1.4 Rational-Functions-A-Problem-solving-in-Perspective
1.4 Rational-Functions-A-Problem-solving-in-Perspective
Problem-solving in
Perspective
Learner's Module in General Mathematics
Quarter 1 ● Module 4 ● Week 4
JOPIE B. FERRER
Developer
Published by:
DepEd Schools Division of Baguio City
Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management and Development System
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
2020
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This material has been developed for the implementation of K-12 Curriculum through
the DepEd Schools Division of Baguio City – Curriculum Implementation Division
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enhancement or a supplementary work are permitted provided all original work is
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What I Need to Know
Hello learner! This module was designed and written with you in mind.
Primarily, its scope is to (1) find the domain and range of a rational function; (2)
determine the intercepts, zeros, and asymptotes of rational function; and (3) solve
problems involving rational functions, equations, and inequalities.
Now, here is an outline of the different parts of your learning module. The
descriptions will guide you on what to expect on each part of the module.
What I have Learned This generalizes the essential ideas tackled from
this module.
This is a real life application of what you have
What I Can Do
learned.
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What I Know
If you answer all the test items correctly in this pretest, then you may skip
studying this learning material and proceed to the next learning module.
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the best answer. Write the letter of your choice in
CAPITAL LETTERS on the space provided. (15 points)
_____ 1. What is this line where the graph of a function approaches and gets closer,
but will never cross it?
A. Intercept B. Asymptote C. Zero D. Domain
_____ 2. In finding the value of -intercept, what is the value of ?
A. B. C. D.
_____ 3. In finding the value of -intercept, what is the value of ?
A. B. C. D.
_____ 4. What is the term that is known as real-numbered zero?
A. -intercept B. -intercept C. Domain D. Range
_____ 5. What is the set that contains all the possible values for ?
A. -intercept B. -intercept C. Domain D. Range
_____ 6. What is the set that contains all possible values of ?
A. -intercept B. -intercept C. Domain D. Range
_____ 7. If the domain is NOT equal to , what is the vertical asymptote?
A. B. C. D.
_____ 8. If the range is NOT equal to , what is the horizontal asymptote?
A. B. C. D.
( )
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_____ 12. What is the -intercept?
A. B. C. D.
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What’s In
Let us review first the mathematical terms that will help us understand the main
lesson.
1. Domain – this is the set of all possible values of . In this module, we will use
to denote the domain of a given rational function.
2. Range – this is the set of all possible values of . We denote the range of a
given rational function by
Steps in solving rational equations will also be essential in solving real-life problems
in this module. The steps are presented below.
1. Find the least common denominator (LCD).
2. Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCD.
3. Solve the equation.
4. Check the solution.
Now that we already recall important concepts to help us understand the next
lesson, let us start with an activity that collects your personal view on the given
question.
What’s New
What’s In It
Rational functions have limitations. These limitations are called asymptotes and are
not part of the domain or range of a given rational function.
In this lesson, we now look into rational functions and its applications in real-life
situations. We shall learn some of these applications and see the behavior through
its graph with the help of finding domain, range, intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes.
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FINDING DOMAIN AND RANGE OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
FOR DOMAIN:
Steps:
1. Express in terms of . (This means that is on one side of the equation and
the other terms are on the other side of the equation).
2. Check for a restriction. If it is part of the denominator, equate the denominator
to and solve for . If is not part of the denominator, the domain is the set of
all real numbers ( ).
FOR RANGE:
Steps:
1. Express in terms of . (This means that is on one side of the equation and
the other terms are on the other side of the equation).
2. Check for a restriction. If it is part of the denominator, equate the denominator
to and solve for . If is not part of the denominator, the range is the set of all
real numbers ( ).
Change to a fraction.
Cross multiply.
or is expressed in terms of .
So, the domain and range of the rational function is the set of all real
numbers ( ). If you try to graph this manually or using a mobile application
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GeoGebra, you will find that it is a linear graph. This is an example of a linear
function that is a rational function in form. It is also called a linear rational function.
Now, let’s focus on rational functions with a variable in the denominator.
So, the domain is the set of all real numbers except . Remember that if we
substitute from the given rational function, it will be undefined. In set notation,
it is written as * + and read as “the domain is the set of all real
numbers such that is not equal to ”.
Range:
Step 1: Express in terms of .
Change to a fraction.
Cross multiply.
is expressed in terms of .
So, the range is the set of all real numbers except . Remember that if we
substitute from , it will be undefined. In set notation, it is written as
* + and read as “the range is the set of all real numbers such that
is not equal to ”.
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Example 3: Find the domain and range of .
Domain:
Step 1: Express in terms of .
The given rational function has been cleared with Step 1 as is placed on
the left side of the equation and the other terms are on the right side of the
equation.
Step 2: Check for a restriction.
Since is part of the denominator, then we have to equate the denominator
to and solve for .
Copy the denominator and equate to .
Add both sides by or by transposition.
So, the domain is the set of all real numbers except . Remember that if we
substitute from the given rational function, it will be undefined. In set notation, it
is written as * + and read as “the domain is the set of all real
numbers such that is not equal to ”.
Range:
Step 1: Express in terms of .
Change to a fraction.
Cross multiply.
is expressed in terms of .
So, the range is the set of all real numbers except . Remember that if we
substitute from , it will be undefined. In set notation, it is written as
* + and read as “the range is the set of all real numbers such that
is not equal to ”.
Now, let’s give emphasis on finding the domain with degree 2 in the denominator.
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Example 4: Find the domain of .
Solution: The given function is already presented as being expressed in terms of
. Since is part of the denominator, then we have to equate the
denominator to and solve for .
Copy the denominator and equate to .
( )( ) Do factoring of “difference of two squares”.
Equate each factor to .
Solve for .
So, the domain is the set of all real numbers except and . Remember
that if we substitute or from the given rational function, it will be
undefined. In set notation, it is written as * + and read as “the
domain is the set of all real numbers such that is not equal to and ”.
Example 5: Find the domain of .
Solution: The given function is already presented as being expressed in terms of
. Since is part of the denominator, then we have to equate the
denominator to and solve for .
Copy the denominator and equate to .
( )( ) Do factoring of trinomials.
Equate each factor to .
Solve for .
So, the domain is the set of all real numbers except and . Remember
that if we substitute or from the given rational function, it will be
undefined. In set notation, it is written as * + and read as “the
domain is the set of all real numbers such that is not equal to and ”.
Domain and range of rational functions can also be identified through graphing of
rational functions. Let us now proceed on finding the zeroes, asymptotes, and
intercepts of rational functions to have a clearer view on its behavior.
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To have a clearer view of these mathematical concepts, study the given example of
rational graph.
Vertical Asymptote
𝑥-intercept or zero
Horizontal Asymptote
𝑦-intercept
Looking at the graph above, observe that the graph approaches the vertical and
horizontal asymptotes (illustrated as dashed lines) and gets closer, but will never
cross these lines.
Let us now learn how to find intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes of rational functions.
The table below summarizes the steps.
How to find the: Do the following:
y-intercept Evaluate the function at .
x-intercepts/ zeroes Find the values of where the numerator will be zero.
Find the values of where the denominator is zero. If this value
Vertical asymptotes of a does not make the numerator zero, then the line is a
vertical asymptote.
Let be the degree of the numerator and the degree of
the denominator:
The numerator has a leading
coefficient of 𝟑 and the variable 𝑥
has a degree (exponent) of 𝟏.
Example: ( )
The denominator has a leading
Horizontal
coefficient of 𝟓 and the variable 𝑥
asymptotes has a degree (exponent) of 𝟐.
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Substitute with . Therefore, there is no -intercept or zero
of the given function.
Simplify.
Vertical Asymptote at 𝑥
No 𝑥-intercept or zero
Horizontal Asymptote at 𝑦
𝑦-intercept at point
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( )( ) Do factoring trinomial.
The numerator and denominator’s degrees
Equate each factor to .
are both . We see that . Therefore,
Solve for .
the horizontal asymptote is equal to the
quotient of the leading coefficients of the
numerator and denominator which is
Vertical Asymptotes at 𝑥
and 𝑥
𝑦-intercept at point
Horizontal Asymptote at 𝑦
𝑥-intercepts at points
and ( )
From the graph of the function, we observe that the function increases and
decreases without bound. The graph also crosses the horizontal asymptote.
Therefore, the range of the function is the set of all real numbers. It is of good help to
see the behavior of rational functions through graphing. Try using mobile
applications that will graph your function such as GeoGebra and graphing calculator.
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The numerator’s degree is and the
denominator’s degree is . We see that
. Therefore, the is no horizontal
asymptote.
Definition: For any nonzero real number , the reciprocal of is the number .
Note that the product of number and its reciprocal is always equal to
the number . That is, .
Example: The difference of a whole number and its reciprocal is . What is the
number?
Solution:
Step 1: Represent the unknown in the problem.
Let the whole number
the reciprocal of the number
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Step 2: Form the equation that describes the problem.
Motion Problem
Motion problems are usually modelled by rational functions. When solving motion
problems, we should recall the distance is equal to the product of the speed and the
time.
In symbol, we have where is the distance, is the speed, and is the time.
Transforming the formula, we also have and .
Example: Mario and Pedro are students from Sports track of Baguio City National
High School. They decided to practice sprinting at Baguio Athletic Bowl.
Mario runs faster than Pedro. When Mario travelled a distance of
, Pedro has gone . What is the speed of both sprinters?
Solution:
Step 1: Represent the unknown in the problem.
Note that time is expressed as .
Let speed of Pedro
speed of Mario
Sprinter Distance Speed Time
Pedro
Mario
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Step 2: Form the equation that describes the problem.
Since the time is spent by both sprinters are equal, we have the equation
Work Problem
A nice application of rational functions involves the amount of work a person (or
team of persons) can do in a certain amount of time. We can handle these
applications involving work in a manner similar to the method we used to solve
distance, speed, and time problems. Here is the guiding principle.
Work, Rate, and Time. The amount of work done is equal to the product of the rate
at which work is being done and the amount of time required to do the work. That is,
Work = Rate × Time.
Transforming the formula, we also have and
where , , and .
Example: From the previous module, Maria can sew 30 shirts in 4 hours while Petra
can do the same job in 5 hours. How long will it take them to finish the
same job if they work together?
Solution:
Step 1: Represent the unknown in the problem.
Note that rate is expressed as . Consider sewing 30 shirts as 1 Work
because it is the same job for both Maria and Petra.
Let combined rate of Maria and Petra to sew 30 shirts
Tailor Work (sew 30 shirts) Time Rate
Maria hours
Petra hours
Maria and Petra
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Step 2: Form the equation that describes the problem.
If Maria and Petra work together, they can finish sewing 30 shirts in .
What’s More
Activity 1: Firm Up
Find the domain of the following rational functions.
1. ( )
2. ( )
3. ( )
1. ( )
2. ( )
3. ( )
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Activity 3: Challenge Yourself
Complete the table below.
Vertical Horizontal
Rational Function y-intercept x-intercept
Asymptote Asymptote
1. ( )
2. ( )
3. ( )
What I Can Do
Activity: Pandemic Move
Let us go back to the previous problem that we had.
Many countries participated in the clinical trial of vaccines for Covid-19. Let
( ) (in mg/mL) be the function that describes the concentration of a
certain medication in the bloodstream over time (in hours).
(a) Determine when the maximum amount of the drug is in the body and the
amount at that time.
(b) Explain within the context of the problem the shape of the graph between
taking the medication orally ( ) and the maximum point.
(c) What are the asymptotes of the rational function?
(d) What is the meaning of the asymptotes within the context of the problem?
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Assessment
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the best answer. Write the letter of your choice in
CAPITAL LETTERS on the space provided. (15 points)
( )
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_____ 13. What is the -intercept?
A. B. C. D.
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Additional Activities
Activity 1: Riddle
I am a rational function having a vertical asymptote at the lines and
– , and a horizontal asymptote at . If my only -intercept is and my -
intecept is , what function am I?
Answer:
Activity 2: Interlink
Rational functions are used to model and solve many problems like in the
discussions we had previously and in the business world. Name one (1) example of
world scenarios or in your community that apply rational functions and how this help
you in your daily activities.
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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WHAT I HAVE WHAT I CAN DO ASSESSMENT ADDITIONAL
LEARNED ACTIVITY
(a) The graph indicates that 1. B
Answers may vary the maximum drug 2. D 𝑥
concentration occurs 3. A 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑥
around 2 hours after the 4. B
drug was administered. 5. D
(b) Answers may vary 6. B
(c) None 7. B
(d) Answers may vary 8. D
9. B
10. B
11. C
12. D
13. C
14. C
15. B
WHAT I KNOW WHAT’S NEW WHAT’S MORE
1. B Answers may vary Activity 1:
2. B 1. 𝐷 *𝑥 𝑥 +
3. A 2. 𝐷 *𝑥 𝑥 +
4. A 3. 𝐷 *𝑥 𝑥 +
5. C
6. D Activity 2:
7. B 1. 𝐷 , 𝑅
8. D 2. 𝐷 *𝑥 𝑥 +, 𝑅 *𝑦 𝑦 +
9. B 3. 𝐷 *𝑥 𝑥 +, 𝑅 *𝑦 𝑦 +
10. C
11. C Activity 3:
12. D No. 𝒚-int. 𝒙-int. V.A. H.A.
13. A
14. C 𝑥 ,
1 𝑦 𝑥 None
15. B 𝑥
2 𝑦 𝑥 𝑥 𝑦
3 𝑦 None 𝑥 𝑦
ANSWER KEY
REFERENCES
Applications of Rational Functions. Accessed August 26, 2020.
file:///F:/applications%20of%20rational%20 functions.pdf
Varsity Tutors. Domain and Range of Rational Functions. Accessed August 26,
2020. https://www.varsitytutors. com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/domain-
and-range-of-rational-functions
Verzosa, Debbie Marie B., Leo Andrei A. Crisologo, Lester C. Hao, eden delight P.
Miro, Shirlee R. Ocampo, Emellie G. Palomo, Regina M. Tresvalles, 2016.
Teaching Guide for Senior High School – General Mathematics. Quezon City:
Commission on Higher Education.
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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Schools Division of Baguio City
No. 82 Military Cut-off Road, Baguio City
Telefax: 422-4326 / 422-7819
Email Address: [email protected]
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