11

GENERAL
MATHEMATICS
LEARNER'S ACTIVITY SHEET
Quarter 1 – Week 3:
RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
General Mathematics – Grade 11
Learner's Activity Sheet
Quarter 1 – Week 3: RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
First Edition, 2021

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Published by the Department of Education

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Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

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Editors:
Reviewers:
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Layout Artist:
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Marilyn B. Siao
Roberto N. Mangaliman
Ma. Luz I. Orbe
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 LEARNER’S ACTIVITY SHEET FOR QUARTER 1, WEEK 3
General Mathematics

RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Name : _______________________________________ Grade & Section : _____________________

Teacher : _____________________________________ School : ______________________________

Competencies
1. Determines the: (a) intercepts; (b) zeroes; and (c) asymptotes of rational functions.
M11GM-Ic-1
2. Solves problems involving rational functions, equations, and inequalities.
M11GM-Ic-3

General Reminders: Use this activity sheet with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any
part of the activity sheet. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises. Read the
directions carefully before doing each task. Return this activity sheet to your teacher/facilitator
once you are through with it.

Explore

Activity 1

Directions: Connect the given statement/phrase in column A with the answer in column B to
complete the statement/phrase in column A. Write the letter of your answer in a separate sheet
of paper.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1. The intercepts of the graph M. the x - intercepts

of a rational function …
2. To find the x – intercept A. let x = 0
of a function …
3. The zeroes of the function G. rational function
is also …
 4. To find the y – intercept I. are the points
ofof a function … intersection of
itsgraph and an axis
5. The function of the form C. let y
, where g(x)
& h(x) are polynomials

5.G 4. A 3. M 2. C 1.I

Learn

Lesson 1. Intercepts and Zeroes of Rational Functions

The intercepts of the graph of a rational function are the points of intersection of
its graph and an axis.
The y-intercept of the graph of a rational function r(x) if it exists, occurs at r(0),
provided that r(x) is defined at x = 0. To find y-intercept simply evaluate the function
at x = 0.
The x-intercept of the graph of a rational function r(x), if it exists, occurs at the zeros
of the numerator that are not zeros of the denominators. To find x – intercept equate
the function to 0.

The zeroes of a function are the values of x which make the function zero. The numbered
zeroes are also x-intercepts of the graph of the function. To find the zeroes of a rational
function, equate the function to 0 or solve for the x –intercept of the function by equating
the numerator to 0.

y-intercept
zero of the
function

x-intercept

Figure 1. x and y intercepts using GeoGebra

An asymptote is an imaginary line to which a graph gets closer and closer as the x
or y increases or decreases its value without limit.
The vertical line 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎 is a vertical asymptote of a function f if the graph
increases ordecreases without bound as the x values approach 𝒂𝒂 from the
right or left. See illustration below.

Vertical
Asymptot

Figure 2. Illustration of Vertical Asymptote using geogebra

By looking at the illustration we can see that the graph of the function is
approachingat x = - 5 represented by the dotted line and as we can see the
graph is getting closerand closer to x = - 5 but it will not pass or intersect the
line. So, the vertical asymptote of the graph is at x =- 5. We can find vertical
asymptote even without looking at thegraph of the function.

Finding Vertical Asymptote

To determine the vertical asymptote of a rational function, first reduce the
given function to simplest form then find the zeroes of the denominator that
are not zeros of the numerator.
The horizontal line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the function f if f(x) gets
closer to b as x increases or decreases without bound.

HorizontalAsymptote

Figure 3. Illustration of Horizontall Asymptote using geogebra

 Looking at the graph (figure 3), we can see that the graph of the function is
approaching a line in the y – axis, that line is called the horizontal asymptote.
In thegraph we can see that it is getting closer and closer at y = 1 but it only
approaches but never touches or intersects y = 1. So, the horizontal
asymptote of the function is at y = 1. We can determine horizontal asymptote
arithmetically by comparing the degree of the leading coefficient of the
numerator and denominator of the function.

Finding the horizontal asymptote of a rational function.

To determine the horizontal asymptote of a rational function, compare
the degree of the numerator n and the degree of the denominator d.
• If n < d, the horizontal asymptote is y= 0
• If n = d, the horizontal asymptote y is the ratio of the leading
coefficient of the numerator a, to the leading coefficient of the
denominator
• If n > d, there is no horizontal asymptote.

Note: A rational function may or may not cross its horizontal asymptote. If the
function does not cross the horizontal asymptote y=b, then b is not part of the
rangeof the rational function.

Illustrative examples.

𝑥𝑥−2
Example 1. Find the x- and y- intercepts of f(x) = .
𝑥𝑥+2
Solution:
To find the x – intercept, set y = 0
𝑥𝑥−2 Set f(x) = 0
0=
𝑥𝑥+2
𝑥𝑥−2 Multiply both sides by x + 2 to eliminate the
(x + 2) (0) = (x + 2) denominator.
𝑥𝑥+2
0–x=x–2–x Isolate the variable using APE
-x = -2
x=2 Simplifying by MPE

the x – intercept is (2, 0)

To find the y – intercept, set x = 0

0−2
y= Set x = 0
0+2
−2
y= Simplify
2
y = -1

the y – intercept is (0, -1)

 𝑥𝑥 2 −3𝑥𝑥+2
Example 2. Find the x- and y- intercepts of f(x) = .
𝑥𝑥−4
Solution:
To find the x – intercept, set y = 0
𝑥𝑥 2 −3𝑥𝑥+2 Set f(x) = 0
0=
𝑥𝑥−4
Multiply both sides by x – 4 to eliminate the
𝑥𝑥 2 −3𝑥𝑥+2
(x – 4) (0) = (x – 4) denominator.
𝑥𝑥−4
0 = x2 – 3x + 2 Solving quadratic equation by
0 = (x – 2)(x – 1) factoring
x–2=0 x–1=0
x=2 x=1 Solving for x

the x – intercept are (2, 0) and (1,0)

To find the y – intercept, set x = 0

02 −3(0)+2 Set x = 0
y=
(0)−4
2
y= Simplify
−4
1
y=−
2
1
the y – intercept is (0, − )
2

𝑥𝑥−2
Example 3. Find the zero/zeroes of f(x) = .
𝑥𝑥+4
Solution:
𝑥𝑥−2
f(x) =
𝑥𝑥+4
x–2=0 Equate the numerator to 0.
x=2 Solve for x

The zero of f(x) is 2.

𝑥𝑥−3
Example 4. Find the zero/zeroes of f(x) = .
𝑥𝑥 2 −9
Solution:
𝑥𝑥−3
f(x) = Simplify by factoring the denominator
𝑥𝑥 2 −9
𝑥𝑥−3 Eliminate common factors.
f(x) =
(𝑥𝑥−3)(𝑥𝑥+3)
1
= 0 Equate the numerator to 0.
𝑥𝑥+3
1=0 False statement.

It has a false statement, so, there is no zero of the function. Which

means that no point on the graph that touches the x – axis.
 𝑥𝑥 2 −3𝑥𝑥+2
Example 4. Find the zero/zeroes of f(x) = .
𝑥𝑥−4
Solution:
𝑥𝑥 2 −3𝑥𝑥+2
f(x) =
𝑥𝑥−4
x2 – 3x + 2 = 0 Equate the numerator to 0.
(x – 2)(x – 1) = 0 Factor
x–2=0 x–1=0 Equate each factor to 0
x=2 x=1 Solving for x

The zeroes of f(x) are 2 and 1.

Practice Exercises/Activity

Directions: Complete the table by giving the intercepts and zeroes of rational functions.
NOTE: use separate sheet for your answers.

Rational Function x - intercept y - intercept Zeroes

𝑥𝑥−9
1. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥+3

𝑥𝑥+3
2. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥+7

𝑥𝑥 2 −9
3. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥+3

𝑥𝑥 2 −10𝑥𝑥+25
4. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥+5

𝑥𝑥 2 +3
5. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥 2 −3
Lesson 2. Solving Real-Life Problems Involving Rational Functions,
Equations and Inequalities
Speed Me Up!

Read and analyze each situation below and answer the questions that follow.

Mario rides his motorcycle in going to school. He drives at an average speed of 30 kilometers
per hour. The distance between his house and the school is 15 kilometers.Every time he sees
his best friend Jessica walking on the road, he invites her for a ride and lowers his speed.
On the other hand, he increases his speed when he wakesup late for school.
Questions:

1) How long does it take Mario to reach school considering his average speed?

2) If x represents the time it takes Mario to drive to school with the given distance of
15 kilometers, how will you represent the relationship of his speed (y) versus the
time(x)?

3) Mario’s average speed as 30 kilometers per hour. Suppose Mario lowers his speed
by 10 kilometers per hour, how long will he reach the school given the same
distance?

4) Suppose Mario’s speed is unknown and represented by (x), he lowers his speed
3
by10 kilometers per hour at a distance of 15 kilometers and reaches school at
4
hours, how will you write the equation to find his average speed (x)?

5) Mario’s average speed was 30 kilometers per hour. He plans to drive for another
30 kilometers from school, how long will it take him to cover the whole distance
(house to school to 30 kilometers from school)?

6) If Mario drives another (x) kilometers from his school at an average speed of 30
kilometers per hour and he plans to drive in at most 2 hours, how will you write
theinequality to find the additional distance?

The Speed Me Up Activity is an example of the real-situation involving rational equation

and inequality, and to be able to answer the questions given above, it is very important to
know the distance-speed-time relationship. The following illustrates these relationships:

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
a) distance = speed b) speed = c) time =
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
ti

To answer question number 1, you need to consider that the word “how long”
𝑑𝑑 15
pertains to time. Thus, by dividing the distance by the speed, t = , you get the time =
𝑠𝑠 30
1
or hour or 30 minutes.
2

Question number 2 requires you to represent the given situation into a functional
relationship between speed (y) and time (x) considering a distance of 15 kilometers. Since
 𝑑𝑑 15
s= we were able to write 𝑦𝑦 = , 𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 ≠ 0.
𝑡𝑡 𝑥𝑥

The process of answering question number 3 also considers the distance-speed–time

relationship. Since Mario lowers his speed by 10 kilometers per hour, it will take him longer
𝑑𝑑
to reach his destination. Thus, we use the formula t = ,
𝑠𝑠

15
t=
30−10
15 3
t= or hours or 45 minutes
20 4

Question number 4 asks you to write the equation in case Mario’s speed is unknownor
missing. Since x represents Mario’s speed, lowering his speed by 10 kilometers per hour
will be written as “x – 10”. Again, considering the distance-speed-time relationship, we
arrive at the equation:
𝑑𝑑
t=
𝑠𝑠
3 15
=
4 𝑥𝑥−10

3(x – 10) = (3)(15)

x = 30 the average speed is 30 km/hr.

To answer question number 5, you need to understand that there is an additional distance
of 30 kilometers. The total distance is now 45 kilometers. (Adding 15 and 30). Since the
speed remains at 30 kilometers per hour, and we are looking for time, we arrive at the
equation:

𝑑𝑑
t=
𝑠𝑠
45
t= or 1.5 hours
30
Question number 6 requires you to write rational inequality to be able to find the additional
distance. Additional distance will be represented by x and the total distance will be “15 +
x”. Since his speed remains at 30 kilometers per hour and thetime that will require him to
cover the distance is at most 2 hours (less than or equalto 2), we write the inequality:
𝑑𝑑
≤ 2
𝑠𝑠
15+𝑥𝑥
≤ 2
30

Solving this inequality will give 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 45. Mario needs to travel an additional distance of not
more than 45 kilometers to spend at most 2 hours.

The idea of riding a motorcycle seems very enjoyable. But, always bear in mind that
accidents may happen. So, be cautious and consider safe driving by following streetrules.
Just like analyzing Math problems, little by little, we would arrive at answers if we only
know how to follow rules.
 Practice Exercises/Activity

Directions: Read and understand the situation. Give what is being asked.
NOTE: use separate sheet for your answers.

A Garden Plot

Vincent is a farmer. He loves to plant vegetables. He found that the area of

his rectangular garden is 200 square meters. Let x represent the width of
his garden in meters, express the length of the garden L as a function of
width x.
a) The formula in finding the area of a rectangle is .
b) Given an area (A) and width (x), the formula in finding length (L) of a rectangle
is .
c) Using the formula, we may express the length of the garden (L) as a function
of width (x) as:
𝐿𝐿(𝑥𝑥) =

Engage

This activity will enable you to reflect about the topic and activities you underwent. Reflect on
the activities you have done by wring a short paragraph. Write your answers on your journal
notebook. The beginning sentences are as follows:
I learned that _____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________.
I discovered that __________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________.
I was surprised that I _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________.
I was pleased that I _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________.
 Apply

To deepen your knowledge on finding the intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of

rational function you can visit the following websites,
https://youtu.be/gDC7XflNbQl and https://youtu.be/GgdGpjiJmkl.

For those who don’t have online connections you can answer the following questions
to deepen your understanding about the lesson.

Analyze the given function and determine:

a) x – and y- intercepts
b) zeros
c) asymptotes

𝑥𝑥+1
1. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥−4

𝑥𝑥 2 −4𝑥𝑥+5
2. f(x) =
𝑥𝑥−4
 Post Test

Directions: Read and understand each item carefully. Choose the letter that correspond the
correct answer. NOTE: Please write your answers in a separate sheet of paper or in your activity
notebook.
𝑥𝑥−3
1. What is the y – intercept of f(x) = ?
𝑥𝑥+3
a. 0 c. – 3
b. – 1 d. – 5
𝑥𝑥−1
2. What is the x – intercept of f(x) = ?
𝑥𝑥
a. x = -1 c. x = 1
b. x = 0 d. All real numbers
3. Complete the sentence: The x- intercept of rational function is also
of the graph of the function.
a. Asymptote c. zero
b. range d. domain
4. Which of the following are the points of intersection of the graph and the axes?
a. Range c. Domain
b. Intercept d. Zeroes
𝑥𝑥+5
5. What is the zero of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) =
3𝑥𝑥 2
a. x = 5 c. x = - 3
b. x = 0 d. x = - 5
3𝑥𝑥+1
6. What is the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) =
𝑥𝑥−5
a. y = 5 c. y = 1
b. y = 3 d. y = 0
𝑥𝑥 2 −3𝑥𝑥
7. What is the y - intercept of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) =
𝑥𝑥+3
a. y = 3 c. y = 0
b. y = 1 d. y = - 2
𝑥𝑥 2 −2𝑥𝑥−15
8. What is the x – intercept of 𝑓𝑓(𝑥𝑥) =
𝑥𝑥 2 −25
x=5 c. x = - 3
b. x = 3 d. x = - 5
9. Maryjoy can bake a cake in 2 hours. Clarissa can do it in 4 hours. How long will it
take them to bake a cake if they joined together?
a. 2 hours b. 1 1/3 hours c. 1 1/6 hours d. 5/3 hours

10. James and Tony play billiard every weekend. So far, James has won 8 out of 14
matches. How many matches will James have to win in a row to improve his winning
percentage to 80%?
a. 16 b. 15 c. 14 d. 12
Answer key
Post-Test

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. D
6. B
7. C
8. C
9. B
10. A

References:
• General Mathematics Learner’s Material
• General Mathematics DIWA Senior High School Series
• ADM General Mathematics Quarter 1-Module 9 : Intercepts, Zeroes and Asymptotes of
Rational Functions
• ADM General Mathematics Quarter 1-Module 10 : Solving Real-Life problems Involving
Rational Functions, Equations and Inequalities