General Mathematics Handout
First Semester, School Year 2025 – 2026
Topic: Rational Functions
Date: October 29-November 5, 2025
Recall: Polynomials
Previously, we discussed linear and quadratic functions. These functions are examples of what are called polynomial
functions. In general, a polynomial function of degree 𝑛 is
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎! 𝑥 ! + 𝑎!"# 𝑥 !"# + ⋯ + 𝑎$ 𝑥 $ + 𝑎# 𝑥 + 𝑎%
where 𝑎% , 𝑎# , 𝑎$ , …, 𝑎!"# , and 𝑎! are real constants and 𝑎! ≠ 0.
Definition: Rational Function
!(#)
A rational function is a function written in the form, 𝑓(𝑥) = where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomial functions, and
%(#)
𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0.
The domain of a rational function 𝑓 is the set of real numbers except those values of x that will make the denominator zero.
Those values of x that will make the denominator zero are called restrictions.
𝒑(𝒙)
Steps in Determining the DOMAIN of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒒(𝒙)
1. Equate the expression in the denominator to 0.
2. Solve for x .
3. The result will be the x-value that is not part of the domain. Write the domain in set notation.
Examples: Find the domain of the following rational functions:
!
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = Step 1: Set x = 0.
"
Step 2: We do not solve for x anymore since it is simply x = 0.
Step 3: Since x = 0, then domain = {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ 0}.
" ! #$
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = " !%&"%' Step 1: Set 𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 + 6 = 0.
Step 2: Since the given is step 1 is a quadratic equation in the form 𝑎𝑥 ( + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, let us
solve 𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 + 6 = 0 by factoring or by quadratic formula.
Recall: Using factoring: Recall: Using Quadratic Formula
𝑥 ( + 5𝑥 + 6 = 0 −𝑏 ± √𝑏( − 4𝑎𝑐
⇒ (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 2) = 0 𝑥=
2𝑎
⇒ (𝑥 + 3) = 0 𝑜𝑟 (𝑥 + 2) = 0 −(5) ± ;(5)( − 4(1)(6)
⇒ 𝑥 + 3 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 + 2 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥=
2(1)
⇒ 𝑥 = −3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −2
⇒
Step 3: Domain = {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≠ −3, 𝑥 ≠ −2} or simply {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ −3, 𝑥 ≠ −2}
" ! #$ " ! #$
Note: In 𝑓(𝑥) = , do not simplify first before determining its domain.
" ! %&"%' " ! %&"%'
"%$
3. 𝑓(𝑥) =
"#(
General Mathematics Handout: Piecewise Functions by AWAD
Practice Exercises: Find the domain of the following rational functions:
&"' $&"* $
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = &() 2. 𝑓(𝑥) = & ) "&"#$ 3. 𝑓(𝑥) = & *
Simplifying Rational Expressions
Recall: Strategies in Factoring Polynomials
Strategy Examples
Factoring out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) 1. 4𝑥 $ − 8𝑥 =
2. 6𝑥 ) + 8𝑥 $ − 12𝑥 =
Factoring quadratic trinomials 3. 6𝑥 $ + 7𝑥 − 3 =
4. 𝑥 $ − 5𝑥 + 6 =
Factoring difference of two squares 5. 4𝑥 $ − 25 =
6. 𝑥$ − 1 =
Factoring Perfect Square Trinomials 7. 𝑥 $ + 12𝑥 + 36 =
8. 4𝑥 $ − 20𝑥 + 25 =
Factoring Sum or Difference of Two Cubes 9. 𝑥 ) + 8 =
10. 8𝑥 ) − 125 =
Factoring Completely by Combining Two or More 11. 4𝑦 $ + 4𝑦 − 24 =
Strategies
12. 10𝑥 + − 270𝑥 =
General Mathematics Handout: Piecewise Functions by AWAD
Examples:
Simplify the following rational expressions.
'& ) (,&") & * "$, +& ) "$*
1. -&(#$
2. & ) "*&('
3. +& ) "$%&($*
Solving Rational Equations
In solving a rational equation, two strategies in finding the solution. You can do cross multiplication and solve for the
unknown, or you can multiply both sides of the equation by the least common denominator (LCD).
You can multiply both sides by the LCD if a rational equation involves more than one term in either side of the
equation.
Cross multiplication can be applied if a rational equation involves only one term in both sides of the equation.
! %
Example 1: Solve for x if = .
"#$ "&'
Solution (Two Ways):
By performing cross multiplication: By multiplying both sides by LCD:
! % ! %
= "&'. Given "#$
= "&' Given
"#$
The LCD is (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2).
⟹ 3(𝑥 + 2) = 4(𝑥 − 1) Applying cross multiplication
% &
⟹ (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2) 9 : = 9"'(: (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2)
"!#
⟹ 3𝑥 + 6 = 4𝑥 − 4 Simplifying
% &
⟹ (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2) 9"!#: = 9"'(: (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2)
1 1 1 1
⟹ 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 = −4 − 6 Isolating terms with x-variable
on the left side of the equation to % &
solve for x. ⟹ 1(𝑥 + 2) 9#: = 9#: (𝑥 − 1)(1)
⟹ −𝑥 = −10 Simplifying ⟹ (𝑥 + 2)(3) = (4)(𝑥 − 1)
⟹
!"
=
!#$
Dividing both sides by – 1. ⟹ 3𝑥 + 6 = 4𝑥 − 4
!# !#
⟹ 𝑥 = 10.
∴ , 𝑥 = 10.
You may also write your final answer as a solution set. That is, in example 1, the solution set is 𝑠𝑠. = {10}.
Which method is easier for you? Why?
General Mathematics Handout: Piecewise Functions by AWAD
Reminder: When multiplying both sides by LCD, we may introduce extraneous solutions. Be sure to always check if your
final answer is correct by substituting the obtain solution in the original equation. Consider example 2.
& ,&"' $
Example 2: Solve and check: &")
− & ) "&"' = &($
Practice Exercises:
Find the solution of each rational equation.
1 3
1. =
2𝑥 − 3 4𝑥 + 2
2
2. 𝑥− = 1
𝑥−1
𝑥−1 1 2
3. $
+ =
𝑥 −9 𝑥−3 𝑥+3
General Mathematics Handout: Piecewise Functions by AWAD