GM - Lesson 2.4 Graphing A Rational Function

Lesson 3.
2
Graphing Rational Functions
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute - Special Health Sciences Senior High School 0
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to
• determine the intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes of the

graph of a rational function; and
• graph rational functions
Look Back!
Before you begin with this lesson, it is suggested that you

revisit the following topics from your previous math lessons to
better understand the topics to be discussed in this lesson.
• Solving Linear Equations
• Solving Quadratic Equations
• Plotting of Points in a Cartesian Coordinate Plane
• Dividing Polynomials Using Long Division

Definition 3.2.1. Asymptote
An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches as the 𝑥 or 𝑦

values approaches infinity.
A rational function can have either a vertical, horizontal, or

oblique asymptote.
vertical horizontal oblique

Definition 3.2.2. Vertical Asymptote
The line 𝑥 = 𝑐 is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function

𝑓 if the graph of 𝑓 increases or decreases without bound as it
approaches 𝑐 either from the left or right.
𝑦
As 𝑥 approaches 𝑥 = −2 from the

right, the value of 𝑦 increases
without bound.
vertical
asymptote
As 𝑥 approaches 𝑥 = −2 from the

left, the value of 𝑦 decreases without
bound.
The vertical asymptote of a rational function is obtained by

equating the denominator to zero. These asymptotes have a
form 𝑥 = 𝑐 where 𝑐 is a zero of the denominator.
()*
Consider the function 𝑓 𝑥 = .
(+,
To find the vertical asymptote of the graph of the given rational

function, we equate the denominator to zero.
𝑥−1=0
𝑥=1
When drawn, the graph of the

𝑥=1
rational function with the
vertical asymptote looks like
this.
𝑥+3
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
The graph of a rational function may have multiple vertical

asymptotes. It depends on the number of unique zeroes the
denominator have.
Definition 3.2.3. Horizontal Asymptote
As the 𝑥 values approaches positive or negative infinity, it

approaches a 𝑦 value equal to 𝑐. A horizontal line that passes
through 𝑐 is the horizontal asymptote of the function.
As 𝑥 approaches positive infinity ∞ ,

the value of 𝑦 approaches a specific
horizontal value 𝑐.
asymptote
𝑦=𝑐
𝑐
As 𝑥 approaches negative infinity

−∞ , the value of 𝑦 approaches a
specific value 𝑐.
The horizontal asymptote of a rational function is a horizontal

line in the form 𝑦 = 𝑐 where 𝑐 is a real number. It depends on
the degree of the polynomial found in the numerator and the
denominator. Remember that the degree of a polynomial refers
to the highest sum of the exponents among the terms of the
polynomial.
The following are some examples:
1. The polynomial 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 5 is a polynomial of degree 2. The

term 𝑥 2 is the leading term where the highest sum of the
exponents can be seen. In addition, the leading coefficient of the
polynomial is 1 since the coefficient of the leading term 𝑥 2 is 1.
2. The polynomial 𝑥 * + 4𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 is a polynomial of degree 4.

The term 4𝑥 2 𝑦 2 is the leading term where the highest sum of
the exponents can be seen. The leading coefficient of the
polynomial is 4.
Rules in Determining the Horizontal Asymptote

Let 𝑚 be the degree of the numerator, and 𝑛 be the degree of the
denominator.
Ø If 𝑚 < 𝑛, then the horizontal asymptote of the graph of the
rational function is 𝑦 = 0 (or the 𝑥-axis).
Ø If 𝑚 = 𝑛, then the horizontal asymptote of the graph of the
rational function is 𝑦 = 𝑐, where 𝑐 is the quotient of the
leading coefficients of the numerator and the denominator.
Ø If 𝑚 > 𝑛, then the graph of the rational function has no
horizontal asymptote.
()*
(+,
In order to determine the horizontal asymptote of the graph of

this function, we must observe the degree of the numerator and
the denominator.
𝑥+3 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝒎 = 𝟏.

𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝒏 = 𝟏.
Since 𝑚 = 𝑛, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐 where 𝑐 is the

quotient of the leading coefficients of the two polynomials.
1
𝑐=
1
𝑐=1
Therefore, the horizontal asymptote of the graph of the rational

function is 𝑦 = 1.
The graph of the function

𝑦=1
together with the horizontal
asymptote looks like this.
𝑥+3
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
Definition 3.2.4. Oblique Asymptote
An oblique asymptote is an oblique line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where

𝑚 ≠ 0 , that a function approaches as the values of 𝑥
approaches infinity.
𝑦
As 𝑥 approaches
positive infinity ∞ ,
the graph approaches
a line whose
equation is
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.
𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
oblique
asymptote
As 𝑥 approaches negative infinity

−∞ , the graph approaches a line
whose equation is 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.
A rational function has an oblique asymptote if the degree of

the numerator is one more than the degree of the
denominator. That is, if 𝑚 is the degree of the numerator, and 𝑛
is the degree of the denominator, then 𝑚 = 𝑛 + 1.
( A )B()C
Consider the function ℎ 𝑥 = .
()2
The degree 𝑚 of the numerator is 2, and the degree 𝑛 of the

denominator is 1. Since 𝑚 = 𝑛 + 1, the graph of the function ℎ
has an oblique asymptote.
An oblique asymptote is a line with an equation of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.

This is obtained by dividing the numerator by the denominator.
( A )B()C
Let us solve for the oblique asymptote of ℎ 𝑥 = . We
()2
use long division to divide the numerator and the denominator.
The equation of the oblique

asymptote is the quotient.
We simply ignore the
remainder. Thus, the oblique
asymptote has an equation
𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2.
𝑦
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 6
𝑦= 𝑦 =𝑥+2
𝑥+2
The graph of the function ℎ

is shown below together
𝑥
with its oblique asymptote
shown as a broken line.
Example 1:
Identify all the asymptotes of the graph of the rational function
()B
𝑓 𝑥 = A .
( +,
Solution:
For the vertical asymptote/s, we equate the denominator to
zero, and solve for the value of 𝑥.
𝑥2 − 1 = 0
𝑥+1 𝑥−1 =0
𝑥+1=0 𝑥−1=0
𝑥 = −1 𝑥=1
Therefore, there are two vertical asymptotes. These are 𝒙 = −𝟏
and 𝒙 = 𝟏.
Solution:
For the horizontal asymptote, we observe the degrees of the
numerator and the denominator, and apply the applicable rule.
𝑥+4 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝑚 = 1.

𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 −1 The degree is 2. Thus, 𝑛 = 2.
Since 𝑚 < 𝑛, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟎 (or the 𝑥-axis).
Solution:
For an oblique asymptote to exist, 𝑚 = 𝑛 + 1. Thus, there is no
oblique asymptote.
Try This!
1 Identify all the asymptotes of the graph of the rational
𝟑𝒙𝟐 )𝟐𝒙+𝟏𝟎
function 𝒇 𝒙 = 𝟐 .
𝒙 )𝟒𝒙+𝟓
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute - Special Health Sciences Senior High School
29
Intercepts and Zeroes of Rational Function

To help us graph a rational function, we need to determine its
intercepts. An intercept is a point of intersection of the graph of
a function, and the axes.
𝒙-intercept
An 𝑥-intercept is a point in the form 𝑥, 0 . In order to determine
the 𝑥-intercept, we simply find the zero of the function. The zero
of the function is the value of 𝑥 that would make the function
zero. To do this, we let 𝑦 or 𝑓 𝑥 be zero.
()*
(+,
To determine the 𝑥-intercept, we let 𝑓 𝑥 = 0, and solve for 𝑥.
𝑥+3
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
𝑥+3
0=
𝑥−1
0=𝑥+3
−3 = 𝑥
Therefore, the 𝑥-intercept is −3,0 .

Another way to solve for the 𝑥-intercept is to simply equate the

numerator to zero, and solve for the value of 𝑥.
𝑥+3=0
𝑥 = −3
𝑦
𝑥+3
𝑦=
𝑥−1
This can be seen in the
graph of the function.
−𝟑, 𝟎 𝑥
𝒚-intercept
A 𝑦-intercept is a point in the form 0, 𝑦 . In order to determine
the 𝑦-intercept, we simply set the value of 𝑥 to zero, and solve
for the value of the function. In other words, we evaluate 𝑓 0 .
()*
(+,
To determine the 𝑦-intercept, we evaluate 𝑓 0 .

𝑥+3
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−1
0+3
𝑓 0 =
0−1
3
𝑓 0 =
−1
𝑓 0 = −3
Therefore, the 𝑦-intercept is 0, −3 .

𝑦
𝑥+3
𝑦=
𝑥−1
This can be seen in the
graph of the function.
𝟎, −𝟑
Example 2:
( A )M()C
Determine the intercepts of 𝑔 𝑥 = .
()N
Solution:
Equate the numerator to zero to solve for the 𝑥-intercept.
𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 6 = 0
𝑥+6 𝑥+1 =0
𝑥+6=0 𝑥+1=0
𝑥 = −6 𝑥 = −1
Therefore, the 𝒙-intercepts are −𝟔, 𝟎 and −𝟏, 𝟎 .

Solution:
Evaluate 𝑔 0 to solve for the 𝑦-intercept.
𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 6
𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥+9
0 2+7 0 +6
𝑔 0 =
0+9
0+0+6
=
9
6
=
9
2
=
3
𝟐
Therefore, the 𝒚-intercept of the function is 𝟎, .
𝟑
Try This!
𝟐𝒙𝟐 )𝟏𝟑𝒙)𝟔
2 Determine the intercepts of 𝒈 𝒙 = .
𝒙)𝟐
41
Steps in Graphing a Rational Function
Step 1: Simplify the given function, if possible.

Step 2: Determine the intercepts of the function.
Step 3: Determine the asymptotes of the function.
Step 4: Construct a table of signs using the values of 𝑥 found in
the previous steps that make the numerator and
denominator zero as boundaries. These are the 𝑥-values
found in the 𝑥-intercept and vertical asymptotes.
Step 5: Use smooth curves to complete the graph.
B()S
(+B
Step 1: Simplify the function, if possible.
Determine whether the numerator and the denominator have a

common factor. If there is a common factor between them, we
cancel it to simplify the function.
In the given function, the numerator and the denominator have

no common factor. Thus, the function is already in simplest form.
4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4
For the 𝑥-intercept, we equate the numerator to zero.
4𝑥 + 8 = 0
4𝑥 = −8
𝑥 = −2
Therefore, the 𝒙-intercept is −𝟐, 𝟎 .

4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4
For the 𝑦-intercept, we evaluate 𝑓 0 .

4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4
4 0 +8
𝑓 0 =
0−4
8
=
−4
= −2
Therefore, the 𝒚-intercept is 𝟎, −𝟐 .

4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4
Step 3: Determine the asymptotes.
For the vertical asymptote, we equate the denominator to zero.
𝑥−4=0
𝑥=4
Therefore, the vertical asymptote has an equation 𝒙 = 𝟒.
4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4

4𝑥 + 8 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝑚 = 1.

𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝑛 = 1.
4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4
Since 𝑛 = 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐, where 𝑐 is the

quotient of the leading coefficients.
𝑦=𝑐
4
=
1
=4
Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟒.

4𝑥 + 8
𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥−4
The function has no oblique asymptote since the degree of the

numerator is not one more than the denominator. That is,
𝑚 ≠ 𝑛 + 1.

the previous steps that make the numerator and denominator
zero as boundaries.
The 𝑥-values that make the numerator and denominator zero

are 𝑥 = −2 and 𝑥 = 4.
This table of values will allow us to locate where is the curve of

the function located with respect to the 𝑥-axis. A positive sign
+ means that the curve of the function is above the 𝑥-axis on
that specific interval. On the other hand, a negative sign –
means that the curve of the function is below the 𝑥-axis on that
specific interval.
Based on this table of values, let us sketch the graph of the

function on each interval.
For the interval −∞, −2 , the curve is

above the 𝑥-axis. In this interval, the
curve is below the horizontal
asymptote, 𝑦 = 4 , since the curve
should touch the 𝑥-intercept −2,0 . If
we draw the curve above the
horizontal asymptote, it will not be
able to touch the 𝑥-intercept. Thus, it
is very important to note as well the
important points that a curve should
touch.
For the interval −2,4 , the curve

should be found below the 𝑥-axis.
The curve should also touch the 𝑦-
intercept 0, −2 .
For the interval 4, ∞ , the curve is

found above the 𝑥 -axis. No
intercepts are found on this
interval. Thus, we can draw the
curve like the following.
Example 3:
( A +2(+,V
Graph the function 𝑓 𝑥 = A .
( +*(+B
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 15
𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 4
𝑥+3 𝑥−5
=
𝑥+1 𝑥−4
Since the numerator and the denominator have no common

factor, the function 𝑓 is already in simplest form.

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 15 = 0
𝑥+3 𝑥−5 =0
𝑥+3=0 𝑥−5=0
𝑥 = −3 𝑥=5
Therefore, the 𝒙-intercepts are −𝟑, 𝟎 and 𝟓, 𝟎 .

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 15
𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 4
0 2 − 2 0 − 15
𝑓 0 =
0 2−3 0 −4
−15
=
−4
15
=
4
𝟏𝟓
Therefore, the 𝒚-intercept is 𝟎, 𝟒 or 𝟎, 𝟑. 𝟕𝟓 .
For the vertical asymptote, we equate the denominator to

zero.
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4 = 0
𝑥+1 𝑥−7 =0
𝑥+1=0 𝑥−4=0
𝑥 = −1 𝑥=4
Therefore, the vertical asymptotes are 𝒙 = −𝟏 and 𝒙 = 𝟒.


𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 15 The degree is 2. Thus, 𝑚 = 2.

𝑓 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 3𝑥 − 4 The degree is 2. Thus, 𝑛 = 2.

Since 𝑛 = 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐, where 𝑐 is
the quotient of the leading coefficients.
𝑦=𝑐
1
=
1
=1
Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟏.
The graph has no oblique asymptote since the degrees of

the numerator and the denominator are equal.

zero as boundaries. These are the 𝑥-values found in the 𝑥-
intercept and vertical asymptotes.
Try This!
𝒙𝟐 +𝟗
3 Graph the function 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝟐 .
𝒙 )𝟐𝒙+𝟖
67
Example 4:
2( A )N(),[
Graph the function 𝑔 𝑥 = A .
( +B(+,2
2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 10
𝑔 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 4𝑥 − 12
𝑥 + 2 2𝑥 + 5
=
𝑥+2 𝑥−6
2𝑥 + 5
=
𝑥−6
2()V
Therefore, the simplified form of the function is 𝑔 𝑥 = . In
(+C
all the succeeding steps, we are going to use the simplified form.
But we have to take note as well of the factor that we cancelled.

The factor 𝑥 + 2 when equated to zero gives us 𝑥 = −2. This
means that at 𝑥 = −2 , the original function is undefined.
Therefore, if we graph the function later, we are going to have
the point at 𝑥 = −2 be an open (hollow) dot.
What is 𝑔 −2 ?
2𝑥 + 5
𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥−6
2 −2 + 5
𝑔 −2 =
−2 − 6
−4 + 5
=
−8
1
=−
8
,
Thus, we have an open dot at −2, − .
S
2𝑥 + 5 = 0
2𝑥 = −5
5
𝑥=−
2
𝟓
Therefore, the 𝒙-intercept is − ,𝟎 or −𝟐. 𝟓, 𝟎 .
𝟐

2𝑥 + 5
𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥−6
2 0 +5
𝑔 0 =
0−6
0+5
=
−6
5
=−
6
𝟓
Therefore, the 𝒚-intercept is 𝟎, − or 𝟎, −𝟎. 𝟖𝟑 .
𝟔
For the vertical asymptote, we equate the denominator to

zero.
𝑥−6=0
𝑥=6
Therefore, the vertical asymptote is 𝒙 = 𝟔.

2𝑥 + 5 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝑚 = 1.

𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥−6 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝑛 = 1.

Since 𝑛 = 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐, where 𝑐 is
the quotient of the leading coefficients.
𝑦=𝑐
2
=
1
=2
Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟐.
The graph has no oblique asymptote since the degrees of

the numerator and the denominator are equal.

zero as boundaries. These are the 𝑥-values found in the 𝑥-
intercept and vertical asymptotes.
Try This!
𝟒𝒙𝟐 )𝟑𝒙+𝟐𝟕
4 Graph the function 𝒈 𝒙 = 𝟐 .
𝟐𝒙 )𝟑𝒙+𝟗
80
Key Ideas
q An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches as the 𝑥 or

𝑦 values approaches infinity.
q The line 𝑥 = 𝑐 is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a
function 𝑓 if the graph of 𝑓 increases or decreases without
bound as it approaches 𝑐 either from the left or right.
q As the 𝑥 values approaches positive or negative infinity, it
approaches a 𝑦 value equal to 𝑐. A horizontal line that
passes through 𝑐 is the horizontal asymptote of the
function.
Key Ideas
q An oblique asymptote is an oblique line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where

𝑚 ≠ 0, that a function approaches as the values of 𝑥
approaches infinity.
q An 𝒙-intercept is a point in the form 𝑥, 0 . In order to
determine the 𝑥-intercept, we simply find the zero of the
function. We do this by equating the numerator to zero.
q A 𝑦-intercept is a point in the form 0, 𝑦 . In order to
determine the 𝑦-intercept, we simply set the value of 𝑥 to
zero, and solve for the value of the function. In other
words, we evaluate 𝑓 0 .
Key Ideas
The following are the steps in graphing a rational function.

Step 1: Simplify the given function, if possible.
Step 4: Construct a table of signs using the values of 𝑥 found
in the previous steps that make the numerator and
denominator zero as boundaries. These are the 𝑥-
values found in the 𝑥-intercept and vertical
asymptotes.

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Lesson 3.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to

• determine the intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes of the

• graph rational functions

Before you begin with this lesson, it is suggested that you

• Solving Linear Equations

• Solving Quadratic Equations

• Plotting of Points in a Cartesian Coordinate Plane

• Dividing Polynomials Using Long Division

Definition 3.2.1. Asymptote

An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches as the 𝑥 or 𝑦

A rational function can have either a vertical, horizontal, or

vertical horizontal oblique

Definition 3.2.2. Vertical Asymptote

The line 𝑥 = 𝑐 is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function

As 𝑥 approaches 𝑥 = −2 from the

As 𝑥 approaches 𝑥 = −2 from the

The vertical asymptote of a rational function is obtained by

To find the vertical asymptote of the graph of the given rational

When drawn, the graph of the

The graph of a rational function may have multiple vertical

Definition 3.2.3. Horizontal Asymptote

As the 𝑥 values approaches positive or negative infinity, it

As 𝑥 approaches positive infinity ∞ ,

As 𝑥 approaches negative infinity

The horizontal asymptote of a rational function is a horizontal

The following are some examples:

1. The polynomial 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 5 is a polynomial of degree 2. The

2. The polynomial 𝑥 * + 4𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 is a polynomial of degree 4.

Rules in Determining the Horizontal Asymptote

In order to determine the horizontal asymptote of the graph of

𝑥+3 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝒎 = 𝟏.

Since 𝑚 = 𝑛, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 𝑐 where 𝑐 is the

Therefore, the horizontal asymptote of the graph of the rational

The graph of the function

Definition 3.2.4. Oblique Asymptote

An oblique asymptote is an oblique line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏, where

As 𝑥 approaches negative infinity

A rational function has an oblique asymptote if the degree of

The degree 𝑚 of the numerator is 2, and the degree 𝑛 of the

An oblique asymptote is a line with an equation of 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏.

The equation of the oblique

The graph of the function ℎ

𝑥+4 The degree is 1. Thus, 𝑚 = 1.

Since 𝑚 < 𝑛, the horizontal asymptote is 𝒚 = 𝟎 (or the 𝑥-axis).

Intercepts and Zeroes of Rational Function

To determine the 𝑥-intercept, we let 𝑓 𝑥 = 0, and solve for 𝑥.

Therefore, the 𝑥-intercept is −3,0 .

Another way to solve for the 𝑥-intercept is to simply equate the

To determine the 𝑦-intercept, we evaluate 𝑓 0 .

Therefore, the 𝑦-intercept is 0, −3 .

Therefore, the 𝒙-intercepts are −𝟔, 𝟎 and −𝟏, 𝟎 .

Steps in Graphing a Rational Function

Step 1: Simplify the given function, if possible.

Step 1: Simplify the function, if possible.

Determine whether the numerator and the denominator have a

In the given function, the numerator and the denominator have

Step 2: Determine the intercepts of the function.

For the 𝑥-intercept, we equate the numerator to zero.

Therefore, the 𝒙-intercept is −𝟐, 𝟎 .

For the 𝑦-intercept, we evaluate 𝑓 0 .

Therefore, the 𝒚-intercept is 𝟎, −𝟐 .