Unit 6 – Rational Functions (Open Book Notes)
What Rational Functions Are
A rational function is when one polynomial is divided by another (like a fraction). The top is the
numerator, and the bottom is the denominator. The key rule is: the denominator can’t be zero. That’s
what causes undefined points, holes, or asymptotes.
How to Find the Domain
Look at the denominator. Set it equal to zero. Solve for x. Exclude those x-values — they make the
function undefined.
Vertical Asymptotes
Factor both the numerator and denominator. Cancel out anything that’s the same (only if possible).
Whatever x makes the remaining denominator equal zero is where a vertical asymptote happens.
Holes (Removable Discontinuities)
Factor both top and bottom. If something cancels, that x-value is a hole. To find the y-value of the hole,
plug that x into the simplified version of the function.
Horizontal Asymptotes
Compare the degrees (biggest exponents) of the top and bottom. If the top degree is smaller → y = 0. If
the degrees are equal → use the ratio of the leading coefficients. If the top degree is one bigger →
there’s no horizontal asymptote, but a slant one instead.
Slant (Oblique) Asymptotes
Check if the top degree is one higher than the bottom. Do polynomial long division (or synthetic
division). The quotient (without the remainder) gives the equation of the slant asymptote.
Intercepts
x-intercept: Set the numerator equal to zero. Make sure that x doesn’t also make the denominator zero.
Write it as (x, 0).
y-intercept: Plug in x = 0. Simplify to find the y-value. Write it as (0, y).
Transformations
When the equation looks like f(x) = a/(x - h) + k: - h → moves the graph left or right (opposite of sign). - k
→ moves the graph up or down. - a → flips over the x-axis if negative, stretches or shrinks the graph if
large or small.
Steps: Identify a, h, and k. Move the graph accordingly. Sketch the new asymptotes at x = h and y = k.
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Simplifying Rational Expressions
Factor everything you can. Cancel common factors between numerator and denominator. Keep track of
the x-values that were canceled — they still make the function undefined.
Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Multiply: Factor top and bottom of both fractions. Cancel common terms. Multiply across (top with top,
bottom with bottom).
Divide: Flip the second fraction (reciprocal). Follow the steps for multiplication.
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Find a common denominator (LCD). Rewrite both fractions with that denominator. Combine the
numerators. Simplify if possible. Don’t forget domain restrictions from the denominators.
Solving Rational Equations
Find the least common denominator (LCD). Multiply everything by the LCD to clear the fractions.
Simplify the equation. Solve for x like normal. Check every solution — any x that makes a denominator
zero is invalid.
Simple Rational Models
Used for rate, time, or work problems. Usually the format looks like y = k/x (inverse variation). To solve:
Identify the relationship (inverse or direct). Plug in known values. Solve for the missing variable.
Graph Behavior / End Behavior
To describe what happens as x → ∞ or x → -∞: Focus on the highest power of x on top and bottom. If
the denominator's degree is bigger → y approaches 0. If they’re equal → use ratio of coefficients. If the
numerator's degree is bigger → it grows without bound (infinity) or follows a slant line.
Discontinuities: How to Tell What’s What
If something cancels → hole (removable). If something doesn’t cancel but still makes denominator 0 →
vertical asymptote.
Behavior of 1/x and Similar Functions
1/x has vertical and horizontal asymptotes (x = 0 and y = 0). 1/x² is always positive except at x = 0 (where
it’s undefined). Reflecting over the x-axis just makes it negative (multiply by -1). Adding or subtracting
moves it up or down; changing (x - h) moves it left or right.
How to Check if a Function Is Rational
Look for a fraction. Make sure both the top and bottom are polynomials. If yes, it’s rational. If it has
roots, exponents, or absolute values, it’s not rational.
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How to Describe Graph Crossings
The graph can cross a horizontal asymptote in some cases. It can’t cross a vertical asymptote ever.
Always test by plugging in values near the asymptote to see direction and behavior.
Summary of Steps for Test Problems
Factor numerator and denominator. Cancel common factors. Set denominator = 0 for restrictions or
vertical asymptotes. Set numerator = 0 for x-intercepts. Plug in x = 0 for y-intercept. Compare degrees
for horizontal/slant asymptotes. Simplify before solving anything else.