GENERAL MATHEMATICS 11

MODULE 2 - RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

(Quarter 1 – Week 2)
Grade Level Standard:
The learner demonstrates understanding of key concepts of rational functions.
Most Essential Learning Competency:
- The learner represents real-life situations using rational functions.
- Distinguishes rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality.
- Solves rational equations and inequalities.
- Represents a rational function through its: (a) table of values, (b) graph, and (c) equation.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, the learner is able to accurately formulate and solve real-life problems involving
rational functions.

Direction: Answer the following:

1.) Find the domain and range of the given ordered pairs.
a. f(x) = {(a, a), (b, b), (c, b), (d, a)}
b. 𝑔𝑔 = {(-1, 1), (-2, 3), (0, -5), (1, -2), (-4, 5), (2, -3), (-2, -5)}

2.) Refer to # 1, which of the two is a function?

3.) Which of the following statements represents a function?

- Student’s grade in Pre-Calculus.

- Countries to its flag.
- Cell phone to its charger.

4.) Determine whether the given equation define a fu nction.

𝑦 = 5𝑥 + 4

5.) Determine whether the given graph is a function o r not.

A Rational Function is defined as “a function that is the ratio of two polynomials.” In this chapter, we will
solve rational equations, inequalities and functions; represented rational functions; determine the domain and range of
a rational function and graph rational functions.

LESSON 1 RATIONAL FUNCTION

Before going further, let us try to recall about function.

 A function is a set of ordered pairs (x, y) such that no two ordered pairs have the
same x-value but different y – values.
 The first coordinates called domain and second coordinates called range.
Definition of Terms:

- Polynomial function p of degree n is a function that can be written in the form:

p ( x ) =an x n+ an −1 x n− 1+ an − 2 x n −2 +…+ a1 x +a0 , where a 0 , a1 , … ,a n −1 , an , are real numbers, a n ≠ 0.
- A linear function f is a constant function if f ( x )=mx+b, where m = 0 and b are any real nu
mber.
- A function f is a linear function if ( x )=mx+ b, where m and b are real numbers and m and f
(x) are both not equal to 0.
- A quadratic function is any equation of the form:
2
f ( x )=ax +bx +c , where a, b and c are real numbers and a ≠ 0.
Example 1:
Given the polynomial function f ( x )=10+ 3 x − x 2+ 3 x 3, find:

a. The degree of the polynomial (Highest exponent in the polynomial) -- (3)

b. The leading coefficient (Constant term in the leading term) -- (3 x 3 ¿ –> (3)
c. The constant term (an integer without variable or letter) -- (10)
d. The number of zeroes (Depends on the degree of the polynomial) -- (3)

Example 2:
Determine whether the following function is a rational, not a rational or undefined.
1
a. f ( x )=
x
5 x +1
b. g(x) =
3
c. ℎ ( x )=
√ x +5
2
2
3
d. i( x) = x +3 x − 4
2
2x
x+5
e. j ( x )=
0

Solution:
a. Rational Function: Both the numerator and denominator are polynomials.
b. Rational Function: Both the numerator and denominator are polynomials.
c. Not a Rational Function: The numerator is not a polynomial.
d. Not a Rational Function: The numerator is not a polynomial.
e. Undefined: Because zeros appear in the denominators, the fractions are undefined.

REMEMBER!

N (x )
A Rational Function is a function of the form f ( x )= where N ( x ) and D( x ) are polynomial
D(x )
function and D( x ) ≠ 0.

ANSWER THIS:

Given the polynomial function f ( x )=3 x 3 +2 x 2 − x +9, find:

A. The degree of the polynomial (Highest exponent in the polynomial) -- _______

B. The leading coefficient (Constant term in the leading term) -- _______
C. The constant term (an integer without variable or letter) -- _______
D. The number of zeroes (Depends on the degree of the polynomial) -- _______

Given the polynomial function f ( x )=2 x 3+ x2 − x +6, find:

E. The degree of the polynomial (Highest exponent in the polynomial) -- _______

F. The leading coefficient (Constant term in the leading term) -- _______
G. The constant term (an integer without variable or letter) -- _______
H. The number of zeroes (Depends on the degree of the polynomial) -- _______

Identify which of the following are rational function.

2+ x
A. f ( x )=
x +1
x2 − 4 x − 5
B. g(x) =
x +3
√ x +2
C. ℎ ( x )= 2
x −4
 1
2
D. i( x) = x −3 x+ 1
2
x +2 x +1

x +3
E. j ( x )=
x2 + 4

LESSON 2 RATIONAL FUNCTION, EQUATION AND INEQUALITITES

- Solving rational equation and inequalities

Rational Expression
A
- A rational expression can be written in the form where A and B are polynomials and B ≠ 0
B
Rational Expression are also called Algebraic Fractions.

Example:

2 xy
a.
3
x2 +2 x+ 2
b.
3 x −1
x2 −1
c.
2
x 2 +3
d. √
2
1
2
e. x
x

 Examples a, b and c are rational expressions, and examples d and e are not rational expressions.

Polynomials
- It is an expression consisting of term or a sum of signed terms in which all variables have positiv
e exponents.

Rational Equation
- Is an equation that contains one or more rational expressions.

Examples:
The following are examples of rational equations:

3 x 3 −2 x
a. =
2 5
x 1 3x
b. + =
3 15 5
5
c. 10=
x
3
x +3 2 x
d. =
50
R 3
Solving Rational Equation
U 1. Eliminate the rational expressions in the equation by multiplying both sides of the
L equation by the LCD
E 2. Solve the equation
3. Check your solution
Examples:
3x 3−x x 1 3x ¿ x +3 2 x
a. = b. + = c. =
2 5 3 15 5 x −3 x − 3

Solution 1:
3x 3−x
a. =
2 5
3x 3−x
 10(
2
)= ( )
5
10 - Multiply both side by the LCD, 10

 15 x=6 −2 x - Apply the Distributive property then simplify

 15 x+ 2 x=6 − 2 x +2 x - Add 2x from both sides
 17 x=6 - Combine like terms then simplify
6
 x= - Divide both sides by 19
17

Check:
3x 3−x
 =
2 5
6 6
3( ) 3−( )
 17 17 - Substitute the value of x
=
2 5
18 12
3−
 17 17 - Apply Distributive property then simplify
=
2 5
51 −6
 18 1 17
∗ =
17 2 5
45
 18 17
=
34 5
18 45 1
 = ∗
34 17 5
18 45
 =
34 85
9 9
 = - True and correct
17 17
6
- So, is the solution.
17

Solution 2:
x 1 3x
b. + =
3 15 5
x 1 3x
 15( + )=
3 15 5
15 ( )
- Multiply both side by the LCD, 10

 5 x+ 1=9 x - Apply Distributive property then simplify

 −5 x +5 x+1=9 x −5 x - Subtract 5x to both sides
 1=4 x - Combine like terms
1
 =x - Divide both sides by 4
4

Check:
x 1 3x
 + =
3 15 5
1 1
3( )
 4 1 4 - Substitute the value of x
+ =
3 15 5
1 1 1 3 1
 ∗ + = ∗ - Apply Distributive property then simplify
4 3 15 4 5
 1 1 3
 + =
12 15 20
5+4 3
 =
60 20
9 3
 =
60 20
3 3
 = - True and correct
20 20
1
So , is the solution.
4

Solution 3:
¿ x +3 2 x
c. =
x −3 x − 3
 x−3 ( ¿xx+3 =
2x
−3 ) ( x −3 )
x −3 - Multiply both side by the LCD, 10

 x +3=2 x - Apply Distributive Property then simplify

 − x + x +3=2 x − x - Subtract x to the both sides
 3=x - Combine like terms
Check:
¿ x +3 2 x
 = - Substitute 3 for x
x −3 x − 3
¿ 3+3 2(3)
 =
3− 3 3− 3
6 6
 = Division by 0 is undefined.
0 0
- Because zeros appear in the denominators, the fractions are undefined. Thus, 3 is a false solution and the equa
tion has no solution. Such false solutions are often called extraneous solutions.

Extraneous Solutions
- Is an apparent solution that does not solve its equation.

Rational Inequality
- It is composed of rational expressions combined with a ≥, ≤, <, or > sign.

Examples:
The following are examples of rational inequalities:

3x 3−2x
a. >
2 5
x 1 3x
b. + <
3 15 5
5
c. 10 ≤
x
3
x +3 2 x
d. ≥
50 3

R Solving Rational Inequalities

U 1. Write the inequality with a single rational expression on the left-hand side of the inequality and zer
L o on the right-hand side of the inequality.
E 2. Determine the meaningful numbers by setting the numerator equal to zero and setting the denomin
ator equal to zero.
3. Use the meaningful numbers to separate the number line into intervals.
4. Test for the meaningful numbers if they make the inequality true or false. If true, then they are part
of the solution. If false, then they are not part of the solution.
- Get the values in each interval and substitute these into the inequality.
- If the test value makes the inequality true, then the entire interval is a solution to the inequality.
- If the test value makes the inequality false, then the entire interval is not a solution to the inequ
ality.
5. Express the answer in interval notation. (−∞, 1) ∪ (1, +∞)
Examples:
x+1
a. . ≤0
x−4

Solution 1:

S 1. Already done
T x+1
≤0
E x−4
P
2. Get the meaningful numbers. Set both Numerator:
S
the numerator and the denominator eq x +1=0
ual to zero. Then, solve. Test the mean x=− 1
ingful numbers. −1+1 0
Test -1: = =0 ≤ 0
−1 −4 − 5
- True. Thus, -1 is a solution.

Denominator:
x − 4=0
x=4
Test 4:
4+ 1 5
= =¿ Undefined.
4−4 0
- False. Thus, 4 is not a solution.
3. Separate the number line into intervals
A B C
using the numbers found in Step 2.
-1 4
4. Get test values for A, B and C For test A, test -2
x+1
≤0
x−4
−2+1
 =¿ 0
−2 −4
−1
 =0
−6
1
 =0 -- False
6
 Thus, interval A is not a solution.
For test B, test 0
x+1
≤0
x−4
0+1
 =0
0 −4
1
 =0
−4
1
 − =0 -- False
4
 Thus, interval B is not a solution

For test C, test 5

x+1
≤0
x−4
5+1
 =¿ 0
5− 4
6
 =0
1
 6=0 -- False
 Thus, interval C is not a solution.
5. Answer in interval relation. {-1} ᴗ (-1, 4) = [-1, 4)

REMEMBER!
 A rational equation is an equation involving rational expressions. A rational inequality is an
N ( x)
inequality involving rational expressions. A rational function of the form 𝒇(𝒙) = where
D( x)
N(𝑥) and D(𝑥) are polynomial function and D(𝑥) is not the zero function.
R Solving Rational Equation
U 1. Eliminate the rational expressions in the equation by multiplying both sides of the
L equation by the LCD
E 2. Solve the equation
3. Check your solution
Solving Rational Inequalities
6. Write the inequality with a single rational expression on the left-hand side of the inequalit
y and zero on the right-hand side of the inequality.
7. Determine the meaningful numbers by setting the numerator equal to zero and setting the
denominator equal to zero.
8. Use the meaningful numbers to separate the number line into intervals.
9. Test for the meaningful numbers if they make the inequality true or false. If true, then the
y are part of the solution. If false, then they are not part of the solution.
- Get the values in each interval and substitute these into the inequality.
- If the test value makes the inequality true, then the entire interval is a solution to the i
nequality.
- If the test value makes the inequality false, then the entire interval is not a solution to
the inequality.
10. Express the answer in interval notation.

ANSWER THIS:
Solving Rational Equation
Direction:

1. Eliminate the rational expressions in the equation by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCD
2. Solve the equation
3. Check your solution

x 1 x 1 x 1
A. ( 5 + 4 ¿= 2 B. 4 = ( 5 + 4 ¿

LESSON 3 REPRESENTATION OF RATIONAL FUNCTION

Before going further, let us try to recall about Cartesian plane for it is very helpful in graphing rational
equation. A Cartesian plane is defined by two perpendicular lines: one is horizontal, which is the x-axis, the
other line is vertical, which is the y-axis, and the point where they meet is called origin at ordered pair (0, 0).

Rational Function
N (x)
- is a function of the form f ( x )= where N ( x ) and D( x ) are polynomial function and D( x ) ≠ 0.
Example 1:

x −3
Represent 𝑓(𝑥) = using a table of values and plot a graph of the function by connecting points.
x +3

Solution:

1. Table of values
x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
f(x) 4 7 undefined -5 -2 -1 -0.5 -0.2 0 0.14 0.25

2. Plotting and connecting the points, we get:

8
6
B
4
2

-6
A -4 -2
0
0 2 4 6
-2
-4
-6

Why would the graph unexpectedly break the smooth curve and jump from the point B to point C? The answer
is that it doesn’t! Let us take a look at the function again:
x −3
𝑓(𝑥) =
x +3
Observe that the function will be undefined at 𝑥 = −3. This means that there cannot be a line connecting point
7 and point -5 as this implies that there is point in the graph of the function where 𝑥 = −3. We will cover this aspect
of graphs of rational functions in a future lesson, so for now we just present a partial graph for the function above as
follows:

Example 2:

3
Given 𝑓(𝑥) =
x −2
1. Construct a table of values using the numbers from -4 to 3
2. Plot the points in the Cartesian plane and determine whether the points from a smooth curve or a straight line.

Solution:
1. Let us construct a table of values for some x-values from 0 to 8.
x -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
f(x) 1 3 3 -1 3 -3 undefined 3
− − − −
2 5 4 2

2. Plot and connecting the points we get:

4
3
2
1
0
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
-1
-2
-3
-4

REMEMBER!
A rational function can be represented through table of values, graphs, and equations.
Check your understanding! (Try to answer this one in a piece of paper and check your answer using the key to
correction below)

8
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = :
x −5

A. Construct a table of values using the integers from -2 to 7

B. Plot the points in the Cartesian plane and determine whether the points form a smooth curve or a straight line.

Answer:

x -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
f(x) -1.14 -1.33 -1.6 -2 -2.67 -4 -8 undefine 8 4
d

10
8
6
4
2
0
-4 -2 -2 0 2 4 6 8
-4
-6
-8
-10

END OF THE LESSON

ANSWER THIS:
10
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = :
x −2

- Construct a table of values using the integers from -5 to 5

- Plot the points in the Cartesian plane and determine whether the points form a smooth curve or a straight line.

x −3
Given 𝑓(𝑥) =
x

- Construct a table of values using the integers from -4 to 4

- Plot the points in the Cartesian plane and determine whether the points form a smooth curve or a straight line.

LESSON 4 DOMAIN AND RANGE OF RATIONAL FUNCTION

Before going further, let us try to recall about rational function. A rational function of the form
N (x)
f ( x )= where N(𝑥) and D(𝑥) are polynomial function and D(𝑥) is not the zero function / D(𝑥) ≠ 0.
D( x )

Question: Why is it important for the denominator part of the rational function must not a zero function?
 N (x)
Domain of a rational function f ( x )=
D( x )
- The domain of a rational function is all the values of x that will make D(x) equal to zero.
N (x )
Range of a rational function f ( x )=
D(x )

The domain and range of a function can be written in two ways:

Set Notation: {𝑥 ∈ ℝ|𝑥 ≠ 1}

Interval Notations: (−∞, 1) ∪ (1, +∞)

Example 1:
4
Consider the function f ( x )= , find the domain and its range.
x +2
Solution:
4
To get the domain of f ( x )= , equate the denominator to 0 to solve for 𝑥.
x +2
𝑥+2=0
𝑥 + 2 + (−2) = 0 + (−2) Subtract 2 to both sides then simplify
𝑥 = −2,

- Observe that the function become undefined at 𝑥 = −2.

- This means that 𝑥 = −2 is not included as the domain of 𝑓(𝑥).
- Writing it in set notation we have: {𝑥 ∈ ℝ|𝑥 ≠ −2}
- Writing it in interval notation we have: (−∞, −2) ∪ (−2, +∞)
4
- To get the range of f ( x )= , we first graph the function.
x +2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1

-2

-3

-4

-5

Based on the graph, the range of the function is {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ | 𝑦 ≠ 0}

Example 2:
x 2 −6 x+ 8
Give the domain and range of
x2 −3 x − 4
Solution:
x 2 −6 x+ 8
To get the domain of , equate the denominator to zero to solve for 𝑥. However, factor first the
x2 −3 x − 4
numerator and denominator to get:
 x 2 −6 x+ 8 ( x − 4 ) ( x −2)
--- , x ≠ 4, x ≠ -1
x2 −3 x − 4 (x − 4 )( x+1)

- For all values except 𝑥 = 4, the graph of 𝑓(𝑥) is the same as the graph of
X −2
𝑔(𝑥) =
X+1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1

-2

-3

-4

-5

- The graph of 𝑓(𝑥) will be the same as the graph of 𝑔(𝑥), except that it will have an open
1
circle at (4, ) to show that it is undefined at 𝑥 = 4.
2
- Writing in the set notation, the domain of the function is {𝑥 ∈ ℝ|𝑥 ≠ −1}
- Writing in the interval notation, we have: (−∞, − 1) ∪ (−1, + ∞)
- Based on graph, the range of the function 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥−2) (𝑥+1) is {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ | 𝑦 ≠ 1}.

END OF THE LESSON

Division of City Schools – Manila - DepEd. (2016). General Mathematics - Learner’s Material. Lexicon Press Inc .
Banigon Jr, R. et al. (2016). General Mathematics for Senior High School.
Educational Resources Corporation. Cubao, Quezon City.
Orines, F. B. (2016). Next Century Mathematics 11 General Mathematics. Phoenix Publishing House.
Stewart, J., Redlin, L., & Watson, S., (2002). Precalculus Mathematics for Calculus 4th. Brooks/Cole.

General Mathematics Book by Orlando A. Oronce (pages 53-86)

My Skill Builder General Mathematics by Orlando A. Oronce (9-16)

MODULE 2 - ACTIVITY 1
NAME: ___________________________________________________
 Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write your answers on the space provided for each item. (1 point
each answer)

A. Find the degree of the polynomial, the leading coefficient, the constant term, and the number of zero
es given the following polynomial functions:
1. f ( x )=2 x 3 − 5 x 2 +10 x+ ¿14 _______
_______
_______
_______

2. f ( x )=x 2 +5 x −19 _______

_______
_______
_______

B. Determine whether the following is a rational function, not a rational function or undefined.

x −7
1. f ( x )= __________________
√ x3 −343
x 2+ 7 x
2. f x =
( ) __________________
x+ 2
1
3
3. 2 x +5 x − 4 __________________
f ( x )=
x −3

2 x2 −2 x − 12
4. f ( x )= __________________
2 x +4

5. f ( x )=3 x 2 − 18 x+15 __________________

9 x−5
6. f ( x )= __________________
0

MODULE 2 - ACTIVITY 2
NAME: ___________________________________________________
Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write your answers on the space provided for each item.

Given the following expression, decide whether each is a rational function, a rational equation, an
d a rational inequality or none of these. (1 point each answer)

a. y=x 2 +2 x+1 _____________________

x 2+5
b. f ( x )= _____________________
2 x −1

c. √ x 2 − 4=8 _____________________

x−3 3x
d. 5 x +1 ≥ 1− 4 x _____________________

2
3−4 x
e. f ( x )= _____________________
2+5 x

A. Solve each equation and check the solution. (5 points each item)
y 2 1
1.) 9 − 5 = 3

x x
1. 5
=15+
3

2 4
2.) 3 − x = x

 Learning Competency: The learner evaluates a function. (M11GM-Ia-2)

x x
3.) =15+
5 3

x 3x
4.) + =2
6 5
 x +1 5
5.) =
x −5 3

MODULE 2 - ACTIVITY 3
NAME: ___________________________________________________
GRADE/STRAND/BLOCK: _________________________________

Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write your answers on the space provided for each item. (5 points each item)
A. Construct a table of values for the following functions using the integers from -5 to 4.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 5x - 3

2 x+ 4
b. f ( x )=
x2 − 4

B. Refer to letter A, show the graph of the given function.

a. Graph of function letter a

b. Graph of function letter b

MODULE 2 - ACTIVITY 4
NAME: ___________________________________________________

Direction: Read the questions carefully. Write your answers on the space provided for each item.

A.) Encircle the letter of the correct answer. (5 points each)

1. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 15x + 9, which of the following is the domain of the function?
a. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 = 9}
b. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 = 15}
c. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 ≠ −9}
d. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 ≠ 15}
3 x −3
2. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2 x+ 6 , which of the following is the range of the function?
a. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 = 3}
3
b. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 = 2 }
c. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 ≠ −3}
3
d. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 ≠ 2 }
3 x +8
3. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = x
, which of the following is the domain of the function?
a. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 = 3}
b. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 = 0}
c. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 ≠ 0}
d. {𝑥 𝜖 ℝ|𝑥 ≠ 3}
3 x +8
4. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = = x , which of the following is the range of the function?
a. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 = 3}
b. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 = 0}
c. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 ≠ 0}
d. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 ≠ 3}
2 x 2 − 8 x+ 8
5. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = , which of the following is the range of the function?
x2− 4
a. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 ≠ 2}
b. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 = 0}
c. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 ≠ 0}
d. {𝑦 𝜖 ℝ|𝑦 = 2}

B.) TRUE or FALSE. (5 points each)

2 x+7 7
1. The domain of the function f ( x )= is all real number except − . _____
x 2
2. The range of the function is the set of all values that 𝑓(𝑥) will take. _____
3. In a rational function, the denominator must not be a zero function. _____
2
5 x −6 5
4. The range of the function f ( x )= is all real number except . _____
3x 2
3
5. The domain of the function is the set of all the values that the variable x can take or the set of valu
es for which the function is defined. _______