°C to 10°C.
x + 13 x+7

41. PROBLEM SOLVING Your school purchases a math 46. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS A business is
software program. The program has an initial cost of studying the cost to remove a pollutant from the
15x
$500 plus $20 for each student that uses the program. ground at its site. The function y = —
(See Example 5.) 1.1 − x
models the estimated cost y (in thousands of dollars)
a. Estimate how many students must use the program to remove x percent (expressed as a decimal) of
for the average cost per student to fall to $30. the pollutant.
b. What happens to the average cost as more students a. Graph the function. Describe a reasonable domain
use the program? and range.
42. PROBLEM SOLVING To join a rock climbing gym, b. How much does it cost to remove 20% of
you must pay an initial fee of $100 and a monthly fee the pollutant? 40% of the pollutant? 80% of the
of $59. pollutant? Does doubling the percentage of
the pollutant removed double the cost? Explain.
a. Estimate how many months you must purchase a
membership for the average cost per month to fall USING TOOLS In Exercises 47–50, use a graphing
to $69. calculator to graph the function. Then determine
b. What happens to the average cost as the number of whether the function is even, odd, or neither.
months that you are a member increases?
6 2x2
47. h(x) = — 48. f(x) = —
2 x +1 2 x −9
43. USING STRUCTURE What is the vertical asymptote of
2
the graph of the function y = — + 7? x3 4x2
x+4 49. y = — 50. f(x) = —
2 3x + x
4 3 2x − x
A x = −7 B x = −4
C x=4 D x=7

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 51. MAKING AN ARGUMENT Your friend claims it is 56. ABSTRACT REASONING Describe the intervals where
possible for a rational function to have two vertical a
the graph of y = — is increasing or decreasing when
asymptotes. Is your friend correct? Justify your answer. x
(a) a > 0 and (b) a < 0. Explain your reasoning.

52. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? Use the graph of f to 57. PROBLEM SOLVING An Internet service provider
determine the equations of the asymptotes. Explain. charges a $50 installation fee and a monthly fee of
$43. The table shows the average monthly costs y of
y a competing provider for x months of service. Under
f 6
what conditions would a person choose one provider
4 over the other? Explain your reasoning.
2 Average monthly
Months, x
cost (dollars), y
−8 −6 −4 −2 2 x
6 $49.83
−2
12 $46.92
−4
18 $45.94

24 $45.45
53. DRAWING CONCLUSIONS In what line(s) is the graph
1
of y = — symmetric? What does this symmetry tell 58. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS The Doppler effect
x 1
you about the inverse of the function f(x) = —? occurs when the source of a sound is moving relative
x to a listener, so that the frequency f (in hertz) heard
by the listener is different from the frequency fs (in
54. THOUGHT PROVOKING There are four basic types hertz) at the source. In both equations below, r is the
of conic sections: parabola, circle, ellipse, and speed (in miles per hour) of the sound source.
hyperbola. Each of these can be represented by the
intersection of a double-napped cone and a plane. The
intersections for a parabola, circle, and ellipse are
shown below. Sketch the intersection for a hyperbola.

Moving away: Approaching:

740fs 740fs
f= f=
740 + r 740 – r

a. An ambulance siren has a frequency of 2000 hertz.

Write two equations modeling the frequencies
Parabola Circle Ellipse heard when the ambulance is approaching and
when the ambulance is moving away.
b. Graph the equations in part (a) using the domain
55. REASONING The graph of the rational function f is a
0 ≤ r ≤ 60.
hyperbola. The asymptotes of the graph of f intersect
at (3, 2). The point (2, 1) is on the graph. Find another c. For any speed r, how does the frequency heard for
point on the graph. Explain your reasoning. an approaching sound source compare with the
frequency heard when the source moves away?

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

Factor the polynomial. (Skills Review Handbook)

59. 4x2 − 4x − 80 60. 3x2 − 3x − 6 61. 2x2 − 2x − 12 62. 10x2 + 31x − 14

Simplify the expression. (Section 5.2)

63. 32 34 ⋅ 64. 21/2 23/5 ⋅ 65/6
65. —
1/6
6
66. —
10
68
6

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