L-1REPRESENTATION AND GRAPHING OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS For PDF

General Mathematics:
PRELIM Lesson 5
Lesson Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:
a. Define vertical and horizontal asymptotes
b. Determine the zeros, asymptotes, and intercepts of rational functions
c. Representing a rational functions through table of values, graphs or an equation
d. Graphing rational functions using asymptotes, intercepts and table of signs.
General Mathematics
Bp. Pueblos Senior High School
JMNacar‖jgnacar@urios.edu.ph
Representation
of
rational functions
General Mathematics
Representation
of example
rational functions
An average speed can be computed by the formula, s = 𝑑𝑡. Consider a 100 – meter track used for foot
races. We wanted to compute the speed of the runner on how much time will it take him to run the track and
applying it to the formula s = 100
𝑡
(distance is fixed at 100 meters).
Represent the speed of a runner as a function of the time it takes to run 100 meters.
Solution:
Let us represent the speed as a function of time s(x), since the speed of the runner depends on the time s/he
takes to run 100 meters.
Let x be the representation of time the runner takes to run 100 meters. We can then represent the
speed as function as follows:
s(x) = 100
𝑥
Represent the speed of the runner at different run time through table of
values, graph and equation.
General Mathematics
through table of values
Let us start the runner’s run time at 10 seconds then followed by different times up to 20 seconds. The values of x are as follow:
x 10 12 14 16 18 20
s(x) 10 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56 5
Solutions: s(x) = 100
𝑥
100 100
s(10) = 10 = 10 s(16) = 16 = 6.25
Trivia
100 100
s(12) = 12 = 8.33 s(18) = 18 = 5.56
100 100
s(14) = 14 = 7.14 s(20) = 20 = 5
General Mathematics
Through graph
Through the use of graph we can determine if the points of the functions follows a smooth curve or a straight line
x 10 12 14 16 18 20
s(x) 10 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56 5
Plot the points on a Cartesian plane. Assign each points on the cartesian plane by labeling them with letters. Pair of coordinates
are as follow:
A(10,10) B(12, 8.33) C(14, 7.14) D(16, 6.25) E(18, 5.56) F(20, 5)
This example is based on a real life situation which

shows limitations. As you have observe, that the function is in
decreasing value which means that it will extend up to negative
infinity.
Remember that there can be no negative time, as
well as no man can run a 100 meter for as low as 5 seconds.
General Mathematics
example
𝑥 −1
Given this rational function, f(x) = 𝑥 +1, represent the data using the table of values and by plotting a
graph of the function by connecting the points.
Solution: Construct a table of values
𝑥 −1
x -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10
f(x) = 𝑥 +1 f(x) 1.22 1.29 1.4 1.67 3 -1 0.33 0.6 0.71 0.78 0.82
Tip: In constructing table values, it is best to have at

least 5 values of x so that when plotting these
points the line or curve is observable.
Also, arrange the numbers form smallest to largest
value.
General Mathematics
Have you observed that the function values
x -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10
appears to be increasing and suddenly jumps from
f(x) 1.22 1.29 1.4 1.67 3 -1 0.33 0.6 0.71 0.78 0.82
3 to -1?
Through a graph
Let us try to plot the points in the graph

and connect it with a line or curve.
As you can see that the points are not

connected by only one line/curve.
why would the graph f(x) = 𝑥𝑥 −1

+1 We know that a function would undefined if we let x = -1
breaks and jumps from
point E to point F?
Which means, that there cannot be a line connecting the two points, E and F as
this implies that there is a point in the graph of the function where x = -1
General Mathematics
Given the rational function:
4𝑥+1
y=
2𝑥+2
(a) Identify the value(s) that will make the function undefine.
(b) Construct a table of values for -5 ≤ x ≤ 4
(c) Plot and sketch the graph of function.
General Mathematics
4𝑥+1
y=
2𝑥+2
(a) Identify the value(s) that will make the function undefine.
2x + 2 = 0
Thus the value of x must not be equal to -1
2x = -2
or x ≠ -1
x = -1
General Mathematics
4𝑥+1
y=
2𝑥+2
Identify the value(s) that will make the function undefine. The value of x must not be equal to -1
or x ≠ -1
x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
*I round the numbers to 1 decimal point
f(x) = y 2.4 2.5 2.8 3.5 - ½ 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7
undefine
General Mathematics
4𝑥+1
y=
2𝑥+2
Identify the value(s) that will make the function undefine. The value of x must not be equal to -1
or x ≠ -1
x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
f(x) = y 2.4 2.5 2.8 3.5 - ½ 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7
General Mathematics
graphing
of
rational functions
General Mathematics
Terms
and
definitions
A graphical representation of a rational functions exhibits its components such as,,
Intercepts, asymptotes and its domain and range.
Before we proceed, let me present to you some words that are essential to this
part of the lesson.
• x – axis • x – intercepts vertical

• asymptote
• y - axis • y – intercepts horizontal
General Mathematics
Take a look at the figures below:
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4

onemathematicalcat.org onemathematicalcat.org onemathematicalcat.org onemathematicalcat.org
The illustration above are example of the graphical representation of a rational function.
We can sketch the graph of rational functions by finding and plotting the horizontal and vertical asymptotes, symmetry, and the ordered pair values for x
and y in the Cartesian Plane.
So, to understand further let us try to define first the words that are essential to this topic.
The axes:
x axis - The line on a graph that runs horizontally (left-right) through zero.
y – axis - The line on a graph that runs vertically (up-down) through zero.
The intercepts:
x-intercept is the point at which the graph crosses the x-axis.
y-intercept is the point at which the graph crosses the y-axis
General Mathematics
To determine the x – intercept, we set y equal to zero (0) and solve for x. Similarly, to determine the y – intercept, we
set x equal to zero and solve for y.
Let’s try to find the intercepts of this given equation y = 3x – 1.
to find the x – intercept set y = 0 to find the y – intercept set x = 0
y = 3x – 1 y = 3x – 1
0 = 3x – 1 y = 3x – 1
3x = – 1 y = 3(0) – 1
x = - 1/3 y=-1
1
x – intercept ,0 (0, -1) y – intercept
3
General Mathematics
The asymptotes
• Vertical Asymptotes are vertical line that are obtained by the x values that will make the function undefined. This is
obtained by finding a value in the domain that will cause f(x) to become undefined.
For example:
4𝑥+1
y=
2𝑥+2
x ≠ -1
Thus, the vertical asymptote is -1
Theorem of vertical asymptote
𝑃(𝑥)
Let rational function f(x) = . If f(x) ⟶ ∞ or f(x) ⟶ - ∞ as the x values approach the value a,
𝑄(𝑥)
then the vertical line x = a is a vertical asymptote.
The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of f “if and only if” Q(a) = 0 and P(a) ≠0
* ⟶ reads as “f(x) approaching”
General Mathematics
Notation Definition
a. x⟶a- x approaches a from the left (through values less than a)

b. x⟶a+ x approaches a from the right (through values greater than a)
c. f(x) ⟶ ∞ f(x) increases without bound ( can be made as large positive as desired)
d. f(x) ⟶ - ∞ f(x) decreases without bound ( can be made as large negative as desired)
Below are illustrations of vertical asymptotes represented by dashed lines

a b c d
The values of a are the zeros of the denominator of a rational function. To find a, set or create the denominator to zero.
5
Suppose f(x) = , solving for a we set x – 3 = 0, we obtain 3. Thus, x = 3 is the vertical asymptote of the given rational function.
𝑥 −3
General Mathematics
• Horizontal Asymptotes of a rational function is an output value that a function approaches as the input goes to infinity.
This is a horizontal line whose equation is of the form y = b in which the curve approaches but does not cross on it.
Theorem of horizontal asymptote
𝑃(𝑥)
Let rational function f(x) = where Q(x) ≠ 0.
𝑄(𝑥)
if f(x) ⟶ b as x ⟶ ±∞, then the horizontal line y = b is a

horizontal asymptote
onemathematicalcat.org
Two cases of horizontal asymptote:

ax𝑛+ …+𝑎2𝑥2+𝑎1𝑥
Let f(x) = 𝑚 ; n & m are the degree of numerator and denominator
𝑏𝑥 + …+𝑏2𝑥2+𝑏1𝑥
respectively.
If n < m, then the x – axis is the horizontal asymptote.

𝑎
If n = m, then horizontal asymptote is the line y = 𝑏.
General Mathematics
EXAMPLES
General Mathematics
Consider the following example:
Find the vertical and horizontal asymptotes; zeros of each rational functions.
2
1. f(x) = if applicable, simplify the function first. Since, f(x) =
2
𝑥+4
is already simplified we can find its asymptotes directly.
𝑥+4
Solutions:
Parts of the graph of 𝟐

f(x) = 𝒙+𝟒
rational functions
Remember that to obtain the x – intercept it must be y = 0, since the
x – intercept Function has no x – intercept. numerator cannot equal 0.
2 1
y – intercept Let x = 0, then, f(0) = = 2 ; (0, ½)
0 +4
The domain of the function is the set of all numbers except – 4,

Vertical asymptote The vertical asymptote is x = - 4. that would make the denominator 0.
The degree of numerator is 0 while the degree of denominator is 1. That is n < m.

Horizontal asymptote
Thus, x – axis is the horizontal asymptote according to theorem of horizontal asymptote
General Mathematics
We need to factor both the numerator and the denominator
2
𝑥 −𝑥 −6
2. h(x) = 𝑥2 −𝑥 −6 (𝑥 −3)(𝑥+2)
3𝑥2+𝑥 h(x) = =
3𝑥2+𝑥 𝑥(3𝑥+1)
Solutions:
Parts of the graph of 𝑥2 −𝑥 −6 (𝑥 −3)(𝑥+2)

h(x) = = 𝑥(3𝑥+1)
rational functions 3𝑥2+𝑥
x – intercept (3, 0) and (-2, 0).

(0 −3)(0+2) −6
y – intercept Let x = 0, then, f(0) = = undefined
there is no y – intercept 0(3 0 +1)) 0
Vertical asymptote −1 The domain of the function is the set of

vertical asymptote are x = 0 and x = . −1
3 all numbers except 0 and .
3
1 The degree of numerator and denominator are both 2, where n = m, then according
Horizontal asymptote y = 3. 𝑎
to horizontal theorem y = . The leading coefficient are a = 1 and b = 3 therefore
𝑏
General Mathematics
3𝑥+6
3. g(x) =
𝑥2 −5𝑥 −6
Solutions:
Asymptotes
We need to factor the function first g(x) =
3𝑥+6
=
3𝑥+6
𝑥2 −5𝑥 −6 (𝑥−6)(𝑥+1)
Parts of the graph of g(x) =

3𝑥+6
=
3𝑥+6
rational functions 𝑥2 −5𝑥 −6 (𝑥−6)(𝑥+1)
x – intercept x – intercept (- 2, 0)
y – intercept y – intercept = (0, -1)
Vertical asymptote The domain of the function is the set of all

x = -1 and x = 6 numbers except 6 and – 1.
Horizontal asymptote x – axis or y = 0 n<m
General Mathematics
Plotting of points
in the graph
General Mathematics
To graph a rational fraction, you need to find the asymptotes, if any, and the intercepts. Then plot few points and
sketch the curve. Since you already know how to solve for the intercepts and the asymptotes, let’s plot now all the values that
we derived from solving the function.
Cartesian Plane
is defined by
two perpendicular number
lines: the x-axis, which is
horizontal, and the y-axis,
which is vertical. Using
these axes, we can
describe any point in the
plane using an ordered
pair of numbers.
General Mathematics
EXAMPLE: Sketch the graph of the following rational functions.
𝑥 −1
2. h(x) =
𝑥2−𝑥 −6
2𝑥+5
1. g(x) =
𝑥 −1
Solutions:
1. Identify the intercepts and asymptotes if any.
x – intercept : x = (-5/2, 0)
(-5/2, 0)
y – intercept : y = (0, - 5)
Vertical asymptote: x = 1;
Horizontal asymptote: n = m; y = a/b = 2/1 = 2
(0, - 5)
General Mathematics
𝑥 −1
2. Obtain more points by making a table of values. These 2. h(x) =
𝑥2−𝑥 −6
values help in graphing the function precisely.
x -9 -5 -1 0 2 3 8
5 3 11
13 -
y 6 2 -5 9 2 3
10
General Mathematics
𝑥 −1 𝑥 −1
2. h(x) = 2
𝑥 −𝑥 −6 (𝑥 −3)(𝑥+2)
Solutions:
x=3
1. Identify the intercepts and asymptotes if any.

x – intercept : x = (1, 0) (0, 1/6)
y – intercept : y = (0, 1/6) y=0

Vertical asymptote: x = 3; x = -2 (1, 0)
Horizontal asymptote: n < m; y = 0 or x - axis
x = -2
General Mathematics
As seen in the figure, the vertical asymptotes divide
the coordinate plane into three (3) regions, denoted
x=3 by
(0, 1/6)
R1: the region to the left x = -2;
y=0 R2: the region x = -2 and x = 3; and
(1, 0)
R3: the region to the right of x = 3
x = -2
General Mathematics
For R1:, we have x < -2 as x → − ∞ it extends horizontally.
Moreover as x → -2 the graph extends downward.
For R2, -2 < x < 3 and the graph crosses the

horizontal asymptote at (1, 0). As x → -2 the graph
extends upward (∞ ). This also follows that as x → x=3
3 the graph extends downward (- ∞ ).
y=0
For R3, x > 3 as x → 3 the graph extends upwards.

And as x → x – axis of y = 0, the graph extends to
the right
x = -2
General Mathematics
For R2, -2 < x < 3 and the graph crosses the For R3, x > 3 as x → 3 the graph extends
horizontal asymptote at (1, 0). As x → -2 the graph extends upwards. And as x → x – axis oy y = 0, the graph extends to
upward (∞ ). This also follows that as x → 3 the graph extends the right
downward (- ∞ ).
x = -2 Asymptotes
x = -2
y=0 y=0
x=3 x=3
The graph of R3 is shown above

The graph of R2 is shown above
General Mathematics
This ends our topic for
lesson 1: Midterm
Hope that you have understand the lesson!
General Mathematics
Hope that you have understand the
lesson!
General Mathematics
End OF LESSON 1
midterm
STUDY IN ADVANCE:
• One – to one Function

• Inverse Function
General Mathematics
General Mathematics

L-1REPRESENTATION AND GRAPHING OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS For PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

L-1REPRESENTATION AND GRAPHING OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS For PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

General Mathematics:

This example is based on a real life situation which

Solution: Construct a table of values

Tip: In constructing table values, it is best to have at

Let us try to plot the points in the graph

As you can see that the points are not

why would the graph f(x) = 𝑥𝑥 −1

(b) Construct a table of values for -5 ≤ x ≤ 4

(c) Plot and sketch the graph of function.

(b) Construct a table of values for -5 ≤ x ≤ 4

(c) Plot and sketch the graph of function.

(c) Plot and sketch the graph of function.

(b) Construct a table of values for -5 ≤ x ≤ 4

(b) Construct a table of values for -5 ≤ x ≤ 4

f(x) = y 2.4 2.5 2.8 3.5 - ½ 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.7

(c) Plot and sketch the graph of function.

Intercepts, asymptotes and its domain and range.

• x – axis • x – intercepts vertical

Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Theorem of vertical asymptote

* ⟶ reads as “f(x) approaching”

a. x⟶a- x approaches a from the left (through values less than a)

Below are illustrations of vertical asymptotes represented by dashed lines

Theorem of horizontal asymptote

if f(x) ⟶ b as x ⟶ ±∞, then the horizontal line y = b is a

Two cases of horizontal asymptote:

If n < m, then the x – axis is the horizontal asymptote.

Parts of the graph of 𝟐

The domain of the function is the set of all numbers except – 4,

The degree of numerator is 0 while the degree of denominator is 1. That is n < m.

Parts of the graph of 𝑥2 −𝑥 −6 (𝑥 −3)(𝑥+2)

x – intercept (3, 0) and (-2, 0).

Vertical asymptote −1 The domain of the function is the set of

Parts of the graph of g(x) =

y – intercept y – intercept = (0, -1)

Vertical asymptote The domain of the function is the set of all

Horizontal asymptote x – axis or y = 0 n<m

1. Identify the intercepts and asymptotes if any.

y – intercept : y = (0, 1/6) y=0

For R2, -2 < x < 3 and the graph crosses the

For R3, x > 3 as x → 3 the graph extends upwards.

The graph of R3 is shown above

Hope that you have understand the lesson!

• One – to one Function

You might also like