Graphing Rational Functions: Asymptotes & Intercepts

Explanation
1.

Find the Vertical Asymptote(s). This is the place or places where the function is undefined.
(That is the value for x that would give you zero in the denominator) To get the V.A. set the
denominator = 0 and solve. Your V.A. will always be in the form x= .
If the V.A. has an even multiplicity the function goes in the same direction on both sides of
the asymptote.
Or

However, if the V.A. has an odd multiplicity, it will be different on each side.

Or

2.

Find the Horizontal Asymptote. This is the value that the function approaches as x gets very
large or very small. To get the H.A., compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
There are three possibilities:
a.

If the degree of the numerator < degree of the denominator, H.A. is y = 0

b.

If the degree of the numerator = degree of the denominator, H.A. is y = the

quotient of the leading coefficient of the numerator and the leading coefficient of
the denominator.

c.

If the degree of the numerator > degree of the denominator, H.A. is actually an
oblique asymptote.

3.

Find the x intercepts. This is where the function crosses the x axis. To get the intercepts, set y
= 0 and solve for x. You will get the SAME RESULT if you set the numerator = 0. If the x
intercept has an even multiplicity, it bounces. If it has an odd multiplicity, then the function
goes through the intercept.

4.

Find the y intercept. This is where the function crosses the y axis. To get the y intercepts, let
x = 0 and solve for y.

5.

Put all the information from 1 4 on the graph and make the curve.

(605)-2004-Graphing Rational Functions-Asymptotes & Intercepts--Explanation: Asymptotes & InterceptsExplanation

2004mm-fd

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