Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Steps to Graphing
Rational Functions
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Rational Functions
Rational functions are quotients of polynomial functions. This means that
rational functions can be expressed as
p ( x)
f ( x) =
q( x)
where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial functions and q(x)  0. The domain of a
rational function is the set of all real numbers except the x-values that make the
denominator zero. For example, the domain of the rational function
This is p(x).
x2 + 7x + 9
f ( x) =
x( x - 2)( x + 5)
This is q(x).
is the set of all real numbers except 0, 2, and -5.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

EXAMPLE: Finding the Domain of a

Rational Function
Find the domain of each rational function.
a. x2 - 9 x x+3
f (x) = b. g(x) = c. h(x) =
x -3 x2 - 9 x2 + 9
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

6-x
If f ( x) = 2
3x + 2
then the domain is the set of all real
numbers, because the denominator of this
function is never equal to zero
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Rational Functions
Unlike the graph of a polynomial function, the graph of the reciprocal function
has a break in it and is composed of two distinct branches. We use a special
arrow notation to describe this situation symbolically:

Arrow Notation
Symbol Meaning
x  a+ x approaches a from the right.
x  a- x approaches a from the left.
x x approaches infinity; that is, x increases without bound.
x  - x approaches negative infinity; that is, x decreases without
bound.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Parent Function
• The parent function is
1
x
• The graph is not
continuous and has
asymptotes
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Transformations
1
• The parent function x
1
• How does this move? +3
x
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Transformations

• The parent function 1

x
• How does this move?
1
( x + 3)
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Transformations
1
• The parent function
x
• And what about this?
1
-4
( x - 2)
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Transformations
1
• The parent function
x

• How does this move? 1

x2
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Transformations
1 1
2
+2
x2 x

1 1
2
+4
( x - 3) 2 ( x - 3)
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Asymptotes

• Places on the graph the function will approach,

but will never touch.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions

Definition of a Vertical Asymptote
The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function f if f(x)
increases or decreases without bound as x approaches a.
f (x)   as x  a + f (x)   as x  a -
y y

f
x x
a a

x=a x=a

Thus, f (x)   or f(x)  - as x approaches a from either the left or the

right.
more
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions

Definition of a Vertical Asymptote
The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function f if f(x)
increases or decreases without bound as x approaches a.
f (x)  - as x  a + f(x)  - as x  a -
y y

x=a x=a

x x
a a
f
f

Thus, f(x)   or f(x)  - as x approaches a from either the left or the

right.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Vertical Asymptotes of Rational Functions

If the graph of a rational function has vertical asymptotes, they can be located
by using the following theorem.

Locating Vertical Asymptotes

If f ( x) = p( x) is a rational function in which p(x) and q(x) have no common
q( x)
factors and a is a zero of q(x), the denominator, then x = a is a vertical
asymptote of the graph of f.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

The function
2x
f ( x) =
x-4
has a vertical asymptote X = 4
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
2
For the function f (x ) = x - x - 6 the vertical
x -2
asymptote is x = 2
6-x
The function f (x ) = 2
x +4
has no vertical asymptote because the
denominator is never zero
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Horizontal Asymptotes of Rational Functions

A rational function may have several vertical asymptotes, but it can have at
most one horizontal asymptote.

Definition of a Horizontal Asymptote

The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of a function f if f(x)
approaches b as x increases or decreases without bound.
y y y
y=b y=b
f
f
f
x y=b x
x

f(x)  b as x   f(x)  b as x   f (x)  b as x  

Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Horizontal Asymptotes of Rational Functions

If the graph of a rational function has a horizontal asymptote, it can be located
by using the following theorem.

Locating Horizontal Asymptotes

Let f be the rational function given by
an x n + an -1 x n -1 +  + a1 x + a0
f ( x) = m m -1
, an  0, bm  0
bm x + bm -1 x +  + b1 x + b0
The degree of the numerator is n. The degree of the denominator is m.
1. If n < m, the x-axis is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of f.
an
2. If n = m, the line y = bm is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of f.
3. If n > m, the graph of f has no horizontal asymptote.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Horizontal Asymptotes of Rational Functions

If the graph of a rational function has a horizontal asymptote, it can be located
by using the following theorem.

Locating Horizontal Asymptotes

Rational Functions and Their Graphs

If the degree of the denominator is greater than the of the degree

of the numerator, then the horizontal asymptote is y = 0

Example 3x
f ( x) = 2
x +5
y = 0 is the horizontal asymptote
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

If the degree of the denominator is equal to the of the

degree of the numerator, then the horizontal
an
asymptote is y =
bm
Example
2x
f ( x) =
x-4
y = 2 is the horizontal asymptote
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Examples of horizontal asymptotes

2x
f ( x) =
x-4
Horizontal asymptote is y = 2

6- x
f ( x) = 2
3x + 2
Horizontal asymptote is y = 0
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Examples
4 2x
f ( x) = 2 f ( x) = 2
x +1 3x + 1

Horizontal Horizontal
Asymptote Asymptote
at y = 0 at y = 0

What similarities do you see between problems?

The degree of the denominator is larger
than the degree of the numerator.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Examples
2x + 1 5x 2 + 1
h( x) = g(x) = 2
x+1 2x - 8
Horizontal Horizontal
Asymptote Asymptote
at y = 2 at y = 5
2
What similarities do you see between problems?

The degree of the numerator is the same as

the degree or the denominator.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Examples
3x 3 - 5x 2 + 4x - 5 x2 - 9
f(x) = g(x) =
3x + 1 x+2
No No
Horizontal Horizontal
Asymptote Asymptote

What similarities do you see between problems?

The degree of the numerator is larger than

the degree of the denominator.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Asymptotes: Summary
1. The graph of f has vertical asymptotes at the
zeros of q(x).
_________
2. The graph of f has at most one horizontal
asymptote, as follows:
line y = 0 is a horizontal
a) If n < d, then the ____________
asymptote. a
y=
b
b) If n = d, then the line ____________ is a
horizontal asymptote (leading coef. over leading
coef.)
no
c) If n > d, then the graph of f has ______
horizontal asymptote.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Holes
• 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.
• The hole is known as a removable singularity or a
removable discontinuity.
• When you graph the function on your calculator you won’t
be able to see the hole but the function is still discontinuous
(has a break or jump).
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Finding a Hole

Remember the 6 x 2 + 10 x + 12  x + 32 x + 4 

f x  = =
function
2
x -9 x + 3x - 3

We were able to cancel the (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
x = -3
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Notice there is a hole in

the graph at the point
where x = -3. You
would not be able to
see this hole if you
graphed the curve on
your calculator (but it’s
there just the same.)
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Slant Asymptotes

• Slant asymptotes occur when the degree of

the numerator is exactly one bigger than the
degree of the denominator. In this case a
slanted line (not horizontal and not vertical)
is the function’s asymptote.
• To find the equation of the asymptote we
need to use long division – dividing the
numerator by the denominator.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Slant Asymptotes
The graph of a rational function has a slant
asymptote if the degree of the numerator is
exactly one more than the degree of the
denominator. Long division is used to find slant
asymptotes.
The only time you have a slant asymptote is
when there is no horizontal asymptote. You
cannot have both.
When doing long division, we do not care about
the remainder.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Finding a Slant Asymptote
x3 + 2 x 2 + 5x - 9
• If f x  =
x2 - x +1

• There will be a slant asymptote because the degree of

the numerator (3) is one bigger than the degree of the
denominator (2).
• Using long division, divide the numerator by the
denominator.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
2
Find all asymptotes. x -x-2
f  x =
x -1

Vertical Horizontal Slant

x
x=1 none x -1 x2 - x - 2


- x2 - x 
-2

y=x
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
2
Find all asymptotes. x -2
f ( x) =
.Vertical asymptote at x=1
x -1
x +1
2
n > d by exactly one, so no x -1 x - 2 y=x+1
horizontal asymptote, but there is
an oblique asymptote. -  x2 - x 
x-2
-( x - 1)
-1
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

EXAMPLE: Finding the Slant Asymptote

of a Rational Function
x 2 - 4x - 5
Find the slant asymptotes of f(x) = .
x-3
Solution Because the degree of the numerator, 2, is exactly one more than
the degree of the denominator, 1, the graph of f has a slant asymptote. To find
the equation of the slant asymptote, divide x - 3 into x2 - 4x - 5:

23 1 -4 -5 8
1x - 1 -
1 3 -3 x-3
1 -1 -8 x-3 x 2 - 4x - 5

Remainder

more
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

EXAMPLE: Finding the Slant Asymptote

of a Rational Function
x 2 - 4x - 5
Find the slant asymptotes of f(x) = .
x-3
Solution The equation of the slant asymptote is y = x - 1. Using our strategy
2
for graphing rational functions, the graph of f(x) = x - 4 x - 5 is shown.
x-3
7

4 Slant asymptote:
3 y=x-1
2
1

-2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
-1

-2 Vertical asymptote:
-3
x=3
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Finding a Hole
3
x -8
• If
f x  = 2
x -4
• Factor both numerator and denominator to see if there
are any common factors.

x 3 - 8 x - 2 x 2 + 2 x + 4
f x  = 2 =

x -4 x - 2x + 2
• Because there is a common factor of x - 2 there will
be a hole at x = 2. This means the function is
undefined at x = 2. For every other x value the
function looks like x 2 + 2 x + 4
x + 2
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

There is a hole in the

curve at the point
where x = 2. This
curve also has a
vertical asymptote at
x = -2 and a slant
asymptote y = x.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Problems
Find the vertical asymptotes, horizontal asymptotes, slant
asymptotes and holes for each of the following functions.
(Click mouse to see answers.)
x 2 + 2 x - 15 Vertical: x = -2
f  x = 2
x + 7 x + 10 Horizontal : y=1
Slant: none
Hole: at x = - 5

2
Vertical: x=3
2 x + 5x - 7 Horizontal : none
g  x =
x-3 Slant: y = 2x +11
Hole: none
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Remember :Steps to graphing rational functions
1. Find the y-intercept.
2. Find the x-intercepts.
3. Find vertical asymptote(s).
4. Find horizontal asymptote.
5. Find any holes in the function.
6. Make a T-chart: choose x-values on either side
& between all vertical asymptotes.
7. Graph asymptotes, pts., and connect with
curves.
8. Check your graph with the calculator.
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

3
x - 8
Graph : f x  = 2
x - 4
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs

Graph :
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:1
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:2
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:3
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:4
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal
asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:5
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal
asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:6
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal
asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
EX:7
Make a hand-drawn graph for the following function.
Be sure to label all the asymptotes. List the domain and the x-
intercepts and the y-intercepts. Check your work using Desmos.

Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal
asymptote:
Oblique asymptote:
Holes:
The Domain:
x-intercepts:
y-intercepts:
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs
Rational Functions and Their Graphs