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RATEY Summary

The RATEY method provides guidelines for graphing rational expressions by examining the roots, asymptotes, two identical factors, and end behavior. It involves setting the numerator and denominator equal to 0 to find roots and asymptotes, looking for identical factors that determine if the graph is tangent or crossing, and comparing degrees to determine horizontal asymptotes and end behavior. The method also specifies how to find the y-intercept by setting x equal to 0.

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Adithya Harihara
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670 views

RATEY Summary

The RATEY method provides guidelines for graphing rational expressions by examining the roots, asymptotes, two identical factors, and end behavior. It involves setting the numerator and denominator equal to 0 to find roots and asymptotes, looking for identical factors that determine if the graph is tangent or crossing, and comparing degrees to determine horizontal asymptotes and end behavior. The method also specifies how to find the y-intercept by setting x equal to 0.

Uploaded by

Adithya Harihara
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Summary of the RATEY Method for Graphing Rational Expressions

x-axis

point(s)

Root(s) are the x-intercepts of the function (where y = 0).


To locate the roots:
Set the numerator = 0 and solve for x. Write as an ordered pair.
Note: if the numerator can never = 0, there are no roots, and the
graph does not touch or cross the x-axis.

x-axis

line(s)

Asymptotes refer to the vertical asymptotes of the function.


To locate the vertical asymptotes:
Set the denominator = 0 and solve for x, factoring if needed.
These equations (x = #) are where the function is discontinuous.
If the discontinuity is non-removable (cannot be canceled with a
factor in the numerator, it is a vertical asymptote.
Note: If the discontinuity is removable (can be canceled with a factor
in the numerator), it is a "hole" in the graph.

Two identical factors refers to two identical factors, in the numerator or denominator.
In the numerator:
(yes) The curve is tangent to the x-axis (takes a "bounce") at that x value.
(no) Otherwise, the curve crosses the x-axis at that x-value.
In the denominator:
(yes) curve approaches the same direction (is "together") both sides of the VA.
(no) Otherwise, the curve approaches different directions (is NOT "together")
on either side of the vertical asymptote.

y-axis

line(s)

End behavior refers to what happens at the "ends" of the function.


(it also locates horizontal asymptotes by considering the degrees of
the numerator and denominator.
Top-heavy (larger degree in the numerator):
Implies there are no horizontal asymptotes.
Consider the parent function for the "ends."
Same degree:
Implies there is a horizontal asymptote at
leading coefficient of numerator
y
leading coefficient of denominator
Bottom-heavy (larger degree in the denominator):
Implies there is a horizontal asymptote at y = 0.

y-axis

point

Y-intercept is the point where x = 0


Set x = 0 and solve for y. Write as an ordered pair.

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