Lesson 2

Rational Functions, Equations and Inequalities

I. Learning Outcomes:
In the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify algebraic expressions as rational or not;
2. determine whether the given sentence is rational equation, a rational function, or a
rational inequality; and
3. apply the concepts of rational function, equation and inequality in creating an
austerity plan.

II. Pre-Assessment:
Read the statements carefully and choose the letter corresponding to your answer.
x+ 3
1. How do you classify =3 y ?
x−3
a. Rational Equation
b. Rational Function
c. Rational Inequality
d. None of these

2. Which of the following is an example of a rational function?

2x 22
a. −3=
x 2
x +1
b. √ x+ 2=f (x)
2x 22
c. −3>
x 2
x+ 1
d. y=2 x +3

2x 22
3. What symbol will be replaced with the equal sign in the equation −3= to
x 2
x +1
make it an inequality?
a.
b. ≈
c. ¿
d. ≡

3 x2
4. How do you classify ≈ 3 y?
3x
a. Rational Equation
b. Rational Function
c. Rational Inequality
d. None of these
5. Rational function, equation, and inequality have the same definition.
a. TRUE
b. FALSE
 III. Lesson Map:

Rational
Rational
Inequalit
Inequalit
y
y

Rational
Rational
Equation
Equation

Rational
Rational
Function
Function

The figure above shows how rational functions are involved in solving rational equations and
inequality.

IV. Core Content:

ENGAGE: WANTED

Wanted!!!

Call for Applicants for Contract of Service Workers

For the purpose of 2020 census of population and housing, Philippine Statistics Authority
is hiring enumerators.

Any male or female

Age - at least 18 years old and at most 45 years old Educational

Attainment – at least SHS graduate Salary - ₱700.00 per day

Physically fit for field work

Interested applicants must submit application letter and Personal Data
Sheet (PDS) to PSA-Quezon.

Questions

1. What is the advertisement all about?

_________________________________________________________________
 2. What job is offered by PSA?
_________________________________________________________________

3. Who can apply for the position?

_________________________________________________________________

4. How will you translate the required age mathematically?

_________________________________________________________________

5. Represent the salary (S) that will be received as a function of number of

days used for work (n).
_________________________________________________________________

6. What are the mathematical symbols that you used in answering

questions numbers 4 and 5?
_________________________________________________________________

7. Do you think the age requirement for the job is fair enough or is there a
bias? Why do you say so?
_________________________________________________________________

8. Why do you think having a census is important?

_________________________________________________________________

EXPLORE: IDENTIFYING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

Identify whether the following algebraic expressions are rational or not. Explain your answer.

Algebraic Expressions Reason

1.
x2 +3 x +2
x+4

2.
1
3 x2

3.
√ x +1
x 3−1

4.
x2 + 4 x−3
2

5.
1
x +2
x−2
EXPLAIN: DISTINGUISHING RATIONAL FUNCTION, EQUATION, AND INEQUALITY

Take a look at the table below:

Additional Examples:
Determine whether the given sentence is rational equation, a rational function, a rational
inequality or none of these.

x+5
1. = y; This is an example of rational function because the symbol y is
x−1
is also a representation of function of x or f(x)

y−2 y−2
2. ≤3; None of these because is not a rational expression
x +1 x +1

A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation or
inequality. Whereas we solve an equation or inequality, we do not “solve” functions. Rather, a
function (and in particular, a rational function) express a relationship between two variables
(such as x and y), and can be represented by a table of values or a graph.

Independent Practice

Determine whether the given is a rational function, rational equation, rational

inequality or none of these.

1+ x
1. =4 _____________________________________________________
x−2

2
2. 5 x ≥ _____________________________________________________
2 x−1
 x 2−7
3. f ( x )= −3 _____________________________________________________
x+ 2

x+ 2
4. = y +3 _____________________________________________________
x−2

EXTEND: DETERMINING RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS

You are analyzing your bills in MERALCO for the consecutive months. Using your
bill at home express the amount per kwh (A) as a function of kilowatt per hour (k)
consumed for the last two consecutive months. Then create austerity plan for the
next month. (austerity- measures taken to reduce spending)

Austerity Plan

Bill for the last two consecutive months:

Create a rational inequality showing the relationship between the bill

in the last consecutive months:

List down the austerity measures to be undertaken to reduce the

electricity consumption:
Rubrics for the Task

Categories Excellent Fair Poor

3 2 1

Solution Process Complete and An appropriate Needed extensive

appropriate solution solution process that guidance to work on
process is partially complete the problem

Planning The goal set is The goal set is hard to The goal set is not
achievable and achieve achievable and not
realistic realistic

Accuracy of The computation in The computation in There is no

Solution obtaining the desired obtaining the desired attempt in
profit using the profit using the computing the
profit function is profit function has desired profit using
correct flaws the profit function
 EVALUATE: SHOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

Instruction: Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation, a rational
inequality, or none of these.

(a) y=5 x 2−2 x+ 1

8 x
(b) −8=
x 2 x−1
(c) √ x−2=4
x−1 3
(d) =x
x+ 1
7 x 3−4 √ x +1
(e) y=
x 2 +3
5
(f) 6 x− ≥0
x+ 3

V. Topic Summary:
In this lesson, you have learned the following:
 Rational equation is an equation involving rational expression.
 Rational inequality is an inequality involving rational expressions.
(𝑥)
 Rational function A function of the form (𝑥) = (𝑥)where p(x) and q(x) are
polynomial functions and q(x) is not the zero function.
VI. Post Assessment:
Read the statements carefully and choose the letter corresponding to your answer.
x+ 3
6. How do you classify =3 y ?
x−3
e. Rational Equation
f. Rational Function
g. Rational Inequality
h. None of these

7. Which of the following is an example of a rational function?

2x 22
e. −3=
x 2
x +1
f. √ x+ 2=f (x)
2x 22
g. −3>
x 2
x+ 1
h. y=2 x +3

2x 22
8. What symbol will be replaced with the equal sign in the equation −3= to
x 2
x +1
make it an inequality?
e.
f. ≈
g. ¿
h. ≡

3 x2
9. How do you classify ≈ 3 y?
3x
e. Rational Equation
 f. Rational Function
g. Rational Inequality
h. None of these
10. Rational function, equation, and inequality have the same definition.
c. TRUE
d. FALSE

VII. References:
 Oronce, Orlando A. GENERAL MATHEMATICS. Rex Book Store, Inc.
2016