Exploring Rationals

Name:

_________________________

Algebraically Day 1
I. Quick Questions
__________________________

Date:

Simplify each of the following.

1.

3.

5.

4
2
+
x1 x1

2
3
+
x 1 x +1
2

x x2
x2

2.

4.

x6
5x

2 x +3 2 x +3

x +2
x 4 x12
2

II. Mini Lesson

In the graph of a rational function, a break in the graph often signals that a discontinuity
has occurred. Last lesson, we found one type of discontinuity -- vertical asymptotes. We
found vertical asymptotes by identifying the values of x that cause the function to be
undefined. We also found horizontal asymptotes by finding what value the function
approaches as x becomes very large or small.
1. The equation for the graph on the right is

h ( x )=

x 2 + x12
x 24

Simplify h(x). Are there any common factors that can be

a.

cancelled?

b. Write an equation for the vertical asymptote(s), and use a

dashed line to draw them in on the graph above.

c. To examine the end behavior or horizontal asymptote of the graph, use the function to complete the
table. Round values to two decimal places.

x
h(x
)

-100

-20

-10

-5

10

20

100

d. Write an equation for the horizontal asymptote and use a dashed line to draw it in on the
graph above.

e. Write the domain of h(x) in interval notation.

f. Use the equation to identify the x-intercepts. What did you set equal to zero?

g. Use the equation to identify the y-intercepts. What did you set equal to zero?

2. Given the following rational function:

g (x )=

x 2 +5 x14
x 24

a. Simplify G(x). If there are common factors, cancel them out.

x
-10
-8
-6
-4
-3
-2.5
-2
-1.5
-1
0
2
4
6
8
10

g (x )=

x 2 +5 x14
2
x 4

b. Complete the table below for g(x), and use it to sketch a graph of
g(x) on the grid provided.

c. Write an equation for the vertical asymptote and use a dashed line to draw it in on the
graph above.

d. For what other value of x was the function undefined?

e. Draw a hole at the value of x you identified in part d. Common factors that are divided
out of a function during the simplification process produce holes in the graph, rather
than asymptotes. These holes are called removable points of discontinuity. The
domain of a function does not include values of x where there are holes or vertical
asymptotes.

f. Find the y-value at this removable discontinuity or hole by plugging the x-value into the simplified
form of g(x). What are its coordinates?

III. Practice
2

1.

f ( x )=

x 25
2
x 2 x35

2.

x26 x16
f (x)= 2
x 10 x+16

3.

f ( x )=

x 216
x 2+ x12

4.

f ( x )=

x+ 2
x 4 x 12
2