GEN.

MATH

RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Lesson Description: In this chapter, we begin our study of rational functions — functions of the form
p (x)
, where p and q are both polynomials. Rational functions are similar in structure to rational
q( x)
numbers (commonly thought of as fractions), and they are studied and used extensively in
mathematics, engineering, and science. In more advanced mathematics courses, such as college
algebra and calculus, you will learn even more about the intricate nature of rational functions. In many
science and engineering courses, you will use rational functions to model what you are studying. In
your everyday life, you can use rational functions for a number of useful calculations, such as the
amount of time or work that a given task might require. For these reasons, along with the fact that
learning how to manipulate rational functions will further your understanding of mathematics, this
chapter warrants a good deal of attention.

Course Objectives: The learner will be able to:

1. Represent real life situations using rational function.
2. Solve real life situations using rational functions with table of values.
3. Distinguish rational expression, rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality.
4. Solve the given rational equation and inequality.
5. Determine the excluded values of the given rational functions.
6. Determine the vertical and horizontal asymptote of the given rational functions.
7. Graph the given rational functions using asymptotes.
8. Determine the domain of the given rational functions.

Representing Real Life Situations using Rational Functions

Example: Solve real life situations using rational functions with table of values.

1. The local barangay received a budget of ₱ 100,000 to provide medical check-ups for the
children in the barangay. The amount is to be allotted equally among 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).

Solution:

Step 1: Identify the equation that represents the relationship of the allotted amount per child (y-
variable) versus the total number of children (x-variable).

100,000
y=
x

Step 2: Solve for the table of values using the equation in step 1.

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

Allotted amount (y) 10,000 5,000 2,000 1,000 500 333.33 200 100

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 2. An object is to travel a distance of 10 meters. Express velocity (v) as a function of v(t) of
travel time t, in seconds.

Solution:

Step 1: Identify the equation that represents the relationship of distance and time.

10
v ( t )=
t

Step 2: Solve for the table of values using the equation in step 1.

t (seconds) 1 2 4 5 10
v (meters/second) 10 5 2.5 2 1

5t
3. Suppose that c ( t ) = (in mg/mL) represents the concentration of a drug in a patient’s
2
t +1
bloodstream t hours after the drug was administered. Construct a table of values for c(t) for
t = 1, 2, 5, 10. Round off answers to three decimal places.

Solution:

Step 1: Construct a table of values for c(t) for t = 1, 2, 5, 10.

t 1 2 5 10
c(t) 2.5 2 0.962 0.495

Step 2: Use the given equation to complete the table of values.

4. Suppose the number of bacteria growing in a petri dish is represented by the function
50 t
b ( t )= 0 ≤ t ≤ 20
t+1
where t is in hours and b(t) is in millions. Complete the table of values below.

t (in hours) 1 2 5 15 20
b(t) (in millions)

Round off answers to two decimal places.

Solution:

Step 1: Use the given equation to complete the table of values.

t (in hours) 1 2 5 15 20
b(t) (in millions) 25 33.33 41.67 46.88 47.62

ACTIVITY 4.1: Applications of Rational Function!

Solve the following problems involving rational functions.

1. A manufacturer has determined that the cost in pesos of producing hand towels is given by
2
C ( x )=0.01 x −3 x+ 5000, where x represents the number of hand towels produced daily. Determine
the average cost of producing 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 hand towels per day.
2. A caterer has ₱5, 000 in her budget for fruit. Slicing and delivery of each kilo of fruit costs ₱50. If x
5000
represents the cost per kilo of the fruit itself, then C ( x )= represents the number of kilo she can
x+ 50
buy. Determine the cost per kilo of the fruit and construct a table of values for C ( x )=5 , 10 , 15 ,20 , 25.
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Rational Functions, Equations and Inequality

A rational expression is an expression that can be written as a ratio of two polynomials.

Rational Equation Rational Rational Function

Inequality
An equation An inequality A function of the form of
involving rational involving rational p(x )
f ( x )= where p( x ) and q (x)
Definition expressions. expressions. q( x )
are polynomials, and q ( x) is not
zero function.
2 3 1 5 2 x 2+ 2 x +3
Example − = ≤ (
f x=)
x 2x 5 x−3 x x +1

A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation or
inequality. Whereas we solve an equation or inequality, we do not “solve” functions. Rather, a
function (and in particular, a rational function) expresses a relationship between two variables (such
as x and y ), and can be represented by a table of values or a graph.

Example: Tell whether the following is a rational or not.

x2 +3 x +2 Yes, because it’s a ratio of two

x+4 polynomials.
1 Yes, because the numerator 1 is a
2
3x polynomial.
x2 + 4 x−3
Yes
2
√ x +1 Not, because the numerator is not a
x
3
polynomial.
1
1
x +2 Yes, it is equal to
( x +2)( x−2)
x−2

Example: Determine whether the given is a rational function, rational equation, rational
inequality or none of these.
2
y=5 x −2 x+ 1 Rational Function
8 x
−8= Rational Equation
x 2 x−1
√ x−2=4 Not
x−1 3
=x Rational Equation
x+ 1
7 x 3−4 √ x +1
y= Not
x 2 +3
5
6 x− ≥0 Rational Inequality
x+ 3

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 ACTIVITY 4.2: Tell Me Why?

A. Determine which of the following are rational expressions.

15
a.
√ x−1

b. 5 x 4−6 x 7 +1

5−x 3
c.
x

B. Tell whether the following is a rational function, rational equation, or rational inequality.

2
3 x −2
a. =4 x
2x
−5 x +8
b. y=
3
2
x+3 x
c. =3
4x
3 2
5 x +2 x −3 x +2
d. 2
≥0
x −5

Identifying Excluded Values

For any function involving x and y , an excluded value is any x-value that makes the function
value y undefined. For a rational function, an excluded value is any value that makes the denominator
equal to 0.

Example: Identify the excluded value for each rational function.

8
1. f ( x )=
x

Solution:

Step 1: Set the denominator equal to 0. Then, solve for x .

x=0
The excluded value is 0.

3
2. f ( x )=
x +3

Solution:

Step 1: Set the denominator equal to 0. Then, solve for x .

x +3=0+3=3

The excluded value is 3.

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 4
3. f ( x )=
x−1

Solution:

Step 1: Set the denominator equal to 0. Then, solve for x .

x−1=0−1=−1

The excluded value is −1.

Identifying Asymptotes

Most rational functions are discontinuous functions, meaning their graphs contain one or more
jumps, breaks, or holes. This occurs at an excluded value.

One place that a graph of a rational function is discontinuous is at an asymptote. An asymptote

is a line that a graph gets closer to as the absolute value of a variable increases. The graphs of
rational functions will get closer and closer to but never touch the asymptotes.

Words Examples
a 2 2
A rational function in the form f ( x )= +c 1. f ( x )= = +0
x−b x x−0
has a vertical asymptote at the excluded value,
or x=b , and a horizontal asymptote at y=c . Vertical Asymptote: x=0
Horizontal Asymptote: y=0

1
2. f ( x )= +4
x +2

Vertical Asymptote: x=−2

Horizontal Asymptote: y=4

Example: Identify the asymptotes of the given rational functions.

1
1. f ( x )=
x−6

Solution:

1
Step 1: Write in f ( x )= +c form.
x−b

1
f ( x )= +0
x−6

Step 2: Identify the asymptotes.

Vertical Asymptote: x−6=0 → x −6+6=0+6 → x=6

Horizontal Asymptote: y=0

2
2. f ( x )= −7
3 x−10

Solution:

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 Step 1: Identify the vertical asymptote.

3 x−10=0
3 x−10+10=0+10
3 x =10
3
10
x=
3

Step 2: Identify the horizontal asymptote.

y=−7

1
3. f ( x )= +5
x

Solution:

Step 1: Identify the vertical asymptote.

x=0

Step 2: Identify the horizontal asymptote.

y=5

1
4. f ( x )= −10
x +9

Solution:

Step 1: Identify the vertical asymptote.

x +9=0 → x +9−9=0−9 → x=−9

Step 2: Identify the horizontal asymptote.

y=−10

4
5. f ( x )=
3 x+ 15

Solution:

1
Step 1: Write in f ( x )= +c form.
x−b

4
f ( x )= +0
3 x+ 15

Step 2: Identify the asymptotes.

Vertical Asymptote:

3 x=−15
3 x+ 15=0 → 3 x +15−15=0−15 → → x=−5
3

Horizontal Asymptote: y=0

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 ACTIVITY 4.3: The Excluded Value and Asymptote

A. Identify the excluded value for each rational function.

1
1. f ( x )=
x−4
16
2. f ( x )=
x−4
−2
3. f ( x )=
x
B. Identify the asymptotes of the given rational functions.
1
1. f ( x )= +11
5 x−20
4
2. f ( x )= −9
x +9

Prepared by:

EMILYN B. BALBUENA
JHS/SHS Teacher

No part of this module may be reproduced in any form including photocopying without permission from the writer.