College Algebra

5. Rational Functions

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Introduction to Rational Functions 𝑝(𝑥)
𝑥2 +4𝑥+1
𝑓(𝑥) = =
● A rational function has a ______________ in the numerator & denominator: 3𝑥+2 𝑞(𝑥)
▪ Recall: The denominator of a fraction CANNOT be ________.

Rational Equation Rational Function

1 1
12 = 𝒇(𝒙) =
𝑥−1 𝑥−1
≠0 ≠0

Restriction: 𝑥 ≠ _____ Domain: {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ _____}

● To determine domain, set denominator = 0 & solve for 𝑥. Domain is any real #, EXCEPT what makes denom = 0.
● To write a rational function in lowest terms, factor top & bottom, then __________ any common factors.
▪ Always find the domain BEFORE writing in lowest terms.

EXAMPLE: Find the domain of the rational function. Then, write the function in lowest terms.

(𝑨) (𝑩)
3 𝑥+5
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) =
3𝑥+12 𝑥 2 −25

{𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________} {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________}

3 𝑥+5
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) =
3𝑥+12 𝑥 2 −25

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: INTRODUCTION TO RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Find the domain of the rational function. Then, write it in lowest terms.

𝑥 2 +9
𝑓(𝑥) = {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________}
𝑥−3

PRACTICE: Find the domain of the rational function. Then, write it in lowest terms.

6𝑥 5
𝑓(𝑥) = {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________}
2𝑥 2 −8

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES
Introduction to Asymptotes

● To graph a rational function, you need to identify asymptotes: line that a curve approaches but does NOT _______.

Polynomial Functions Rational Functions

𝒇(𝒙) 𝒇(𝒙) 𝟏
5 5 𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) =
4 _________ 𝒙
4
3 Asymptote -10 1
3 −
2 … 10
1 𝑥 = ___ 2
-1 -1
𝒙 1 …
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1 𝒙 0.01
-2 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1 0.1
-3
-4 -2 _________
-3 Asymptote 1
-5
-4 2
𝑦 = ___
-5 3
…

As 𝑥 → ∞, 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ As 𝑥 → ∞, 𝑓(𝑥) → ____ 10

…
As 𝑥 → −∞, 𝑓(𝑥) → ∞ As 𝑥 → −∞, 𝑓(𝑥) → ____
100
As 𝑥 → 0, 𝑓(𝑥) → 0 (from _______) As 𝑥 → 0 ,
+
𝑓(𝑥) → ____
(from _______) As 𝑥 → 0− , 𝑓(𝑥) → ____

● A rational function may have none, one, or multiple asymptotes, represented with dashed lines.

(𝑨) (𝑩) (𝑪)

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES
1
PRACTICE: Sketch the graph of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = . Identify the asymptotes on the graph.
𝑥2

𝒇(𝒙)
5 𝟏
𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) =
4 𝒙𝟐
3
-10
2 …
1 -1
𝒙 …
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 -0.1
-1
-2 …
0.1
-3
-4 1
-5 2
3
Vertical Asymptote: 𝑥 =_____ …

Horizontal Asymptote: 𝑦 =_____ 10

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES
Determining Vertical Asymptotes

● To find vertical asymptotes, put the function in _________________, then set denominator = ___ & solve for 𝑥.

𝒙+𝟐 𝒙+𝟐
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) =
(𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙−𝟑) (𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙−𝟑)

Lowest Terms

𝒇(𝒙) = 𝑥=#

Set Denominator = 0 Set Denominator = 0

& solve for 𝑥 & solve for 𝑥

Domain: ሼ𝒙ȁ𝒙 ≠ −𝟐, 𝒙 ≠ 𝟑ሽ Vertical Asymptote: 𝒙 = ____

● Recall: Put function in lowest terms by factoring and cancelling common factors.

EXAMPLE: Find the vertical asymptote(s) of each function.

(𝑨) 2 (𝑩) 1
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) =
2𝑥+6 𝑥 2 −9

VA(s): 𝑥 = ______ VA(s): 𝑥 = ______

𝑥 = ______

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES

PRACTICE: Based only on the vertical asymptotes, which of the following graphs could be the graph of the given
function?

𝑥 2 −4𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = VA(s): 𝑥 = ______
𝑥 2 −𝑥−12

𝑥 = ______

(𝑨) (𝑩) (𝑪)

𝑦 𝑦 𝑦
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 1 1
𝒙 𝒙 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1 -1 -1
-2 -2 -2
-3 -3 -3
-4 -4 -4
-5 -5 -5

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES
Determining Removable Discontinuities (Holes)

● To find holes in the graph of a rational function, factor, then set _____________________ = 0 & solve for 𝑥.
▪ Holes (removable discontinuities) are represented on graphs as open circles.
Vertical Asymptotes Holes

𝒙+𝟐 𝒚 𝒙+𝟐
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇(𝒙) =
(𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙−𝟑) 5 (𝒙+𝟐)(𝒙−𝟑)
4
Cancel common 3 Set common
Factor (lowest terms) 2 factor = 0
𝟏
-4 -3 -2 -1 1
𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟑 𝒙 ________= ___
1 2 3 4 5
=𝟎
hole -1
-2
Set Denom. = 0 -3 Solve for 𝑥
& solve for 𝑥 -4
-5
Vertical Asymptote: 𝒙 = 𝟑 Hole: 𝒙 = ____
=3

EXAMPLE: Find any holes in the graph of the given function.

(𝑨) (𝑩)
𝑥+3 𝑥 2 −1
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑓 (𝑥) =
𝑥 2 +4𝑥+3 𝑥−1

Hole: 𝑥 = ______ Hole: 𝑥 = ______

PRACTICE: Find all vertical asymptotes and holes of each function.

(𝑨)
−5𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) =
(2𝑥−3)2

Hole(s): 𝑥 = ______ VA(s): 𝑥 = ______

𝑥 = ______ 𝑥 = ______

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES

PRACTICE: Find all holes and vertical asymptotes of each function.

(𝑩)
𝑥 2 −2𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) =
2𝑥 3 −𝑥 2 −6𝑥

Hole(s): 𝑥 = ______ VA(s): 𝑥 = ______

𝑥 = ______ 𝑥 = ______

(𝑪)
𝑥 2 +10𝑥+25
𝑓 (𝑥) =
2𝑥 2 +8𝑥−10

Hole(s): 𝑥 = ______ VA(s): 𝑥 = ______

𝑥 = ______ 𝑥 = ______

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES
Horizontal Asymptotes

● Vertical Asymptotes affect the domain of a rational function, but Horizontal Asymptotes affect the _________.
▪ The horizontal asymptote depends on the degrees of the _____________ & ____________.

If Degree Num. < Degree Denom. Degree Num. = Degree Denom.

Lead Coeff. of _______
𝑦 = _____ 𝑦=
Lead Coeff. of _______
𝒚 𝒚
5 5
1
𝑓(𝑥) = 4 2𝑥+3 4
𝑥 𝑓(𝑥) =
3 𝑥 3
2 2
1 1
𝒙 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1 -1
-2 -2
-3 -3 𝑦 = ____
𝑦 = ____
-4 -4
-5 -5

EXAMPLE: Identify the horizontal asymptote of each function.

(𝑨) (𝑩)
4𝑥 2
𝑓 (𝑥) = 3 2𝑥 2
−𝑥 −5𝑥+9 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
3𝑥 2 +𝑥−1

Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom. Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom.

HA: 𝑦 =_________ HA: 𝑦 =_________

● The graph of a rational function may intersect a horizontal asymptote.

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: ASYMPTOTES

PRACTICE: Find the horizontal asymptote of each function.

(𝑨) −5𝑥
(𝑩) (𝑪)
8𝑥 2 +1 𝑥 2 +4𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑓 (𝑥) =
(2𝑥+3)2 2𝑥 2 −𝑥−6 2𝑥 3 +8𝑥 2

Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom. Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom. Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom.

HA: 𝑦 = ______ HA: 𝑦 = ______ HA: 𝑦 = ______

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Graphing Rational Functions Using Transformations
𝟏
● We can graph many rational functions by applying rules of transformations to
𝒙
[𝑥 | 𝑦] axis [Horiz. | Vert.]
Reflect over shift
[𝑥 | 𝑦] axis [Horiz. | Vert.]

𝑔(𝑥) = −𝑓(−𝑥 − 𝒉) + 𝒌
(Transformations)
𝒚
1 5
𝑔(𝑥) = +1
𝑥−3 4
1) Plot VA at 𝑥 = ____: 𝑥 = _____ 3
2) Plot HA at 𝑦 = ____: 𝑦 = _____ 2
TO GRAPH

3) a. Reflect? □ → (1,1) (−1, −1) over [𝑥 | 𝑦] 1

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1
𝒙
b. Shift test points by (_____, _____) 1 2 3 4 5
-1
4) Sketch curves approaching asymptotes
𝟏 -2
𝒇(𝒙) =
FROM GRAPH

Domain: ( −∞ , _____) ∪ (_____, ∞) 𝒙 -3

-4
Range: ( −∞ , _____) ∪ (_____, ∞) -5

𝟏
EXAMPLE: Graph the given function as a transformation of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐
𝒚
1
𝑔(𝑥) = −
(𝑥−2)2 𝟏
𝒇(𝒙) =
1) Plot VA at 𝑥 = ℎ: 𝑥 = _____ 𝒙𝟐
2) Plot HA at 𝑦 = 𝑘: 𝑦 = _____
TO GRAPH

3) a. Reflect? □ → (1,1) (−1,1) over [𝑥 | 𝑦] 1

b. Shift test points by (_____, _____)
𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
4) Sketch curves approaching asymptotes
-2
-3
FROM GRAPH

Domain: ( −∞ , _____) ∪ (_____, ∞)

ℎ ℎ -4
Range: If upper quadrants: (𝑘, ∞) -5
If lower quadrants: ( −∞ , _____)
𝑘

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Graph the rational functions using transformations.

(𝑨) 𝒚
1
𝑔(𝑥) = − +3 5
𝑥
4
1) Plot VA at 𝑥 = ℎ: 𝑥 = _____
3
2) Plot HA at 𝑦 = 𝑘: 𝑦 = _____
TO GRAPH

2
3) a. Reflect? □ → (1,1) (−1, −1) over [𝑥 | 𝑦] 1
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1
b. Shift test points by (_____, _____) 𝒙
1 2 3 4 5
4) Sketch curves approaching asymptotes -1
-2
Domain: ( _____ , _____) ∪ (_____, _____ )
FROM GRAPH

-3
-4
Range: ( _____ , _____) ∪ (_____, _____ ) -5

PRACTICE: Graph the rational functions using transformations.

(𝑩) 𝒚
1
𝑔(𝑥) = −2
(𝑥+3)2
1) Plot VA at 𝑥 = ℎ: 𝑥 = _____
2) Plot HA at 𝑦 = 𝑘: 𝑦 = _____
TO GRAPH

3) a. Reflect? □ → (1,1) (−1,1) over [𝑥 | 𝑦] 1

𝒙
b. Shift test points by (_____, _____) -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
4) Sketch curves approaching asymptotes
-2
-3
FROM GRAPH

Domain: ( _____ , _____) ∪ (_____, _____ )

-4
-5
Range: ( _____ , _____)

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

How to Graph Rational Functions

● To graph a rational function, determine vertical & horizontal asymptotes, x & y-intercepts, and holes.

𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝒙−𝟏
1) Factor & find Domain → Set Denom. = 0
𝒙−𝟏 = 𝟎 {𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________} 𝒚
5
2) Holes → a. Set Common Factor(s) = 0:____
4
b. Put in Lowest Terms
3
3) x-int(s) & behavior→ Set Num. = 0 2
(to solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0)

𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑 = 𝟎 𝑥 = __________ 1
Multiplicity: ____
𝒙
EVEN ODD
[ TOUCH | CROSS ] -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
-1
4) y-int → Compute 𝑓(0): _________ -2
TO GRAPH

𝟐(𝟎) − 𝟑
𝒇(𝟎) = = -3
𝟎−𝟏
-4
5) Vertical Asymptote(s) → Set Denom. = 0
𝒙−𝟏 = 𝟎 -5
𝑥 = _______

6) Horizontal/Slant Asymptote(s) 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑
𝒙−𝟏
Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom
𝑦 = [ 0 | divide lead coeff ] → _____

7) Determine intervals & plot a point in each

𝑓(𝑥)

8) Connect & draw approaching asymptotes

● Recall: Find behavior between known components by breaking graph into ___________.
▪ Use vertical asymptote(s) & x-intercept(s) to form intervals.

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College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

EXAMPLE: Graph the rational function.

𝒚
𝟐𝒙𝟐 5
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏
4
1) Factor & find Domain → Set Denom. = 0
3
{𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________}
2
2) Holes → a. Set Common Factor(s) = 0:____ 1
b. Put in Lowest Terms 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
3) x-int(s) & behavior→ Set Num. = 0 -1
𝑥 = __________ -2
Multiplicity: ____
-3
EVEN ODD
[ TOUCH | CROSS ] -4
4) y-int → Compute 𝑓(0): _________ -5
TO GRAPH

5) Vertical Asymptote(s) → Set Denom. = 0

𝑥 = _______
6) Horizontal/Slant Asymptote(s)
Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom
𝑦 = [ 0 | divide lead coeff ] → _____

7) Determine intervals & plot a point in each

𝑓(𝑥)

8) Connect & draw approaching asymptotes

Page 14
College Algebra
5. Rational Functions

TOPIC: GRAPHING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

PRACTICE: Graph the rational function.

𝒚
𝒙+𝟑 5
𝒇(𝒙) =
𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟔
4
1) Factor & find Domain → Set Denom. = 0
3
{𝑥|𝑥 ≠ ___________}
2
2) Holes → a. Set Common Factor(s) = 0:____ 1
b. Put in Lowest Terms 𝒙
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5
3) x-int(s) & behavior→ Set Num. = 0 -1
𝑥 = __________ -2
Multiplicity: ____
-3
EVEN ODD
[ TOUCH | CROSS ] -4
4) y-int → Compute 𝑓(0): _________ -5
TO GRAPH

5) Vertical Asymptote(s) → Set Denom. = 0

𝑥 = _______
6) Horizontal/Slant Asymptote(s)
Deg. Num. [ < | = ] Deg. Denom
𝑦 = [ 0 | divide lead coeff ] → _____

7) Determine intervals & plot a point in each

𝑓(𝑥)

8) Connect & draw approaching asymptotes

Page 15