SHS Core Subject

General Mathematics
Quarter 1 - Module 3
(Week 3)
Rational Equations, Functions and
Inequalities: Solving Problems

ii
About the Module

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
about Rational Functions. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
levels of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the
course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the textbook you are now using.

This module is divided into three lessons, namely:

• Lesson 10 – Intercepts and Zeroes of Rational Functions
• Lesson 11 – Asymptotes of Rational Functions
• Lesson 12 – Solving Problems Involving Rational Functions, Equations and
Inequalities

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• determine the (a) y-intercepts, (b) zeroes and (c) asymptotes of rational
functions; and
• solve problems involving rational functions, equations and inequalities.

iii
 What I Know (Pre-Test)

Instructions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write them on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A. The zeroes of a function will make the value of the denominator zero.
B. The y-intercept is equal to the x-intercept.
C. The y-intercept is always greater than the x-intercept.
D. The real numbered zeroes are also the x-intercepts of function.

𝑥 2 −6𝑥+8
2. What is the y-intercept of 𝑓(𝑥) = ?
𝑥 2 −2
A. 4 B. -4 C. 8 D. -8

For numbers 3-6, refer to the function below:

𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥2 − 1
3. What is/are the x-intercept/s of the function?
A. x=-6, x=1 B. x=6, x=-1 C. x=-6 D. x=1

4. What is the y-intercept of the function?

A. x=-1 B. x=1 C. x=6 D. x=-6

5. What is its vertical asymptote?

A. x=-1 B. x=1 C. x=6 D. x=-6

6. What is its horizontal asymptote?

A. y=0 B. y=1 C. y=6 D. none

For numbers 7-8, refer to the function below:

𝑥+9
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥−3
7. What is its vertical asymptote?
A. x=1 B. x=-1 C. x=-3 D. x=3

8. What is its horizontal asymptote?

A. y=0 B. y=1 C. y=6 D. none

9. Given the function, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+2

𝑥−1
, choose the correct table of signs.

A.

1
 B.

C.

D.

10. Which of the following shows the correct graph of the function in number 9?

A. C.

B. D.

2
11. The distance in kilometers from Sto. Niño Church to SM Seaside is described
5𝑥+4
in the rational function f(x) = with x being the number of minutes you
𝑥+5
drive a car. What is the distance in kilometers from Sto. Niño Church to SM
Seaside if you arrive there in 7.35 minutes?
A. 1.3 km B. 2.3 km C. 3.3 km D. 4.3 km

12. A mobile phone user is charged P300 monthly for a particular plan, which
includes 100 free text messages. Messages in excess of 100 are charged Php
1 each. How much is the charge if the user sent 130 text messages?
A. Php 300.00 B. Php 330.00 C. Php 400.00 D. 430.00

13. Jun’s basketball team must collect at least 100 blankets for a local shelter.
The team members brought 40 blankets on the first day and 25 blankets on
the next day. How many blankets b must the team bring to meet their goal?
A. 𝑏 ≥35 B. 𝑏 >35 C. 𝑏 ≤35 D. 𝑏 <35

𝑥 2 −𝑥−6
14. What is the y-intercept of 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −2
?
A. -3 B. -2 C. 2 D. 3

15. Which of the following statement is TRUE?

A. Horizontal asymptotes are always equal to the vertical asymptotes.
B. Vertical asymptotes are equal to the value of the x-intercepts.
C. Horizontal asymptotes depend on the degrees of the leading coefficient.
D. Vertical asymptotes are always equal to zero.

Lesson Zeroes and y-Intercepts of Rational

10 Functions

What I Need To Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o represent real life situations using rational functions; and
o determine the zeroes and y-intercepts of rational functions.

”
What’s In

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Hi will
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begin? Let’s start with a review on the previous module about
rational function.

3
 𝑷(𝒙)
A rational function is a function of the form 𝒚 = 𝒇(𝒙) = , where 𝑃(𝑥) and
𝑸(𝒙)
𝑄(𝑥) are polynomial functions and 𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0.

The domain of the rational function 𝑓 is the set of real numbers except those
values of x that will make the denominator zero.

The range of a rational function f is the set of real numbers except those
values that fall to the following conditions.
Case 1: If both polynomials (numerator and denominator) have the same
degree, divide the coefficients of the highest degree terms.
Case 2: If the polynomial in the numerator has a lower degree than the
denominator, the y-value 0 is the exception.
Case 3: If the polynomial in the numerator has a higher degree than the
denominator, then there is no exception.

What’s New
Look at the graph below. Can you pointT out the zeroes and y-intercepts
of the given rational function? Try it!

Intercepts?
Zeroes?
.
x

What Is It
What are ZEROES and y-INTERCEPTS of a Function?

Zeroes:
These are the values of x which make the function zero.
The real numbered zeroes are also x-intercepts of the graph of the
function.

y- Intercept:
The y-intercept is the function value when the value of x is equal to 0.
(Versoza et al., General Mathematics Teaching Guide 2016)

4
 𝑥−3
Example 1. Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = . Find its (a) zeroes and (b) y-intercept.
𝑥+3
Solution:
(a) zeroes
Since the zeroes or x-intercepts of a rational function are the values of x that will
make the function zero. A rational function will be zero if its numerator is zero.
Therefore, the zeroes of a rational function are the zeroes of its numerator.

Step 1: Take the numerator and equate it to zero.

x-3=0
Step 2: Find the value of x using Addition Property of Equality, add +3 to both sides.
x – 3 + 3 = 0 + 3 , simplify
x=3
Therefore, 3 is a zero of f(x).
(b) y-intercept
To find the y-intercept, substitute zero to the value of x in f(x).
Step 1: Substitute x = 0
0−3
𝑓(0) =
0+3
Step 2: Perform the indicated operations
−3
𝑓(0) =
3
𝒇(𝟎) = −𝟏
Therefore, the y-intercept is -1.

𝑥 2 −3𝑥+2
Example 2. Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = . Find its (a) zeroes and (b) y-intercept.
𝑥 2 −4

(a) zeroes
xTo- find
3 = 0the zeroes of this function,
Step 2: Find the value
let’s equate theofnumerator
x to zero. The zeroes of a
xrational
=3 function are the zeroes of xits= numerator.
Hence, 3 is a zero of f(x)
Step 1: Take the numerator (𝑥2 − 3𝑥 + 2) and equate it to zero.
𝑥2 − 3𝑥 + 2 =0
Step 2: Find the value of x by factoring
(x-2)(x-1) =0
Step 3: Equate each factor to zero and solve for x.
x-2 = 0 x-1= 0
x=2 x =1
Step 4: Check if the values of x satisfy the rational function. Substitute the values of x
in the given rational function
If x=2, If x=1,
22 − 3(2) + 2 12 − 3(1) + 2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) =
22 − 1 12 − 1
4−6+2 1−3+2
𝑓(2) = 𝑓(1) =
4−1 1−1
0 0
𝑓(2) = 𝑓(1) =
3 0
𝑓(2) = 0

The function is 0 when x=2, The function is undefined when x=1,

thus 2 is a zero of the function. thus 1 is not a zero of the function.

5
 (b) y-intercept
To find the y-intercept, substitute zero to the value of x.
Solution:
02 −3(0)+2
Step1: Substitute x=0 𝑓(0) =
02 −1

0−0+2
Step 2: Solve for f(0) 𝑓(0) =
0−1

2
𝑓(0) =
−1

𝒇(𝟎) = −𝟐 Therefore, the y-intercept is -2.

What’s More
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!
Activity 10: RESET YOUR PASSWORD
You tried to log in your old Facebook account, but you forgot the
password. A prompt appeared on your screen as shown below:

Image 1 Image 2
You can reset your password by completing the 10-digit code (accepts positive and
negative integers) below. Answer the questions to get the code. Good luck!

a b c d e f g h i j

Instructions: Copy the table and give the zeroes and y-intercepts of the given rational
functions to reset your password.
Function Zero/es y-intercept
6𝑥 + 12 a b
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥−1
𝑥2 − 9 c (positive) e
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2 d (negative)
𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 1
2𝑥 − 10 f g
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2
𝑥 −5
2
𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 4 h, i (h> 𝑖) -1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥2 − 4
9 - j
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 2
𝑥 −9
Once completed, you can now click the button below using your mobile phone.
Good job!

Image 3

6
 What I Need to Remember

• Zeroes
These are the values of x which make the function zero.

• y- Intercept
The y-intercept is the function value when the value of x is equal to 0
(x=0).
•

Lesson Asymptotes of Rational Functions

11

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o differentiate horizontal and vertical asymptotes; and
o determine the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of rational
functions.
What’s In

“
Let’s learn more as we enter Lesson 11! I will help you
Before we will start
understand thewith the lessonofproper,
asymptotes there
rational are termsRecall
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that youand
will understand
y-interceptsfunctions
of
rational functions.

What’s New
Asymptotes of Rational Functions: Consider the graph shown below. Observe
that the graph approaches closer and closer
T but never touches an imaginary
line. Can you spot where that imaginary line is? Draw a broken line to locate
that line. I know you can do it!

7
 What is It
What is an ASYMPTOTE?

An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches or gets closer and

closer to but never touches. It could be a horizontal, vertical, or
slanted line (Math is Fun 2020).

Vertical Asymptotes

Definition:
The vertical line x = a is a vertical asymptote of a function f if the graph of f
either increases or decreases without a bound as the x-values approach a
from the right or left (Versoza et al., General Mathematics Teaching Guide
2016).

Finding the Vertical Asymptotes of a Rational Function

(a) Reduce the rational function to lowest terms by cancelling out the
common factor/s in the numerator and denominator.
(b) Find the values a that will make the denominator of the reduced rational
function equal to zero.
(c) The line x = a is the vertical asymptote.

𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
Example 1: Find the vertical asymptote of the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = .
𝑥 2 −4

Solution:
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
Step1: Reduce the rational function to lowest terms 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥 2 −4
(𝑥−2)(𝑥−3)
Step 2: Factor the numerator and denominator. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥−2)(𝑥+2)
(𝑥−2)(𝑥−3)
Step 3: Cancel common factor/s in the numerator 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥−2)(𝑥+2)
and denominator
(𝑥−3)
Step 4: Rewrite the reduced rational function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
(𝑥+2)
Step 5: Find values of x that will make the 𝑥+2=0
denominator equal to zero. 𝑥 = −2

Therefore, 𝒙 = −𝟐 is the vertical asymptote

8
Graphically, the vertical asymptote is the broken line as shown below:

vertical asymptote

𝑥−4
Example 2: Find the vertical asymptote of the rational function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = .
𝑥−5
Solution:
𝑥−4
Step 1: Since the given function is already reduced, 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥−5
proceed to equating the denominator to zero.
Step 2: Find values of x that will make the 𝑥−5=0
denominator equal to zero.
Step 3: Use Addition Property of Equality to find x. 𝑥−5+5 =0+5
𝑥=5
Therefore, 𝒙 = 𝟓 is the vertical asymptote
Graphically, the vertical asymptote is the broken line as shown below:

vertical asymptote

Horizontal Asymptotes

Definition:
The horizontal line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of a function f if f(x)
gets closer to b as x increases or decreases without bound (𝑥 → +∞
𝑜𝑟 𝑥 → −∞) (Versoza et al., General Mathematics Teaching Guide 2016).

*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 range of the
rational function.

9
 Horizontal Asymptotes of a Rational Function
Let n be the degree of the numerator and m be the degree of the denominator:
If n<m, the horizontal asymptote is y=0.
𝒂
If n=m, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = , where a is the leading coefficient
𝒃
of the numerator and b is the leading coefficient of the denominator.
If n>m, there is no horizontal asymptote.

𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
Example 3: Find the horizontal asymptote of the rational function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = .
𝑥 2 −4

Solution:
𝑥 2 −5𝑥+6
Step1: Identify the degree of the numerator and 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥 2 −4
denominator
n = 2; m = 2
𝑎
*Since n=m, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = , where a is the leading coefficient of the
𝑏
numerator and b is the leading coefficient of the denominator.
a = 1; b = 1
1
Step2: Substitute a and b 𝑦=1
𝑦=1
Therefore, 𝒚 = 𝟏 is the horizontal asymptote.

Graphically, the horizontal asymptote is the broken line as shown below:

horizontal asymptote

𝑥 2 +1
Example 4: Find the horizontal asymptote of the rational function 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = .
𝑥 3 −4𝑥+3

𝑥 2 +1
Given: 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = .
𝑥 3 −4𝑥+3

Step1: Identify the degree of the numerator and

denominator
n = 2; m = 3

*Since If n<m,
the horizontal asymptote is y=0. horizontal asymptote

10
 What’s More
Activity 11: NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

SODOKU: ASYMPTOTES
Instructions: Copy the sodoku puzzle and the table below on a separate sheet of
paper. First, fill in the needed information to complete the table. When done, go back
to the puzzle to solve it. Remember that each column, row and 3x3 mini squares
should consist of numbers 1-9 with no repetition. Only the positive integer solution
is used in the puzzle and indicate the sign in the table below.
A B C D E F G H I
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Image 4

Function Find Location Answer

Row-Column #

3𝑥 + 1 Vertical Asymptote A-1

𝑓(𝑥) =
2𝑥 − 8
4𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 1 Horizontal Asymptote I-3
𝑓(𝑥) =
2𝑥 2 − 1
5𝑥 − 9 Vertical Asymptote C-6
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−1
5𝑥 − 3 Find a, if the vertical E-9
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−𝑎 asymptote is x=1
2
9𝑥 + 5𝑥 + 3 Horizontal Asymptote G-4
𝑓(𝑥) = 2
3𝑥 − 4𝑥 + 1
8𝑥 + 9 Horizontal Asymptote E-6
𝑓(𝑥) =
2𝑥 − 5
3𝑥 + 1 Vertical Asymptote B-1
𝑓(𝑥) =
2𝑥 − 6
4𝑥 2 − 16 Horizontal Asymptote D-9
𝑓(𝑥) = 2
𝑥 + 9𝑥 + 18
𝑥+5 Vertical Asymptote H-3
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−6
2𝑥 + 3 Vertical Asymptote F-4
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−5

11
 What I Need to Remember

• Vertical Asymptote
o The vertical line x = a is a vertical asymptote of a function f if
the graph of f either increases or decreases without a bound
as the x-values approach a from the right or left.
• Horizontal Asymptote
o The horizontal line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of a function
f if f(x) gets closer to b as x increases or decreases without
bound (𝑥 → +∞ 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 → −∞)

Lesson Solving Problems Involving Rational

12 Functions, Equations and Inequalities

What I Need to Know

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
o solve problems involving Rational Functions, Equations and
Inequalities

”
What’s In

Before we will“Horray!
start withYou
the made
lesson it to the last lesson of this
proper, there are terms that you need to
module. I will guide you until the end of the lesson.
know and remember
Let’s firstto
recall how sosolve
that you will understand
problems in Mathfunctions
by looking at
the steps on the next page.

Polya’s Four-Step Problem Solving Procedure

1. Understand the Problem.
Read the problem slowly, find the key ideas and important information
given. Give time to segregate important information to the unimportant
irrelevant information. :
2. Devise a plan to solve the problem.
Draw a diagram, find a formula, and look for patterns.

3. Carry out the plan to solve the problem.

Solve the problem, follow the numbers and
create the equation.

4. Check the answer.

Did you solve the requested unknown?

12
 What’s New
Let’s solve this problem.
A mobile phone user is charged P300 monthly for a particular plan,
which includes 100 free text messages. Messages in excess of 100
are charged P1 each.
a) Represent the monthly cost for text messaging using the
function t(m), where m is the number of messages sent in a
month.
b) How much is the charge if the user sent 130 text messages?
Image 5
Monthly Cost: _____________________ (b) Charge: ______________

What is It
PROBLEM SOLVING

Example 1: You want to join an online calligraphy class. You will pay an annual
membership fee of Php 500.00, then Php 150.00 for each class you go to. What is
the average cost per class if you go to 10 classes?

Step 1: Understand the Problem.

Given: Php 500.00 - annual membership fee
Php 150.00 - payment per class you attend
10 classes - number of classes
Find: What is the average cost per class if you go to 10 classes?
Step 2. Devise a plan to solve the problem
Write the Function Rule in terms of x.
500+150𝑥
Function Rule: 𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
𝑥
Step 3. Carry out the plan to solve the problem
Solution:
500+150𝑥
- Substitute x=10 since the problem asked about the 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
average cost per class if you to 10 classes.
500+150(10)
- Solve for f(10) 𝑓(10) =
(10)
500+1500
𝑓(10) =
10
2000
𝑓(10) =
10
Therefore, the average cost per class is 𝑓(10) = 200
Php 200.00

Step 4. Check the answer.

500+150𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥
500 + 150(10)
𝑓(10) =
(10)
𝑓(10) = 200
200 = 200

13
 𝑥+5
Example 2: Given 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = , find:
𝑥−1
(a) its domain
(b) intercepts (zeroes and y-intercept)
(c) asymptotes
(d) sketch the graph
(e) determine its range
Solutions:
(a) Domain: {x𝜖𝑅 | 𝑥 ≠ 1}
(b) Intercepts:
- Zeroes
Equate the numerator to zero x+5=0
Solve for x x = -5
- y-intercept
𝑥+5
Subsitute x=0 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−1
0+5
Solve for f(0) 𝑓(0) =
0−1
5
𝑓(0) =
−1
𝒇(𝟎) = −𝟓
(c) Asymptotes:
- Vertical
Equate the denominator to zero x-1=0
vertical asymptote x=1
- Horizontal
𝑎
Since m=n, let’s find m=1, n=1
𝑏
the leading coefficients of the numerator a=1, b=1
and denominator
horizontal asymptote y=1

(d) Sketch the graph

To sketch the graph, we need to make the table of signs as shown below:
Interval x<-5 -5<x<1 x>1
Test point x=-10 x=0 x=3
Numerator x+5 - + +
Denominator x-1 - - +
Rational 𝑥+5 + - +
Function 𝑥−1 above the x- below the x- above the x-
axis axis axis

To get the table of signs, just substitute the values of the test point to the
numerator, denominator, and the whole rational function. The sign of the
answer will be written in the table of signs as shown in the in the previous
page.

14