Ch. 3.3 and 3.

4 Rational Functions DAY 2

Definition: Rational Function – can be written in the form f(x) = where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials and

q(x) is NOT the zero polynomial

NOTE: The domain of a rational function of x includes all real numbers except x-values that make
the denominator zero!

The Graph of a Rational Function:

1) Removable Discontinuity (Hole in the graph) – occurs when p(x) and q(x) have a common factors

2) Non-removable Discontinuity (Vertical Asymptote) – occurs when the denominator equals zero

3) Horizontal Asymptote – the value that the function approaches as x increases or decreases without bound

a) If the degree of the numerator < the degree of the denominator,

y = 0 is the horizontal asymptote.

b) If the degree of the numerator = the degree of the denominator,

y= is the horizontal asymptote.

c) If the degree of the numerator > the degree of the denominator,

there is NO horizontal asymptote.

4) x-intercept – zero(s) of the numerator

5) y-intercept – the value of f(0)

6) Slant Asymptote
occurs when the degree of the numerator is exactly one more than the degree of its denominator

EX] f(x) = *Use long division to find the equation of the slant asymptote. It will always be linear.

7) Determine the graph’s behavior between and beyond each x-intercept and vertical asymptote. Find points!
 5
+
2x
1. y
=

1
+
x

Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:

Symmetry:

x 2 − 16
2. y= 2 

x + 6x + 8

Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:
Symmetry:
 x 2 − 25
3. y=
x−5
Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:

Symmetry:

x
4. y=
x2 − 1
Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:
Symmetry:
5.

Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:
Symmetry:

x2
6. y
=
 2
x 
+
9

Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:
Symmetry:
7.

Removable Discontinuities: ________________________

VA: x-intercept: Table Graph

Domain:

HA/SA: y-intercept:

Range:
Symmetry:

Applications
8. Reynolds Metal Company manufactures aluminum cans in the shape of a cylinder
with a capacity of 500 cubic centimeters ( liter). The top and bottom of the can are
made of a special aluminum alloy that costs $0.05 per square centimeter. The sides of
the can are made of material that costs $0.02 per square centimeter.

a) Express the cost of material for the can as a function of the radius r.

b) Use a graphing utility to graph the function .

c) What value of r will result in the least cost?

d) What is this least cost?