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Graphing Rational Functions Notes

To graph a rational function f(x) = p(x)/q(x): 1. Factor the numerator and denominator 2. Find the x- and y-intercepts by setting the numerator and denominator equal to 0 3. Identify any vertical asymptotes from values where the denominator is 0 or holes where factors cancel, and find any horizontal or slant asymptotes based on the degrees of the numerator and denominator 4. Sketch the graph by plotting intercepts and asymptotes, with at least one additional point between intercepts/asymptotes

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39 views

Graphing Rational Functions Notes

To graph a rational function f(x) = p(x)/q(x): 1. Factor the numerator and denominator 2. Find the x- and y-intercepts by setting the numerator and denominator equal to 0 3. Identify any vertical asymptotes from values where the denominator is 0 or holes where factors cancel, and find any horizontal or slant asymptotes based on the degrees of the numerator and denominator 4. Sketch the graph by plotting intercepts and asymptotes, with at least one additional point between intercepts/asymptotes

Uploaded by

ashdog
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Graphing Rational Functions

𝑝(𝑥)
A rational function is in the form: 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑞(𝑥)

To graph:
1. Factor numerator and denominator.
2. Find x- and y-intercepts
 the x-intercept is the value(s) of x that make the numerator = 0
 the y-intercept is the value of the function when you plug in zero for x.
 Write intercepts as ordered pairs!!
3. Find vertical asymptotes and/or holes
 Find the values of x that make the denominator = 0
 If a factor in the denominator cancels out with a factor in the numerator, the value of
x that makes that factor = 0 is the x-coordinate of a HOLE.
 To find the y-coordinate of the hole, plug the x-value into the
simplified function and solve for y.
 Write hole as an ordered pair.
 If the factor does NOT cancel out, you get a vertical asymptote at the value of x that
makes the factor = 0.
 Write VA as equation: x = ___.
4. Find horizontal or slant asymptote
 determine the degree of both the numerator (N) and denominator (D).
𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
 if N = D, there is a horizontal asymptote at 𝑦 = 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟
o write HA as equation: y = ___.
 If N < D, there is a HA at y = 0.
 If N is ONE more than D, there is a slant asymptote at
𝑦 = quotient of 𝑝(𝑥) ÷ 𝑞(𝑥) without the remainder
o write SA as equation: y = ___.
5. Sketch graph
 plot intercepts
 draw asymptotes as dotted lines
 draw a small circle for hole(s)
 find other points – you must have AT LEAST one point on every interval defined by
x-intercepts and vertical asymptotes.
6. Important Notes:
 As a graph approaches a vertical or slant asymptote, it gets closer and closer
without ever reaching the asymptote. The value of y will go to ±∞ as it approaches
the asymptote.
 SOMETIMES a graph can cross a horizontal asymptote before approaching the
asymptote.
 You can have multiple vertical asymptotes
 There can only be one horizontal or slant asymptote, never both. And you can have
a graph without either a horizontal or slant asymptote.

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