RATIONAL

FUNCTIONS
A rational function is a function of the form:

px 
R x   where p and q
qx  are polynomials
2. The ratio of thrice a number to 3 more than the square of the
number
5. The time elapsed in covering a distance of 50 km with a speed of 2r
kph
7. Part of the work done in (x+1) hours if the work can be done in (2x-
5)
9. The width of a rectangle whose area is (x-10) cm2 and whose length
is (3x+4) cm
10. The reciprocal of a two- digit number whose tens digit is 3 more
than the units digit
14. A bus travels 10 km/h faster than a
truck. It travels 360 km in 3 h less
time than the time required by the
truck to travel the same distance. Find
the rate of each.
16. Ronnie walked at a speed of 2
km/h and jogged at a speed of 4 km/h.
If he jogged 3 km farther than he
walked and the total time for the trip
was 3 h, how far did he walked and
how far did he jogged?
20. Two pipes are used to fill a water
tank. The first pipe can fill the tank in
4 hours. The two pipes together can
fill the tank in 2 hours less time than
the second pipe alone. How long
would it take for the second pipe to
fill the tank?
23. Janice and James are working in a strawberry field in
Trinidad. Each of them must pick the same number of
baskets of strawberries a day. Janice picks an average of 6
baskets of strawberries per hour, while James picks an
average of 3 baskets an hour. If they begin picking
strawberries at the same time, and Janice finishes 1 ½ hours
before James, how many baskets must each pick?
12. One number is three times as
large as another. The sum of their
reciprocals is 4/3. Find the numbers.
“Ako ang value ng lahat ng mga ex mo”

DOMAIN
“Anong function ang tulad ng pag-ibig, kapag
may wala lang ay nagiging undefined?”

RATIONAL FUNCTION
Palapit ako nang palapit pero hindi
naman kita pwedeng hawakan?

Asymptote
“Mamahalin kita sa dulo ng walang hanggan”

INFINITY
RELASYONG MAGMAHAL NG ISA DI PWEDE
IPARES SA DALAWA

FUNCTION
2a 2 + 2
2(a 2 + 1)
4a 2 + 16
4(a 2 + 4)
4x 2 - 16x
4x(x - 4)
3x(x - 6)
x 2 - 6x +9
(x – 3) (x – 3)
x 2 - 5x +4
(x - 1) (x - 4)
x 2 - 4
(x + 2) (x - 2)
 MATCH THE TERM TO ITS DEFINITION
TERMS DEFINITION

It ia a form of f ( x)  p( x) , where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials and

Rational Function q ( x)
q(x) ≠ 0

Rational Equation It is an equality consisting of at least one rational expressions.

Rational Inequality It is an inequality involving rational expressions.

Domain The set of all real numbers except the zeroes of the denominator.

Zeroes The values of x which makes the function zero.

Intercepts The value of x or y when the y or x is equal to zero respectively.

It is the line x =a for the graphof the function f if f(x) →∞ a

Vertical Asymptote
x approaches a from either the left or right.
Horizontal
It is the line y = c for the graph of the function f if f(x)→c as
Asymptote
 LEARNING
• distinguish rational OBJECTIVES:
functions, rational
equation and inequality
• determine the domain, zeroes, intercept,
vertical and horizontal asymptotes of
rational function
• solve the solution set of rational equations
and inequalities
• solve problems involving rational functions/
equations/ inequalities
 MATH QUIZ
I. EASY ROUND

1. Which is a rational equation?

x2 x2 1 x 3 2
a f ( x)  b  c y= 
x 3 x6 5 2x x  2
2. Which of the following is a rational
function?
x2 x2 1 x 3 2
a f ( x)  b  c y= 
x 3 x6 5 2x x  2
3. Which is a rational inequality?
x 3 2 x2 x 3
a  b f ( x)  c 5
2x x  2 x 3 x 1

4. What is the domain of the function ? x2

f ( x) 
x 3
DOMAIN(f): {x/xЄℝ EXCEPT x = 3}
2
x  5x  6
5. Give the domain of the f ( x)  ?
x 5
DOMAIN(f): {x/xЄℝ EXCEPT x = 5}
 II. AVERAGE ROUND
1. Give the exact value of the x and y-
intercept in the function x ?3
f ( x) 
2x  1
X = 3 and Y = -3
2. What is the vertical asymptote in the
function f ( x)  ?4
2
x
4  x2

X= 2
 5
3. What is the horizontal asymptote of f ( x) ? 2
x 1
Y=0
2 x  10
4. What is the horizontal asymptote of f ( x)  ?
5 x  15

Y = 2/5
x3  2
5. What is the horizontal asymptote of f ( x)  ?
x 1

NO HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE
III. DIFFICULT ROUND
1. Solve for x in the rational equation
x 3 2
 X = -1 and x = 6
2x x  2
2. What values of x makes the inequality true
x3
5 ( -∞, -2] U (-1, ∞)
x 1
3. Anthony is a part of a renovation project
which involves painting the interior of a
house. He is partnered with Allan to do
the job. Anthony can paint the interior of
a house in 6 hr while Allan can do the
same in 9 hr. How long will it take them to
paint the house if they work together?

ANSWER: 18/5 OR 3.6 hour

or 3 hours and 36 min
 Rational Function
is a function of the form
y = f(x)=P(x)/Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x)
are polynomial functions and Q(x) ≠ 0.
If P(x)/Q(x) equation
If P(x)/Q(x) is symbol is replaced by
equated into 0 <,≤,>, or ≥,

Rational Equation Rational Inequality

an equality consisting of an inequality involves
at least one rational one or more
expression
x2 rationalexpressions
x2
1  0 0
3x  1 3x  1
Questions:

1. What's the difference between

rational function, rational equation
and rational inequality?
2. How can you get the value of the
domain? intercepts (x and y)?

DOMAIN OF RATIONAL FUNCTION

The domain of the rational function f is the set of

real numbers except those values of x that will
make the denominator zero.

In set notation,
Dom(f) = {x/xЄℝ, except x=a where
Q(ɑ)=0} or {x/xЄℝ, Q(x)≠0}.
3. Suppose you have a function , 2x
f ( x) 
what could be its domain? x and y x 5
intercepts?
Domain (f) = { x/x Є ℝ, where x ≠ 5}
Solution:
equate the denominator to zero and solve
for the value of the variable
→ x-5 = 0
x -5+5 = 0+5
x =5
 2x
f ( x)  solve for the x and y- intercept:
x 5

Solving for x- intercept: Solving for the y-intercept:

0= 2x 2(0)
y=
x5 05
0 = 2x
(1/2)0 = 2x(1/2) 0
y=
0 =x 5
y=0

Therefore the x and y intercept is zero.

 Example No. 2 3x  8 x  3
2
f ( x) 
2x  7x  4
2
(3x  1)( x  3)
f ( x)  (factor out)
(2 x  1)( x  4)

Domain (f) = { x/x Є ℝ, where x ≠ 1/2 and -4}

x -intercept: y -intercept:
0 = (3x+1)(x-3) f(0) =(3(0)+1) (0-3)
x = -1/3 and 3 (2(0)-1)(0+4)
= 1(-3)
(-1)(4)
=3/4
 px 
R x  
What would the domain of a rational

qx 
function be?

We’d need to make sure the

denominator  0
2
R x  
5x
3 x
Find the domain.x   : x  3
x 3
H x  
x  2x  2
x   : x  2, x  2
If you can’t see it in your
x 1 head, set the denominator = 0
F x   2 and factor to find “illegal”
x  5x  4 values.
x  4x 1  0 x   : x  4, x  1
 ASYMPTOTES OF RATIONAL
FUNCTIONS

1. VERTICAL ASYMPTOTE
2. HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE
4. How can a vertical asymptote
be identified? How can we
get the value for a horizontal
asymptote?
 VERTICAL ASYMPTOTE
• the line x = a is a vertical asymptote for the
graph of a function f
if f(x) → ∞ or f(x) → -∞ as x approaches a
from either the left or right

• the values of a are the zeroes of the

denominator of a rational function
How to find the vertical asymptote?

• reduce the rational function to lowest

terms by cancelling out the common
factors

• to find the value of a set the

denominator to zero/ equate it to
zero and solve the variable
 HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE
the line y = c is the horizontal
asymptote for the graph of a
function f if
f(x) → c as x → ∞ or as x → -∞.
n1
Let an x  an1x  ...  a1x  a0
n
f ( x)  k 1
bk x  bk 1x  ...  b1x  b0
k

where an ≠ 0 and bk ≠ 0.
Note that n and k refers to the degree of the
numerator and the denominator respectively.
 How to identify the horizontal asymptote?
Simply observe and compare the degree of the
polynomials in the numerator and denominator.
If the degree of the polynomial in:
n =d n<d n>d
ratio of the leading terms
in the numerator (a) to the no horizontal
denominator (b), y=0
asymptote
y =a/b
Example: 3x 2  8 x  3 Example: 3x  4 Example: 4 x3  1
f ( x)  2 f ( x)  2 f ( x)  2
2x  7x  4 2 x  3x  1 3x  2 x  5

y = 3/2 y=0 non

e
Example:
3x 2  8 x  3 (3 x  1)( x  3)
f ( x)  2 f ( x) 
2x  7x  4 (2 x  1)( x  4)

Vertical Asymptote:

x → 0 =(2x-1) (x+4)
x = 1/2 and
x = -4
Horizontal Asymptote:
y = 3/2
 More Examples:
3 V.A. 2X-4 = 0
g ( x)  X =2
2x  4 H.A. y = 0

5  3x
p ( x)  2 V.A.
x  4x  5 (x-1)= 0; (x+5) = 0
x=1 x = -5
5  3x H.A.
p ( x) 
( x  1)( x  5) y=0
 2
x 1 ( x  1)( x  1)
h( x )  h( x ) 
x 1 x 1
( x  1)( x  1)
h( x )  ; x ≠ -1
x 1

No Vertical Asymptote
No Horizontal Asymptote
The graph of f  x   2 looks like this:
1
x

If you choose x values close to 0, the graph gets

close to the asymptote, but never touches it.

Since x  0, the graph approaches 0 but never crosses or

touches 0. A vertical line drawn at x = 0 is called a vertical
asymptote. It is a sketching aid to figure out the graph of
a rational function. There will be a vertical asymptote at x
values that make the denominator = 0
 Let’s consider the graph f  x  
1
x
We recognize this function as the reciprocal function
from our “library” of functions.

Can you see the vertical asymptote?

Let’s see why the graph looks
like it does near 0 by putting in
some numbers close to 0.
1 1 The closer to 0 you get
f   10 for x (from positive
 10  1
10 direction), the larger the
function value will be Try some negatives
 1  1  1  1
f   100  1 f    100
 10  100 
1
 100  1 f    1
 10   1 
100 100
10
 Does the function f  x  
1 have an x intercept? 0  1
x x
There is NOT a value that you can plug in for x that
would make the function = 0. The graph approaches
but never crosses the horizontal line y = 0. This is
called a horizontal asymptote.

A graph will NEVER cross a

vertical asymptote because the
x value is “illegal” (would make
the denominator 0)

A graph may cross a horizontal

asymptote near the middle of
the graph but will approach it
when you move to the far right
or left
Graph Q  x   3 
1 1
 3 vertical translation,
x x
moved up 3
This is just the reciprocal function transformed. We can
trade the terms places to make it easier to see this.

The vertical asymptote

Qx   3 
1 remains the same because in
x either function, x ≠ 0

The horizontal asymptote

f x  
1 will move up 3 like the graph
x does.
 Finding Asymptotes
VERTICAL ASYMPTOTES

There will be a vertical asymptote at any

“illegal” x value, so anywhere that would make
the denominator = 0
So there are vertical
x  2x  5
2
R x   2 asymptotes at x = 4
xx 43xx14 0 and x = -1.

Let’s set the bottom = 0

and factor and solve to
find where the vertical
asymptote(s) should be.
 HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES
We compare the degrees of the polynomial in the
numerator and the polynomial in the denominator to tell
us about horizontal asymptotes.
1<2
degree of top = 1
If the degree of the numerator is
less than the degree of the
2x  5
1
 
R x  2 denominator, (remember
the x axis isdegree
a
x  3 x  4 horizontal
is the highest
asymptote.
power onThis
any is
x
term) the
along the xline
axis
y=is0.
a horizontal
asymptote.
degree of bottom = 2
 HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES
The leading coefficient
is the number in front of If the degree of the numerator is
the highest powered x equal to the degree of the
term. denominator, then there is a
degree of top = 2 horizontal asymptote at:
y = leading coefficient of top
2x  4x  5
2
R x   2 leading coefficient of bottom
1 x  3x  4

degree of bottom = 2

horizontal asymptote at:

2
y 2
1
 OBLIQUE ASYMPTOTES
If the degree of the numerator is
greater than the degree of the
denominator, then there is not a
degree of top = 3 horizontal asymptote, but an
oblique one. The equation is
x  2 x  3x  5
3 2 found by doing long division and
R x   the quotient is the equation of
x  3x  4
2
the oblique asymptote ignoring
the remainder.

degree of bottom = 2
x  5  a remainder
x  3x  4 x  2 x  3x  5
2 3 2
Oblique asymptote
at y = x + 5
SUMMARY OF HOW TO FIND ASYMPTOTES

Vertical Asymptotes are the values that are NOT in the

domain. To find them, set the denominator = 0 and solve.

To determine horizontal or oblique asymptotes, compare

the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
1. If the degree of the top < the bottom, horizontal
asymptote along the x axis (y = 0)
2. If the degree of the top = bottom, horizontal asymptote
at y = leading coefficient of top over leading coefficient
of bottom
3. If the degree of the top > the bottom, oblique
asymptote found by long division.
Differentiate the way of getting the solution
set of a rational equation and rational
inequality.

SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATION

Multiply both sides of the equations by the

Least Common Denominator (LCD) if it
involves more than one term in either side of
the equation.
 SOLVING RATIONAL INEQUALITY

Solve like a quadratic inequality where you

need to find the critical values/ numbers.
Bear also the rule in solving the inequality
 STEPS ON HOW TO ILLUSTRATE THE
SOLUTION SET OF AN INEQUALITY

1. Assume the inequality symbols as equality symbol.

2. Determine any value which makes the denominator
equal to zero, thus, making it undefined.
3. On a number line, mark appropriately the critical
values obtained in step 1 and 2.
4. For each interval, choose a test point and check if
the point satisfies the given inequality. If a point
satisfies the inequality, then the interval to where it
belonged is part of the solution set of the inequality.
5. Mark the number line appropriately to illustrate the
entire solution set of teh inequality.
EXAMPLE:
3 4 5 2 3
  
x 1 x  2 2x  4 x  3 x  2

3( x  2)  4( x  1) 5( x  3)  2(2)( x  2)  3(2)( x  3)
3x  6  4 x  4 5 x  15  4 x  8  6 x  18
x  23  6 x  18
6  4  4 x  3x
 5 x  5
10  x
x 1
EXAMPLE:
x3 Locate the critical values: -3 and 2
 0 which gives an interval of:
x2
(-∞,-3), (-3,2) and (2,∞)

x < -3 -3 < x <2 x>2

(-∞, -3) (-3, 2) (2, ∞)

x+3 - + +
x-2 - - +
x3
x2 + - +
(-∞, -3) U (2, ∞)
 2 3
 0
3 x x  2
2( x  2)  3(3  x)
0
(3  x)( x  2)
2 x  4  9  3x
0
(3  x)( x  2)
5x  5 critical numbers: -2, 1 and 3
 0 interval : (-∞,-2),(-2,
(3  x)( x  2) 1],[1,3),
(3, ∞)
 (3,
(-∞,-2) (-2, 1] [1,3),
∞)
5x-5 or
5(x-1)
- - + +

3-x - - - +

x+2
5x  5
- + + +
(3  x)( x  2)
- + - +
ANSWER: (-2,1] U
(3,∞)
 SAMPLE word Problems
Anthony is a part of a renovation project
which involves painting the interior of a
house. He is partnered with Allan to do
the job. Anthony can paint the interior of
a house in 6 hr while Allan can do the
same in 9 hr. How long will it take them to
paint the house if they work together?
Ask: How much of the task can they finish per hour if they work
together?
Given:
Anthony = 1/6
Allan = 1/9
Working together to complete a job in an hour
= 1/6 +1/9 = 5/18
Let t be the time spent if they work together to complete a job.
= 1/t

Equation:

1 1 1
 
6 9 t
Solution: 1

1

1
6 9 t
3 2 1

18 t

5 1

18 t
5t  18
18
t or 3.6hr
5

Therefore, they can can paint the interior of the house

together in 3.6 hr
Example No. 2
OOne computer can run a sorting algorithm in 24 minutes. If a
2nd computer is used together with the 1st, it take 13 minutes.
How long would it take the 2nd computer alone?
Solution:
Ask: How long would it take the 2nd computer alone?
Given:
2 computers to work together =13 minutes
1st computer can run = 24 minutes
2nd computer =x

13 13
Equation:
 1
24 x
in
 13 13
 1
24 x
13x  312
1
24 x
13x  312  24 x
312  11x
4
x  28
11
Approximately 28:22 minutes
 A family goes on a vacation ina resort in Tabuelan. Two cars are
used to accomodate all the family members. The first car leaves
at 1:00pm and travels at a constant rate of 40kph towards the
destination. Thirty minutes later, the 2nd car leaves and travels at
a constant rate of 55kph. At what time will the 2nd car overtake
the first car?

SOLUTION:
Let t = be the number of hours traveled
r = be the driving rate
d = be the distance traveled
 SUMMARY OF DATA
t r d = rt

1st car t 40 kph 40t km

2nd car t - 1/2 55kph 55 (t-1/2) km

ASK:
After how many hours will the two cars have
traveled the same distance?
 Equate the
Eq2 distances
40t = 55 (t-1/2)
Solve for t:
40t = 55t - 55/2
55/2 = 55t-40t
55/2 = 15t
(1/15)(55/2) =15t(1/15)
55/30 = t
11/6 =t

Hence, the two cars travel the same distance

after 1 5/6 hr or 1 hr and 50 min
Therefore, the 2nd car will reach the first car
 IT'S YOUR TURN!

Classify as Rational Function, Rational

Equation and Rational Inequality.
x2 x 3 x2 1 x 3 2
f ( x)  5  
x 3 x 1 x6 5 2x x2

Find zeroes and y -intercept of rational function

x 1 5  3x
f ( x)  p( x)  2
2 x x  4x  5
A. Identify if the given is a rational expression or not.
GIVEN
EXPRESSION
RATIONAL EXPRESSION OR NOT
1 Rational expression because the numerator 1 is
3x 2 a polynomial of degree 0
x 2  3 x  2 Rational expression because it is a ratio of two
x4 polynomials.
1
x 2 Rational expression because it is equal to
1
x2 ( x  2)( x  2)
x 1 Not a rational expression since the numerator
x3  1 is not a polynomial.
B. Give the interval notation of the ff :
x≤5 = (- ∞,5]

x >-3 = (-3, ∞)

-2 < x < 6 = (-2, 6)

-3 8 = [-3, 8)

-5 = [-5, ∞)
 IT'S YOUR TURN!
Give the vertical and horizontal asymptote of
a Rational Function

x4 2x x 2
3
g ( x)  2 b( x )  f ( x) 
x x 3 x 1
 IT'S YOUR TURN!
Solve for the unknown in the rational equation..

1 3 3x  1 2 x  5
 
2x  5 x  5 6 x  1 4 x  11
 IT'S YOUR TURN!

Solve for the solution set of a rational

inequality.

2 4 2x
 1  0
x  5 11 x 1
 IT'S YOUR TURN!
Solve for the given problem.
1. It will take you 10 hours to paint the garage and it will take
your brother 15 hours to do the same job. How long will it take if
the two of you work together to paint the garage?

2. A water tank is emptied through 2 drains in 50 minutes. if only

the larger drain is used the tank will empty in 85 minutes. How
long would it take to empty if only the smaller drain is used?
 "CHALLENGES MAKE LIFE
INTERESTING, OVERCOMING
THEM MAKES LIFE
MEANINGFUL"

THANK YOU