Review Notes 2

Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Contents

Competencies Covered 1

Key Points 1

Rational Equations 1
Solving Rational Equations 2
Rational Inequalities 3
Solving Rational Inequalities 4
Rational Functions 8
Graph of a Rational Function 9
Solving Word Problems Involving Rational Equation 12
Fraction Problem 12
Distance/Rate/Time Problem 14
Work Problem 15
Cost Problem 16
Solving Word Problems Involving Rational Inequality 18
Solving Word Problems Involving Rational Function 19
Synthesis 20

Practice 23

Tips 27

Rational Equations and Inequalities 27

Rational Functions 27
Graph of a Rational Function 28
Word Problems on Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 28
References 28

Answer Key 29
 Review Notes 2
Rational Functions, Equations,
and Inequalities

Competencies Covered
In this note, we will discuss the important concepts about the
following competencies:
● solve rational equations and inequalities;
● represent a rational function through its: (a) table of values,
(b) graph, and (c) equation;
● find the domain and range of a rational function;
● determine the: (a) intercepts, (b) zeroes; and (c) asymptotes
of rational functions;
● graph rational functions; and
● solve problems involving rational functions, equations, and
inequalities.

Key Points
Rational Equations
● A rational equation is an equation that contains at least one
rational expression.
● Recall that a rational expression is a fraction whose
numerator and denominator are both polynomials; can be
𝐴
written in the form 𝐵 where 𝐴 and 𝐵 are both polynomials and

𝐵 ≠ 0.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 1

 Example:
𝑥+3
The equation = 3 is a rational equation because it contains the rational expression
2
𝑥+3
2
.

Solving Rational Equations

● To solve a rational equation, we can use the following methods.

○ Converting to a common denominator

Example:
𝑥+4 1
Solve for the value of 𝑥 in the equation 10
= 5.

Solution:
1. Convert the denominators to a common denominator.

𝑥+4 1
=
10 5
𝑥+4 1 2
= ( )( )
10 5 2
𝑥+4 2
=
10 10

2. Equate the numerators.

𝑥+4= 2
𝑥 = 2−4
𝑥 = −2

Thus, 𝒙 = −𝟐.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 2

 ○ Multiplying both sides by their LCD

Example:
𝑥−8 3
Solve for the value of 𝑥 in the equation 10
= 5.

Solution:
1. Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD.

𝑥−8 3
=
10 5
𝑥−8 3
( ) (10) = ( ) (10)
10 5
𝑥−8 3
( ) (10) = ( ) (10)
10 5

2. Simplify the equation.

𝑥 − 8 = (3)(2)
𝑥 = 6+8
𝑥 = 14

Thus, 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟒.

Rational Inequalities
● An inequality that involves rational expressions is called a rational inequality. The
𝑹(𝒙)
general form of a rational inequality is 𝑸(𝒙) > 𝟎, where > can be replaced with <, ≥, or

≤.

Example:
2𝑥−1
The mathematical statement 3
> 0 is an example of a rational inequality.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 3

 Solving Rational Inequalities
● To solve rational inequalities, we have to take note of the following guidelines.
○ Multiplying both sides of an inequality by a variable is not valid.
○ Multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number will reverse the
inequality sign.

Example:
𝑥+1
What is the solution set of the rational inequality 𝑥−2 ≥ −1 ?

Solution:
1. Rewrite the inequality in general form such that the left-hand side is written
as a single rational expression.

𝑥+1
> −1
𝑥−2
𝑥+1
+1> 0
𝑥−2
𝑥+1 𝑥−2
+ >0
𝑥−2 𝑥−2
𝑥+1+𝑥−2
>0
𝑥−2
2𝑥 − 1
>0
𝑥−2

2. Find the critical values of the rational expression on the left-hand side of the

inequality. This can be done by equating both numerator and denominator to

zero and solving the resulting equation.

Numerator:

2𝑥 − 1 = 0
2𝑥 = 1
1
𝑥=
2

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 4

 Denominator:
𝑥−2= 0
𝑥=2

1
The critical values are 2 and 2.

Note: The critical values of a function are where the function is undefined
or equal to 0.

3. Use the critical values to divide the number line into intervals.

1 1
Intervals: (−∞, ) , ( , 2) , (2, +∞)
2 2

Note: Remember the following guidelines:

▪ The symbols −∞ and ∞ always come with parentheses because they

cannot possibly be included in any interval of real numbers.

▪ If the inequality involves the strict inequality symbols (> or <), all
intervals should be enclosed in a parentheses because their endpoints
cannot possibly become part of the solution set.

▪ If the inequality involves the non-strict inequality symbols (≥ or ≤),

the roots of the numerator should be included in their respective
intervals using the symbols 𝑥] or [𝑥, while the roots of the denominator
should be excluded using the symbols 𝑥) or (𝑥.

Since the critical values of the numerator will make the rational expression
equal to zero and the critical values of denominator will make the rational
expression undefined, the strict inequality symbols (< or >) will be used.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 5

 4. Construct a table of signs for the rational inequality.

𝟏 𝟏
(−∞, ) ( , 𝟐) (𝟐, +∞)
𝟐 𝟐
Test Point
2𝑥 − 1
𝑥−2
2𝑥 − 1
𝑥−2

Note: The top row of the table should contain the intervals from the previous
step while the leftmost column should contain the factors of the numerator
and denominator.

5. Fill out the entries of the table.

𝟏 𝟏
(−∞, ) ( , 𝟐) (𝟐, +∞)
𝟐 𝟐
Test Point 𝑥=0 𝑥=1 𝑥=3
2𝑥 − 1 − + +
𝑥−2 − − +
2𝑥 − 1
𝑥−2

Note: To fill the entry on the table, choose any number from the
corresponding interval on top. Substitute this number to the expression on
the left, then simplify. Write only the sign (negative or positive) of the answer
you obtained.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 6

 6. Determine the sign of the entire rational expression for each interval.

𝟏 𝟏
(−∞, ) ( , 𝟐) (𝟐, +∞)
𝟐 𝟐
Test Point 𝑥=0 𝑥=1 𝑥=3
2𝑥 − 1 − + +
𝑥−2 − − +
2𝑥 − 1
+ − +
𝑥−2

Note: Multiply the signs in each column and write the answers in the last
row of the table.

7. Determine the solution set by listing all intervals that satisfy the inequality.

2𝑥−1
Recall that 𝑥−2
is the rational expression in the bottom row of the table, and
2𝑥−1
this inequality states that > 0. This means that our solution set consists
𝑥−2
2𝑥−1
of intervals for which the expression 𝑥−2
is positive. These intervals are
1
(−∞, ) and (2, +∞).
2

1
Thus, the solution of the inequality is (−∞, 2) ∪ (2, +∞).

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 7

 Rational Functions
𝑃(𝑥) 𝑃(𝑥)
● A rational function is a function in the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) or 𝑦 = 𝑄(𝑥) where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are

polynomials functions and 𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0.

● A rational function can be represented in three ways: a table of values, a graph, and
an equation.
𝑥−4
○ For example, the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+4 is represented below using a table

of values, a graph, and an equation.

𝒙 −7 −6 −5 −2 −1 0 1 2
11 5 3 1
𝒚 5 9 −3 − −1 − −
3 3 5 3

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 8

 Graph of a Rational Function
𝑃(𝑥)
● The graph of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) has several important properties on its

zeros, intercepts, and asymptotes.

𝑃(𝑥)
○ The zeroes of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) are the values of 𝑥 at 𝑃(𝑥) = 0.

○ The 𝑦-intercept of a rational function is the value of 𝑦 where 𝑥 = 0.

○ The 𝑥-intercepts of a rational function are the values of 𝑥 where 𝑦 = 0.
𝑎
○ The rational function in the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = where 𝑎 ≠ 0 has the same domain,
𝑥
1
range, and asymptotes as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 .

○ For the location of vertical asymptotes and holes:

𝑃(𝑥)
■ Suppose 𝑅 is a rational function which can be written as 𝑅 (𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥)

where 𝑃 and 𝑄 have no common zeroes. Let 𝑐 be a real number which

is not in the domain of 𝑟.
𝑃(𝑐)
● If 𝑄(𝑐) ≠ 0, then the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥) has a hole at (𝑐, 𝑄(𝑐)).

● If 𝑄(𝑐) = 0, then the line 𝑥 = 𝑐 is a vertical asymptote of the

graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥).
○ For the location of horizontal asymptotes:
𝑃(𝑥)
■ Suppose 𝑅 is a rational function and 𝑅 (𝑥) = , where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are
𝑄(𝑥)

polynomial functions with leading coefficients 𝑎 and 𝑏, respectively.

● If the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) is the same as the degree of 𝑄(𝑥), then
𝒂
𝒚 = is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥).
𝒃

● If the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) is less than the degree of 𝑄(𝑥), then 𝒚 = 𝟎

is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥).
● If the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) is greater than the degree of 𝑄(𝑥), then
the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥) has no horizontal asymptotes.
○ Oblique asymptote exists if the degree of the numerator is one greater than
that of the denominator. It is the remainder after getting the quotient of the
numerator and the denominator.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 9

 𝑃(𝑥)
● The domain of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = includes all real numbers except the
𝑄(𝑥)

values that make 𝑄 (𝑥) = 0.

𝑃(𝑥)
● The range of a rational function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) is equal to the domain of its inverse
𝑃(𝑥)
function 𝑓 (𝑥)−1 = .
𝑄(𝑥)

● The following are the steps in graphing a rational function:

○ Suppose 𝑅 is a rational function.
Step 1: Find the domain of 𝑅.
Step 2: Reduce 𝑅(𝑥) to lowest terms, if applicable.
Step 3: Find the 𝑥- and 𝑦-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥), if they exist.
Step 4: Determine the location of any horizontal and vertical asymptotes or
holes in the graph, if they exist.
Step 5: Sketch the graph using the table of values.
○ For example, the table of values and the graph of the rational function
𝑥+1
𝑓 (𝑥) = are shown below.
𝑥+5

𝒙 −8 −7 −6 −2 −1 0 1 2
7 1 1 1 3
𝒚 3 5 − 0
3 3 5 3 7

Step 1: Find the domain 𝑓.

𝑃(𝑥)
Since the domain of a rational function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) includes all real numbers
𝑥+1
except the values that make 𝑄(𝑥) = 0, the domain of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥+5 is

𝑥+5= 0
𝑥 = −5

Thus, the domain is all real numbers except 𝑥 = −5.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 10

 Step 2: Reduce 𝑓(𝑥) to lowest terms, if applicable.

The numerator and the denominator of the function have no common factors.
Thus, 𝑓(𝑥) cannot be reduced further.

Step 3: Find the 𝑥- and 𝑦-intercepts of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥), if they exist.

𝑦-intercept:
Let 𝑥 = 0. We have

0+1
𝑦=
0+5
1
𝑦=
5
𝑥-intercept:
Let 𝑦 = 0. We have

𝑥+1
0=
𝑥+5
0 = 𝑥+1
𝑥 = −1

1
Thus, the 𝑥- and 𝑦-intercepts of the rational function is −1 and 5, respectively.

Step 4: Determine the location of any horizontal and vertical asymptotes or

holes in the graph, if they exist.

Hole: Since 𝑥 + 5 ≠ 0, the function does not have a hole.

Vertical asymptote: Since 𝑥 + 5 = 0 if 𝑥 = −5, 𝑥 = −5 is the vertical asymptote of

the function.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 11

 Horizontal asymptote: Since the degree of the numerator and denominator are
the same, 𝑦 = 1 is the horizontal asymptote of the function.

Step 5: Sketch the graph using the table of values.

Solving Word Problems Involving Rational Equation

There are different types of word problems involving rational equation. Below are
some examples that deals with fraction problem, distance/rate/time problems,
work problems, and cost problems.

Fraction Problem

Example:
The denominator of a fraction is six more than its numerator. If 3 is added to both
2
the numerator and denominator, the resulting fraction is 3. What is the original

fraction?

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 12

 Solution:
1. Since we want to get both the numerator and the denominator, we will set the
numerator as 𝑛.

2. Translate the first sentence of the word problem in terms of the numerator.

𝑛
𝑛+6

2
3. Then, to solve, just add 3 to both numerator and denominator, and equate it to .
3

𝑛+3 2
=
(𝑛 + 6) + 3 3
𝑛+3 2
=
𝑛+9 3
3(𝑛 + 3) = 2(𝑛 + 9)
3𝑛 + 9 = 2𝑛 + 18
3𝑛 − 2𝑛 = 18 − 9
𝑛=9

4. Substitute the value 𝑛 = 9 to get the original fraction.

𝑛 9 9
= =
𝑛 + 6 9 + 6 15

𝟗 3
Thus, the original fraction is 𝟏𝟓 or 5.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 13

 Distance/Rate/Time Problem

Example:
Two cars left the same place and traveled 180 km into a certain place. Car A traveled
at a speed of 30 kph less than the speed of car B. If car B reached their destination
one hour earlier than car A, what was the speed of car A?

Solution:
The example is a Distance = Rate × Time problem. One of the easiest ways to solve
this problem is by using 𝐷𝑅𝑇 table.

1. Set up a 𝐷𝑅𝑇 table.

𝒓 𝒕 𝒅
Car A
Car B

2. Fill in the table with information given in the question.

Let 𝑥 be the speed of car B.

𝒓 𝒕 𝒅
Car A 𝑥 − 30 180
Car B 𝑥 180

𝑑
3. Fill in the values for 𝑡 using the formula 𝑡 = 𝑟 .

𝒓 𝒕 𝒅
180
Car A 𝑥 − 30 180
𝑥 − 30
180
Car B 𝑥 180
𝑥

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 14

 4. Since car B reached their destination one hour earlier than car A, the difference
between the travel time of the two cars is 1. Thus, we have the following equation:

180 180
− =1
𝑥 − 30 𝑥
180 180
(𝑥)(𝑥 − 30) ( ) − (𝑥)(𝑥 − 30) ( ) = (𝑥)(𝑥 − 30)(1)
𝑥 − 30 𝑥
(𝑥)(180) − (180)(𝑥 − 30) = (𝑥)(𝑥 − 30)
180𝑥 − 180𝑥 + 5 400 = 𝑥 2 − 30𝑥
0 = 𝑥 2 − 30𝑥 − 5 400
0 = (𝑥 − 90)(𝑥 + 60)
𝑥 = 90, −60

We disregard the negative root since speed is always positive. Thus, 𝑥 = 90. The
speed of car A is 𝑥 − 30 = 90 − 30 = 𝟔𝟎 kph.

Work Problem

Example:
Adrian can clean the classroom in 3 hours. Austin can clean the classroom in 2 hours.
How long would it take them to clean the classroom if they work together?

time together time together

Note: Consider the formula time alone
+⋯+ time alone
= 1 in solving “work

problems”.

Solution:
1. Write down the number of hours each person will take to complete the job
including the total number of hours they do the job together.

Adrian: 3 hours
Austin: 2 hours
Together: 𝑡 hours

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 15

 2. Convert each time to an hourly rate.

1
Adrian: 3
1
Austin: 2
1
Together: 𝑡

3. Add the portion that each could do per hour and set it equal to the “together” rate.

1 1 1
+ =
3 2 𝑡

4. Solve for the value of 𝑡.

1 1 1
+ =
3 2 𝑡
1 1 1
[ ] (2)(3)(𝑡) + [ ] (2)(3)(𝑡) = [ ] (2)(3)(𝑡)
3 2 𝑡
2𝑡 + 3𝑡 = 6
5𝑡 = 6
6
𝑡=
5

𝟔
Thus, it would take them 𝟓 hours to clean the classroom together.

Cost Problem

Example:
A group of travelers decided to go on a trip to Hongkong and the organizer said that
the travel package would cost ₱18 000. The organizer also told them that if they got 5
more persons to go on the trip, each person would pay ₱300 less. How many
persons ended up going on the trip?

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 16

 Solution:
1. Let 𝑛 be the original number of persons going on the trip. The cost per person for
the original trip is
18 000
.
𝑛

2. Since the total cost is ₱18 000 and 5 more people will be added, each person would
have to pay

18 000
.
𝑛+5

3. Then, with 𝑛 + 5, the new cost will be ₱300 less and we will have the equation

18 000 18 000
= − 300.
𝑛+5 𝑛

4. Solving the value of 𝑛, we will have

18 000 18 000
= − 300
𝑛+5 𝑛
18 000 18 000
[ ] (𝑛 + 5)(𝑛) = [ ] (𝑛 + 5)(𝑛) − (300)(𝑛 + 5)(𝑛)
𝑛+5 𝑛
18 000𝑛 = (18 000)(𝑛 + 5) − (300)(𝑛2 + 5𝑛)
18 000𝑛 = 18 000𝑛 + 90 000 − 300𝑛2 − 1 500𝑛
300𝑛2 + 1 500𝑛 − 18 000𝑛 + 18 000𝑛 − 90 000 = 0
300𝑛2 + 1 500𝑛 − 90 000 = 0
𝑛2 + 5𝑛 − 300 = 0
(𝑛 + 20)(𝑛 − 15) = 0
𝑛 = −20; 𝑛 = 15

Since there are no negative number of persons, 𝑛 = 15.

Thus, the original number of persons who plans to go on the trip is 15, and the new
number is 20.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 17

 Solving Word Problems Involving Rational Inequality

Example:
A group of university students wants to rent a condo unit to have a party. The condo
rental unit costs ₱5 000, plus an additional amount of ₱50 per student. The group does
not want any of their classmates to pay more than ₱200 in total to attend the party.
How many students would need to attend so that each student would pay at most
₱200?

Solution:
Since there is a one-time cost in addition to a per-person cost, the cost per person will
depend on the number of students attending the party: the more students, the lower
the cost.

5 000
For 𝑥 students attending, each would have to pay 𝑥
for the condo unit rent. In

addition, each student needs to pay ₱50 to stay.

5 000
Thus, each student will need to pay 𝑥
+ 50, and since students must not pay more

than ₱200, the inequality that represents this situation is

5 000
+ 50 ≤ 200.
𝑥
Then, solve for the value of 𝑥.
5 000
+ 50 ≤ 200
𝑥
5 000
≤ 200 − 50
𝑥
5 000
≤ 150
𝑥
5 000 ≤ 150𝑥
5 000
≤𝑥
150
100
≤𝑥
3

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 18

 100
𝑥≥ ≈ 34
3
Note: In this example, we can multiply both sides of the inequality by 𝑥 since the value
of 𝑥 is the number of students and it is positive. Also, since we are solving for the least
100
number of students to minimize the cost, we will get the upper value of 3
which is 34

instead of 33.

Thus, at least 34 students would have to attend the party.

Solving Word Problems Involving Rational Function

Example:
The number of students 𝑁 at a public university who had a virus 𝑡 months after the
250
semester begins can be modeled by the formula 𝑁(𝑡) = 300 − for 𝑡 ≥ 0. How long
1+2𝑡

will it take until 250 students will have the virus?

Solution:
To determine how long will it take until 250 students will have the virus, let
𝑁(𝑡) = 250. Using the given formula, we have
250
250 = 300 −
1 + 2𝑡
250
= 300 − 250
1 + 2𝑡
250
= 50
1 + 2𝑡
250 = (50)(1 + 2𝑡)
250 = 50 + 100𝑡
250 − 50 = 100𝑡
100𝑡 = 200
𝑡=2

Thus, it will take 2 months for 250 students to have the virus.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 19

 Synthesis
● To solve a rational equation, we can use the following methods:
○ converting to a common denominator
○ multiplying both sides by the LCD
𝑃(𝑥)
● A rational function is a function in the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥), where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are

polynomials and 𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0. It can be represented in three ways: a table of values, a

graph, and an equation.
𝑃(𝑥)
● The domain of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) includes all real numbers except for the
𝑃(𝑥)
values that make 𝑄 (𝑥) = 0. The range of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = is equal to the
𝑄(𝑥)
𝑃(𝑥)
domain of its inverse function 𝑓(𝑥)−1 = .
𝑄(𝑥)
𝑃(𝑥)
● The graph of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) has several important properties on its

zeros, intercepts, and asymptotes.

𝑃(𝑥)
○ The zeroes of a rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) are the values of 𝑥 at 𝑃(𝑥) = 0.

○ The 𝑦-intercept of a rational function are the values of 𝑦 where 𝑥 = 0.

○ The 𝑥-intercepts of a rational function are the values of 𝑥 where 𝑦 = 0.
𝑎
○ The rational function in the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = , where 𝑎 ≠ 0, has the same domain,
𝑥
1
range and asymptotes as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 .

○ For the location of vertical asymptotes and holes:

𝑃(𝑥)
■ Suppose 𝑅 is a rational function which can be written as 𝑅 (𝑥) =
𝑄(𝑥)

where 𝑃 and 𝑄 have no common zeroes. Let 𝑐 be a real number which

is not in the domain of 𝑅.
𝑃(𝑐)
● If 𝑄 (𝑐) ≠ 0, then the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥) has a hole at (𝑐, 𝑄(𝑐)).

● If 𝑄 (𝑐) = 0, then the line 𝑥 = 𝑐 is a vertical asymptote of the

graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥).
○ For the location of horizontal asymptotes:
𝑃(𝑥)
■ Suppose 𝑅 is a rational function and 𝑅 (𝑥) = , where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are
𝑄(𝑥)

polynomial functions with leading coefficients 𝑎 and 𝑏, respectively.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 20

 ● If the degree of 𝑃 (𝑥) is the same as the degree of 𝑄(𝑥), then
𝒂
𝒚 = is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥).
𝒃

● If the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) is less than the degree of 𝑄(𝑥), then 𝒚 = 𝟎

is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥).
● If the degree of 𝑃(𝑥) is greater than the degree of 𝑄(𝑥), then
the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑅(𝑥) has no horizontal asymptotes.
○ Oblique asymptote exists if the degree of the numerator is one greater than
that of the denominator. It is the remainder after getting the quotient of the
numerator and the denominator.
● The following are the steps in graphing a rational function:
○ Suppose 𝑟 is a rational function.
Step 1: Find the domain of 𝑟.
Step 2: Reduce 𝑟(𝑥) to lowest terms, if applicable.
Step 3: Find the 𝑥 − and 𝑦 − 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑠 of the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑟(𝑥), if they exist.
Step 4: Determine the location of any horizontal and vertical asymptotes or
holes in the graph, if they exist.
Step 5: Sketch the graph using the table of values.
● Rational functions, equations, and inequalities are applied in various situations such
as fraction problem, distance/rate/time problem, work problem, and cost
problem.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 21

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 22
 Practice
Shade the circle beside the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following is a rational function?

◯ 𝐹 (𝑥) = 10𝑥+1 − 2
◯ 𝑇(𝑠) = |2𝑠 − 3| + 4
3
◯ 𝐷(𝑡) = 1+𝑡 − 8
◯ 𝐺 (𝑚 ) = 5𝑚 2 − 3𝑚 + 6

2𝑥−1
2. Find the domain and range of the rational function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥+1
.
1
◯ Domain: All real numbers except 𝑥 = .
2

Range: All real numbers except 𝑦 = −1.

◯ Domain: All real numbers except 𝑥 = −1.
Range: All real number except 𝑦 = 2.
1
◯ Domain: All real numbers except 𝑥 = 2.

Range: All real number except 𝑦 = 1.

◯ Domain: All real numbers except 𝑥 = −1.
Range: All real numbers except 𝑦 = −2.

4
3. Which of the following is the graph of the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥+2 ?

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 23

 ◯

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 24

 1
4. Determine the 𝑥- and 𝑦-intercepts of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 .

◯ 𝑥-intercept: 𝑥 = 0
𝑦-intercept: 𝑦 = 0
◯ 𝑥-intercept:none
𝑦-intercept: 𝑦 = 0
◯ 𝑥-intercept: 𝑥 = 0
𝑦-intercept: none
◯ 𝑥-intercept: none
𝑦-intercept: none

5. Meibel and Catherine agree to meet in Manila to plan for an upcoming event. Meibel
travels 104 kilometers in the same time that Catherine travels 96 kilometers. If
Meibel’s rate of travel is 4 kph more than Catherine’s, at what speed did Meibel
travel?
◯ 52 kph
◯ 57 kph
◯ 48 kph
◯ 47 kph

6. The sum of a number and 3 times its reciprocal is −4. Find the number(s).
◯ −3 or −1
◯ −1
◯ −4 or 1
◯ 4

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 25

 7. Dean, Mar, and Grant can finish doing the house chores in 2 hours. If Dean does the
job alone, he can finish it in 5 hours. If Mar does the job alone, he can finish it in 6
hours. How long will it take for Grant to finish the job alone?
1
◯ 5 hrs
2
1
◯ 6 2 hrs
1
◯ 7 2 hrs
1
◯ 8 2 hrs

8. A swimming pool can be filled by pipe A in 3 hours and by pipe B in 5 hours. When
the pool is full, it can be drained by pipe C in 4 hours. If the swimming pool is initially
empty and all three pipes are open, how many hours will it take to fill up the pool?
8
◯ 3 17 hrs
9
◯ 3 hrs
17
10
◯ 3 17 hrs
11
◯ 3 17 hrs

9. A mixing tank currently contains 100 liters of water into which 5 pounds of salt have
been mixed. A tap will open pouring 10 liters per minute of water into the tank at the
same time salt is poured into the tank at a rate of 1 pound per minute. Find the
concentration (pounds per liter) of salt in the tank after 12 minutes.
◯ 14 lbs
◯ 15 lbs
◯ 16 lbs
◯ 17 lbs

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 26

 10. A pool can be filled by pipe A in 3 hours and by pipe B in 6 hours, each pump working
on its own. Pump A starts at 9 a.m. At what time will the pool be filled if pump B
started at 10 a.m.?
◯ 11: 05 a. m.
◯ 11: 20 a. m.
◯ 11: 35 a. m.
◯ 11: 50 a. m.

Write the rational function 𝑠 with a hole at 𝑥 = 4, a vertical asymptote at 𝑥 = −3, a horizontal
asymptote at 𝑦 = 6 and an 𝑥-intercept at 𝑥 = 5.

Tips

Rational Equations and Inequalities

● Factoring polynomials are used to solve rational equations and inequalities. Make
sure to study about factoring polynomials to be fully equipped in solving rational
equations and inequalities.

Rational Functions
𝑎 𝑞(𝑥)
● Note that the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥−ℎ + 𝑘 is the same as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑝(𝑥) but only shifted ℎ

units horizontally and 𝑘 units vertically. Use this to your advantage in determining
the properties of rational functions.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 27

 Graph of a Rational Function
● The graph of rational functions can be easily sketched after identifying the
asymptotes, the intercepts, and plotting few points. The parent graph for rational
1
function is 𝑦 = 𝑥.

Word Problems on Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

● Make sure to study about the formula for work problem, cost problem, and distance
problem.

References

Marecek, Lyn. Intermediate Algebra. Rice University: OpenStax, 2017

Dawkins, Paul. “Section 4-8: Rational Functions,” Paul’s Online Notes. Accessed from
http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/Alg/GraphRationalFcns.aspx, October 28, 2019.

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 28

 Answer Key
Answers to Multiple Choice
3
1. 𝐷(𝑡) = 1+𝑡 − 8
2. Domain: All real numbers except 𝑥 = −1.
Range: All real numbers except 𝑦 = 2.
3.

4. 𝑥-intercept: none ; 𝑦-intercept: none

5. 52 kph
6. −3 or −1
1
7. 7 2 hrs
9
8. 3 17 hrs
9. 17 lbs
10. 11: 20 𝐴𝑀

Possible answer and explanation to HOTS Question

Since 𝑠 has a hole at 𝑥 = 4, both the numerator and denominator have a zero at 𝑥 = 4.
Also, the vertical asymptote at 𝑥 = −3 means the denominator has a zero at 𝑥 = −3.
An 𝑥-intercept at 𝑥 = 5 means the numerator has a zero at 𝑥 = 5. Finally, the horizontal
asymptote 𝑦 = 6 means the numerator and the denominator have equal degrees and
the ratio of their leading coefficients are equal to 6. Thus, the rational function is
6(𝑥−4)(𝑥−5)
𝑠(𝑥) = [ (𝑥−4)(𝑥+3) ].

RN2. Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities 29