Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Unit I: Functions
Lesson 6: Rational Functions and Equations

Introduction

A while ago, this question was asked on our discussion board:

What does it take to be a rational person?

I know most of you have different opinions or idea on how you will answer the proposed question.
There are obviously a lot of different qualities of a rational person and we can identify it based on how
they deal with their decisions in life.

Going out to the question itself and linking it to our lesson today, let me ask this question:

What does it take to be a rational function?

Just like how you voiced out the qualities you think a person should have to be called “rational”,
we will tackle in this lesson the qualities of the function that it should possess to be called rational. Also,
we will go deeper to these concepts as we graph, identify its domain and asymptotes, and solve equations.

Learning Objectives

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

a. Describe a rational function

b. Find the domain of a rational function
c. Define asymptotes
d. Find vertical, horizontal, slant asymptotes of a rational function
e. Define rational equations
f. Solve rational equations with or without extraneous solutions.

Page 1 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Pre-requisite Skills / Review

Before we proceed directly to our lesson, let us analyze the problem below:

The local barangay received a budget of P100, 000 to provide medical checkups for the
children in the barangay. The amount is to be allotted equally among all the children in
the barangay. Write an equation representing the relationship of the allotted amount per
child (y-variable) versus the total number of children (x-variable).

Let us complete the table below with the different allotment amounts for different values for the number
of children:

No. of children (x) 10 20 50 100 200 300 500 1000

Allocated amount (y)

A philanthropist wants to supplement the budget allotted for each child by providing an
additional P750 for each child in the barangay. If g(x) represents this new amount
allotted for each child, construct a function representing this relationship.

Fill up the table below with the new allotment amounts under this scenario:

No. of children (x) 10 20 50 100 200 300 500 1000

Allocated amount (y)

Page 2 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Lesson 4.1 – CONCEPT OF RATIONAL FUNCTION

What is Rational Function?

A rational expression is a polynomial divided by another polynomial. On the other hand, if we let P(x)
𝑃(𝑥)
and Q(x) be two polynomials, then a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) is called a rational function where
𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0.

Note:

The denominator of a rational function cannot be zero. Any value of the

variable that would make the denominator zero is not permissible.

Examples of Rational functions were listed below:

1
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥

𝑥−4
𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥−6

𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 4
ℎ(𝑥) =
𝑥−5

Lesson 4.2 – THE DOMAIN OF RATIONAL FUNCTION

Just like any other functions, Rational Function also has its domain. Observe that the domain of a rational
𝒇(𝒙)
function 𝒈(𝒙) is the set of all real numbers so that 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0.

Why is it the denominator of our

rational function should not be equal to
zero?

All right! Well, rational functions are

like fractions. If we will obtain a
denominator equal to 0, it will make
our function, undefined.

Page 3 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Let us examine the following examples for us to identify correctly the domain of rational
functions…

➢ Example 1:
3
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥, to find the domain we set the denominator not equal to 0.

𝑥≠0

Since x is already isolated, the domain is the set of all real numbers except 0.

➢ Example 2:
𝑥+4
Find the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥+8.

Solution:

Set the denominator not equal to 0. 2𝑥 + 8 ≠ 0

Solve for x. 𝑥 ≠ −4

Thus, the domain is the set of all real numbers except -4.

➢ Example 3:
𝑥−1
Find the domain of 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −2𝑥−3.

Note: Make sure that the rational expression is in simplest form before setting the denominator not
equal to 0.

Solution:

𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 ≠ 0

(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) ≠ 0

𝑥1 ≠ 3

𝑥2 ≠ −1

The domain is the set of all real numbers except 3 and -1.

Page 4 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Lesson 4.3 – ASYMPTOTES OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

Can you still recall what an asymptote is?

Photo retrieved from: https://images.app.goo.gl/PWpDrqSVaTUdd86Q6

Though the meme above somehow explained what an asymptote is, to define it Mathematically, an
asymptote is a straight line which acts as a boundary for the graph of a function. In rational function, we
have three types of asymptotes: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal (oblique) asymptotes.

Vertical Asymptote of a Rational Function

𝑝(𝑥)
Given the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑞(𝑥), if p(x) and q(x) have no common factors, then f(x) has vertical
asymptote(s) when q(x) = 0. Thus, the graph has vertical asymptotes at the zeroes of the denominator.

Vertical Asymptotes occur when the following condition is met: the denominator of the simplified rational
function is equal to 0.

Note:

The simplified rational function has cancelled any factors common to both the numerator and
denominator.

➢ Example:

2−5𝑥
Find the vertical asymptote of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥+2.

Solution:

a. The first step is to cancel any factors common to both numerator and denominator. In this case
there are none.
b. Identify where the denominator of the simplified function equals 0.

Page 5 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

2 + 2𝑥 = 0

2𝑥 = −2

𝑥 = −1

This is the equation of the vertical asymptote.

𝟐−𝟓𝒙
Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙+𝟐.

The vertical dotted line

at x = –1 is the vertical

asymptote.

Horizontal Asymptote of a Rational Function

𝑝(𝑥)
Given the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑞(𝑥), the horizontal asymptote is determined by looking at the degrees
of p(x) and q(x).

• If the degree of p(x) is less than the degree of q(x), then the horizontal asymptote is y = 0.
• If the degree of p(x) is equal to the degree of q(x), then the horizontal asymptote is
leading coefficient of p( x)
y= .
leading coefficient of q( x)
• If the degree of p(x) is greater than the degree of q(x), then there is no horizontal asymptote.

➢ Example 1:

𝑥 2 +3𝑥−5
Find the horizontal asymptote of 𝑑(𝑥) = .
𝑥 3 −27

Solution:

Since the degree of numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, the horizontal asymptote of
𝑑(𝑥) is at 𝑦 = 0.

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 3

This means that as 𝑥 gets larger and larger in both positive and negative directions (x → ∞ and x →
−∞) the function itself looks more and more like the horizontal line 𝑦 = 0.

Page 6 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

𝒙𝟐 +𝟑𝒙−𝟓
Graph of 𝒅(𝒙) = .
𝒙𝟑 −𝟐𝟕

The horizontal line is at 𝑦 = 0.

➢ Example 2:

6𝑥 2 −3𝑥+5
Find the horizontal asymptote of 𝑝(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2+7𝑥−9.

Solution:

Since the degree of numerator is equal to the degree of the denominator, the horizontal asymptote of
6
𝑝(𝑥) is at 𝑦 = 5.

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2

𝟔𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟓
The graph of 𝒑(𝒙) = 𝟓𝒙𝟐 +𝟕𝒙−𝟗.

6
The horizontal dotted line is at 𝑦 = 5.

➢ Example 3:

−2𝑥 3 +5𝑥−9
Find the horizontal asymptote of 𝑟(𝑥) = .
𝑥 2 +1

Solution:

Since the degree of numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator, there is no horizontal
asymptote.

Page 7 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 3

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2

−𝟐𝒙𝟑 +𝟓𝒙−𝟗
Graph of 𝒓(𝒙) = .
𝒙𝟐 +𝟏

Slant Asymptotes of a Rational Function

Slant asymptotes occur when the degree of the numerator is exactly one higher than the degree of the
denominator. In this case a slanted line (not horizontal and not vertical) is the function’s asymptote.

Note:

To find the equation of the asymptote we need to use long method division – dividing the numerator
by the denominator.

➢ Example:

𝑥 3 +2𝑥 2 +5𝑥−9
Find the slant asymptote of 𝑘(𝑥) = .
𝑥 2 −𝑥+1

Solution:

Since the degree of numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator, there is no horizontal
asymptote.

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 3

𝑑𝑒𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2

To find the slant asymptote of 𝑘(𝑥), divide the numerator by the denominator.

Page 8 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Holes in a Graph of a Rational Function

Holes occur in the graph of a rational function whenever the numerator and denominator have common
factors. The holes occur at the 𝑥 value(s) that make the common factors equal to 0.

Note:

The hole is known as a removable singularity or a removable discontinuity.

➢ Example 1:

2𝑥 2 +10𝑥+12
Find the holes in the function ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −9

2𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 12 (2𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 3)

2
=
𝑥 −9 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 3)

We were able to cancel out (𝑥 + 3) in the numerator and denominator before finding the vertical
asymptote.

Because (𝑥 + 3) is a common factor there will be a hole at the point where 𝑥 + 3 = 0. Thus, there is
a hole in the graph at 𝑥 = −3

𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟏𝟎𝒙+𝟏𝟐
Graph of 𝒇(𝒙) = .
𝒙𝟐 −𝟗

Notice there is a hole in the graph

at the point where 𝑥 = −3

Page 9 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Lesson 4.4 – GRAPH OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

𝑃(𝑥)
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) define a function where 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) are polynomials and the rational expression is
written in lowest terms. To sketch its graph, follow these steps.

1. Find any holes

2. Find any vertical asymptotes
3. Find any horizontal/slant asymptotes.
4. Find the 𝑥 – intercept.
5. Find the y-intercept
6. Plot any additional points
7. Complete the sketch.
Example
𝒙+𝟏
Graph 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝟐𝒙𝟐 +𝟓𝒙−𝟑

Other examples:

Graph the following rational functions:

(𝑥−3)2
1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −9
5𝑥+6
2. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥−3

Page 10 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Lesson 4.5 – SOLVING RATIONAL EQUATION AND INEQUALITIES

Observe the equation below:

𝑥+1
= 10
2𝑥

Can you think of strategies that could work to solve the equation above?

What if we will make the equation above an inequality?

𝑥+1
≤ 10
2𝑥

Can you identify the solutions that could make the inequality true?

A rational equation is an equation between rational expressions.

To solve rational equation:

1. Find the LCM of the denominators.

2. Clear denominators by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCM.
3. Solve the resulting polynomial equation.
4. Check the solutions.

➢ Example 1:
18
Solve the rational equation 𝑥 − = 3.
𝑥

Solution:

Page 11 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Checking:

➢ Example 2:
10 4
Solve the rational equation = 𝑥 + 2.
3

Solution:

➢ Example 3:
6
Solve the rational equation 𝑥 = 𝑥 − 1.

Solution:

Page 12 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

An inequality may have infinitely many solutions. The set of all solutions can be expressed using set
notation or interval notation. These notations are presented in the table below:

Procedure for Solving Rational Inequalities

To solve rational inequalities:

(a) Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side of the inequality symbol and 0 on the other
side.

(b) Determine over what intervals the fraction takes on positive and negative values.

i. Locate the x-values for which the rational expression is zero or undefined (factoring the
numerator and denominator is a useful strategy).

ii. Mark the numbers found in (i) on a number line. Use a shaded circle to indicate that the value
is included in the solution set, and a hollow circle to indicate that the value is excluded. These
numbers partition the number line into intervals.

iii. Select a test point within the interior of each interval in (ii). The sign of the rational expression
at this test point is also the sign of the rational expression at each interior point in the
aforementioned interval.

iv. Summarize the intervals containing the solutions.

Note:

It is not valid to multiply both sides of an inequality by a variable. Recall that:

• multiplying both sides of an inequality by a positive number retains the direction of the
inequality, and

• multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number reverses the direction of the
inequality.

Since the sign of a variable is unknown, then it is not valid to multiply both sides of an inequality
by a variable.

Page 13 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

➢ Example 3:
2𝑥
Solve the rational equation 𝑥+1 ≥ 1.

Solution:

(a) Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side, and 0 on the other side.

(b) The value x = 1 is included in the solution since it makes the fraction equal to zero, while x = −1
makes the fraction undefined. Mark these on a number line. Use a shaded circle for x = 1 (a solution)
and an unshaded circle for x = −1 (not a solution).

𝑥−1
(c) Choose convenient test points in the intervals determined by −1 and 1 to determine the sign of 𝑥+1
in these intervals. Construct a table of signs as shown below.

(d) Since we are looking for the intervals where the fraction is positive or zero, we determine the
solution intervals to be x < −1 and x ≥ 1. Plot these intervals on the number line

The solution set is {x ∈ R|x < −1 or x ≥ 1}. It can also be written using interval notation:

(−∞, −1) ∪ [1, ∞).

Solving Rational Equations And Inequalities With Extraneous Solutions

An extraneous solution is a solution of an equation derived from an original equation that is not a solution
of the original equation.

Page 14 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Note:

In solving a rational equation, it is possible to come up or get an extraneous solution. These values
should be eliminated from the solution set. Always check your solution by substituting them form the
original equation.

➢ Example 1:

5𝑥 3𝑥+4
Solve the equation 𝑥−2 = .
𝑥−2

Solution:

The solution 𝑥 = 2 is extraneous because it makes the denominators of the original equation equal to
zero. Therefore, the equation has no solution.

➢ Example 2:
1 𝑥 𝑥
Solve the equation 𝑥−1 = 𝑥−1 + 6.

Solution:

The solution 𝑥 = 1 is extraneous because it makes the denominator of the original equation equal to
zero. The only solution is 𝑥 = −6.

To think about…

Is it possible to write a rational equation that has the following number of solutions? Justify your
answers.

a. no solution c. exactly two solutions

b. exactly one solution d. infinitely many solutions Page 15 of 19

 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Key Concepts

✓ A rational expression is a polynomial divided by another polynomial. On the other hand, if we let
𝑃(𝑥)
P(x) and Q(x) be two polynomials, then a function of the form 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) is called a rational
function where 𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0.
𝒇(𝒙)
✓ The domain of a rational function 𝒈(𝒙) is the set of all real numbers so that 𝑔(𝑥) ≠ 0.
✓ An asymptote is a straight line which acts as a boundary for the graph of a function. In rational
function, we have three types of asymptotes: vertical, horizontal, and diagonal (oblique)
asymptotes.
✓ Holes occur in the graph of a rational function whenever the numerator and denominator have
common factors. The holes occur at the 𝑥 value(s) that make the common factors equal to 0.
✓ In graphing Rational Functions, you have to follow these steps:
• Find any vertical asymptotes.
• Find any horizontal asymptotes.
• Find the 𝑦 − intercepts by evaluating 𝑓(0).
• Find the 𝑥 − intercepts, if any, by solving 𝑓(𝑥) = 0. (These will be the zeros of the
numerator, 𝑃(𝑥)).
• Determine whether the graph will intersect its nonvertical asymptote 𝑦 = 𝑏 or 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 +
𝑏 by solving 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑏 or 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏
• Plot the selected points, as necessary. Choose an 𝑥 value in each domain’s interval
determined by the vertical asymptotes and 𝑥 − intercepts.
• Complete the sketch.
✓ To solve rational equation:
• Find the LCM of the denominators.
• Clear denominators by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCM.
• Solve the resulting polynomial equation.
• Check the solutions.
✓ To solve rational inequalities:
• Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side of the inequality symbol and 0 on the
other side.
• Determine over what intervals the fraction takes on positive and negative values.
i. Locate the x-values for which the rational expression is zero or undefined
(factoring the numerator and denominator is a useful strategy).

ii. Mark the numbers found in (i) on a number line. Use a shaded circle to indicate
that the value is included in the solution set, and a hollow circle to indicate that the
value is excluded. These numbers partition the number line into intervals.

iii. Select a test point within the interior of each interval in (ii). The sign of the
rational expression at this test point is also the sign of the rational expression at each
interior point in the aforementioned interval.

iv. Summarize the intervals containing the solutions.

Page 16 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Learning Activity

Tutorial Videos

Watch the following videos embedded on the links below for additional examples and notes!

a. Graphing Rational Functions With Vertical, Horizontal & Slant Asymptotes, Holes, Domain &
Range – (The Organic Chemistry Tutor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE-Z2-F3oWw

b. Simplifying rational expressions introduction | Algebra II | Khan Academy – (Khan

Academy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uos1ED3KHI

c. How to Graph Rational Functions using 6 steps – (Brian McLogan):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fCj5um8_c

d. Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes - Slant / Oblique - Holes - Rational Function - Domain &
Range – (The Organic Chemistry Tutor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGCKjuhA4eQ

e. Solving Rational Equations – (The Organic Chemistry Tutor):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fR_9ke5-n8

f. Rational inequalities | Polynomial and rational functions | Algebra II | Khan Academy – (Khan
Academy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjeMdXV0QMg

Page 17 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

Enrichment Activity

A. Complete the table below:

Vertical Horizontal
Given x-intercept y-intercept
Asymptote Asymptote

x
f (x) =
1 + 3x

2 x2 − x + 1
f (x) =
x+2

4
f (x) =
x −9
2

5 x + 15
f (x) =
3x + 5

1
f (x) =
x−6

B. Find the solution to the following rational equations and inequalities.

1 2 2x + 4
1. = 4. 0
x 3x − 1 x +1

3 9 x
2. = 2 5. + 1  −5
x + 1 x − 3x − 4 x +1

x 2 3x
3. − +1 = 0
2 2

C. Evaluation and additional practice exercises will be done through ALEKS.

Page 18 of 19
 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
General Mathematics
SY 2022 – 2023

References
The Organic Chemistry Tutor. (2017, Jan 15). Graphing Rational Functions With Vertical, Horizontal
& Slant Asymptotes, Holes, Domain & Range. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE-Z2-F3oWw

Khan Academy. (2010, Apr 20). Simplifying rational expressions introduction | Algebra II | Khan
Academy. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uos1ED3KHI

Brian McLogan. (2015, Oct 15). How to graph a rational function using 6 steps. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fCj5um8_c

The Organic Chemistry Tutor. (2016, Aug 11). Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes - Slant / Oblique -
Holes - Rational Function - Domain & Range. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGCKjuhA4eQ

The Organic Chemistry Tutor. (2018, Jan 23). Solving Rational Equations. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fR_9ke5-n8

Khan Academy. (2010, Apr 20). Rational inequalities | Polynomial and rational functions | Algebra II
| Khan Academy. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjeMdXV0QMg

Big Math Ideas. (n.d.). Rational Functions. Retrieved from:

https://www.bigideasmath.com/external/state-resources/pdfs/NC_math2_03_06.pdf

Big Math Ideas. (n.d.). Rational Equations. Retrieved from:

https://static.bigideasmath.com/protected/content/pe/hsbts/hsnb_alg2_pe_07_05.pdf

Page 19 of 19