Graphing Rational Functions

𝑝(𝑥)
A rational function is in the form: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑞(𝑥)

To graph:
1. Factor numerator and denominator.
2. Find x- and y-intercepts
 the x-intercept is the value(s) of x that make the numerator = 0
 the y-intercept is the value of the function when you plug in zero for x.
 Write intercepts as ordered pairs!!
3. Find vertical asymptotes and/or holes
 Find the values of x that make the denominator = 0
 If a factor in the denominator cancels out with a factor in the numerator, the value of
x that makes that factor = 0 is the x-coordinate of a HOLE.
 To find the y-coordinate of the hole, plug the x-value into the
simplified function and solve for y.
 Write hole as an ordered pair.
 If the factor does NOT cancel out, you get a vertical asymptote at the value of x that
makes the factor = 0.
 Write VA as equation: x = ___.
4. Find horizontal or slant asymptote
 determine the degree of both the numerator (N) and denominator (D).
𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
 if N = D, there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
o write HA as equation: y = ___.
 If N < D, there is a HA at y = 0.
 If N is ONE more than D, there is a slant asymptote at
𝑦 = quotient of 𝑝(𝑥) ÷ 𝑞(𝑥) without the remainder
o write SA as equation: y = ___.
5. Sketch graph
 plot intercepts
 draw asymptotes as dotted lines
 draw a small circle for hole(s)
 find other points – you must have AT LEAST one point on every interval defined by
x-intercepts and vertical asymptotes.
6. Important Notes:
 As a graph approaches a vertical or slant asymptote, it gets closer and closer
without ever reaching the asymptote. The value of y will go to ±∞ as it approaches
the asymptote.
 SOMETIMES a graph can cross a horizontal asymptote before approaching the
asymptote.
 You can have multiple vertical asymptotes
 There can only be one horizontal or slant asymptote, never both. And you can have
a graph without either a horizontal or slant asymptote.