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graphing notes

The document outlines the process for finding vertical and horizontal asymptotes, holes, and slant asymptotes in rational functions. It provides step-by-step instructions for graphing rational functions, including factoring, identifying asymptotes, and determining domain and range. Several examples illustrate these concepts in practice, demonstrating how to analyze and graph rational functions effectively.

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devika.jayasacademy
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3 views

graphing notes

The document outlines the process for finding vertical and horizontal asymptotes, holes, and slant asymptotes in rational functions. It provides step-by-step instructions for graphing rational functions, including factoring, identifying asymptotes, and determining domain and range. Several examples illustrate these concepts in practice, demonstrating how to analyze and graph rational functions effectively.

Uploaded by

devika.jayasacademy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Finding Vertical Asymptotes

Set the denominator equal to zero...and...solve for the unknown!


**Note finding Holes below!!

Finding Horizontal Asymptotes

Given ,where D(x) ≠ 0

the numerator has degree n while the denominator has degree d

• If n < d, y = 0 is the HA

• If n = d, y = a/b is the HA. a is the leading coefficient of N(x) and b


is the leading coefficient of D(x)

• If n > d, no HA exists

Finding Holes
Once a rational function is fully factored in both the numerator
and denominator, if there are common factors to both the
numerator and denominator and canceling occurs, a hole exists at
the point represented by the canceled factor.

For example: (x ­ 2) is canceled in the numerator and


denominator, a hole exists at x = 2
If (x) is canceled as a factor for both the numerator and
denominator, a hole exists at x = 0.

Slant (Oblique) Asymptotes

Only Occurs when the degree of the numerator is


exactly one more than the degree of the denominator!

How do you find a slant (oblique) asymptote?


Long Division!

After you are finished with your long division, you


will likely have a remainder that is not zero. In this
event, or on the off chance the remainder is zero,
the slant asymptote is the linear equation that is the
"quotient"!
Putting it all together
Seriously, how do I graph a Rational Function? What am I
supposed to do for nearly every rational function problem?
There seems to be so much to keep track of!

8 Suggested steps...
1. Factor

2. Canceling factors ­ this gives you holes!

3. Set the denominator equal to zero and solve ­ this is VAs

4. Determine the degree of the numerator and denominator ­


this relationship determines HAs

5. Follow the rules to find HAs, remember they all revolve


around the degree of the numerator and denominator!

6. Identify whether or not a SA is going to be present on


your graph

7. Graph the function


~ Draw and label all VAs, HAs, SAs and holes
~ Sketch the remaining function within the
restrictions of VAs and HAs
~ Select a few x values that will help you determine
where to sketch the graph in relation to the asymptotes.

8. Determine the domain and range


~ Domain: broken by holes and VAs
~ Range: broken (potentially) by HAs

Ex 1: Find the vertical asymptotes of the following. Then, identify the


domain for the rational function. Lastly, sketch a graph of the
function!

1. Factor: Top is good. Bottom cannot be


factored either.

2. Nothing cancels (**Remember, you cannot


cancel terms, just factors!). No Holes

3. 3x2 + 1 = 0, solve for x...


3x2 = ­1
x2 = (­1/3)
x = ±√(-1/3)
x is imaginary, so the denominator will
never equal zero! This means there areno
VAs.

4. d(N) = 1; d(D) = 2.

5. So, looking at my options, the HA is y = 0!


*Plot this now

6. No Slant Asymptote because of the degrees!

7. NOW graph the function itself since all asymptotes are drawn!
Check points like...x­intercepts, y­intercepts,
around the y­axis...etc.

8. Domain = (­∞, ∞)
Range = [­.58, .58]
Ex 2: Find the vertical asymptotes of the following. Then, identify the
domain for the rational function. Lastly, sketch a graph of the
function!
1. Factor: Numerator = (x­4)(x­3)
Denominator = (x­4)(x+2)

2. (x­4) cancels, so there is a hole atx = 4!


**The new function is (x­3)/(x+2)!!**
**All other calculations are on this new
function!**

Now, plug x = 4 into the new function and


see where the hole will be. (4­3)/(4+2)
= (1/6). Plot this with an open circle at
point (4, 1/6)

3. x+2 = 0...solve for x...


VA at x = ­2!! Plot this!!

4. d(N) = 1; d(D) = 1.

5. Due to the degrees, the HA is the quotient of the


leading coefficients. In this casey = 1/1 = 1
Plot this!

6. There is no SA because of the degrees!

7. Now plot the graph after having done some


calculations for key points

8. Domain = (­∞, ­2) ∪ (­2, ∞)


Range = (­∞, 1) ∪ (1, ∞)

Ex 3: Graph the following by hand! Include all key components.


Keep a slant asymptote in mind!

1. Factor: (x­2)(x+1) / (x­1)

2. No Canceling = No Holes

3. x­1 = 0, solve for x


x = 1 is the VA!!

4. d(N) = 2, d(D) = 1

5. Following the rules =NO HA!!

6. Because of the degrees, there IS a SA!!


Find using long division and then plot!!

7. Plot specific points and graph the function!

8. Domain = (­∞, 1) ∪ (1, ∞)


Range = (­∞, ∞)

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