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MODULE 2
GENERAL MATHEMATICS
Rational Functions
𝑃(𝑥)
Given two polynomial functions P and Q, the function defined by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑄(𝑥) is a rational
function. The domain of any rational function is the set of all real numbers except the zeros of
the denominator.
The examples below will provide further knowledge on how to determine rational
functions.
Example: Tell whether each of the following functions is a rational function.
3 𝑥−2 1
(a) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+2 (b) 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+2 + 𝑥 (c) 𝑓(𝑥) = √3𝑥
1
(d) 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 (e) 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1
Solution:
The functions defined in (a), (b), and (e) are rational functions. The function in (b) can
be expressed as a single term by determining the least common denominator (LCD) of the two
𝑥−2 1 𝑥 2 −𝑥+2
terms. The LCD is equal to (𝑥)(𝑥 + 2). Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+2 + 𝑥 is the same as 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥(𝑥+2)
.
Moreover, (e) is a rational function that is because 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 1 is a polynomial
3𝑥 4 +5𝑥 2 +𝑥−1
function that can be written as 𝑓(𝑥) = 1 . From this, we can say that polynomial
functions are also rational functions. On the other hand, the functions defined in (c) and (d)
1
1
are not rational functions. Since 𝑓(𝑥) = √3𝑥 can be written as 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥) and 2is not an
2

integer, 𝑓(𝑥) = √3𝑥 is not a polynomial function. Consequently, it is not a rational function. The
same explanation applies for the function defined in (d).
Generally, functions which permit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and
which allow negative and rational exponents, are called algebraic functions.

Domain of a Rational Function

Domain of a function is the set of all values that the variable x can take.
Let 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) be a function. Domain is all real values of x for which y is defined. If there
is any value of x which y is undefined, we have to exclude that particular value from the set of
domain.
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Example 1: Find the domain of the rational function 𝑦 = 𝑥−2.
Solution: In the above rational function, let us equate the denominator to zero.
𝑥−2=0
𝑥=2
1
In the function 𝑦 = 𝑥−2 , if 𝑥 = 2,then the denominator becomes zero and the value of y
becomes undefined. So y is defined for all real values of x except 𝑥 = 2.
𝑥+2
Example 2:Find the domain of the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −1.
Solution:
Let us equate the denominator to zero.
𝑥2 − 1 = 0
(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 Use factoring the difference of tsquares.
𝑥−1=0 𝑥+1=0
𝑥=1 𝑥 = −1
𝑥+2
In the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 −1, if 𝑥 = 1and 𝑥 = −1,then the denominator becomes zero and the
value of y becomes undefined. So y is defined for all real values of x except 𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = −1.

Range of a Rational Function

Range of a function is the set of all values that f(x) can take.
Let 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) be a function. Range of the function is same as domain of the inverse
function.
𝑥+2
Example: Find the range of the rational function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1.

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 𝑥+2
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥−1 has been defined by f(x) in terms x.
𝑥+2
𝑦 = 𝑥−1 Change f(x) to y and redefine by x in terms of y.
𝑥+2
(𝑥 − 1)𝑦 = 𝑥−1
(𝑥 − 1) Multiply each side by 𝑥 − 1
(𝑥 − 1)𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2
𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 2
𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥 = 𝑦 + 2
𝑥(𝑦 − 1) = 𝑦 + 2
𝑥(𝑦 − 1) 𝑦 + 2
=
𝑦−1 𝑦−1
𝑦+2
𝑥=
𝑦−1
Now the function has been defined by x in terms of y.
𝑦+2 −1 −1 𝑥+2
In 𝑥 = 𝑦−1,we have to replace x by 𝑦 and y by x. Then 𝑦 = 𝑥−1.
−1
Now, find the domain of 𝑦 . Let us equate the denominator to zero.
𝑥−1=0
𝑥=1
−1 −1
In the inverse function 𝑦 , if 𝑥 = 1 , then the denominator becomes zero and the value of 𝑦
−1
becomes undefined. So 𝑦 is defined for all real values of x except 𝑥 = 1.
Rational Equations
Rational Equations are equations containing rational terms either in the numerator or
denominator, or in both. The numerator and denominator contain variables and/or constants
where the denominator cannot be zero.
5 1 1 𝑥 2 −1
Examples: 3𝑥+5 = 𝑥, 𝑥−2 = 3
To simplify rational equations, apply the CRAM method:
C- Clear all fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCD of the terms.
R- Remove all groupings symbols, if there is any.
A- Add or subtract similar terms.
M- Multiply or divide both sides by the numerical coefficient of the variable, leaving only
the variable on the left side of the equation with coefficient equal to 1. Then, check the result.
𝑥+5 3
Example 1: Solve for x in the equation 2𝑥 = 4.
Solution:
Clear all fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCD of the terms,4x.
𝑥+5 3
4𝑥 ⋅ ( 2𝑥 ) = (4) ⋅ 4𝑥
2(𝑥 + 5) = 3𝑥
2𝑥 + 10 = 3𝑥 Removing the grouping symbols
2𝑥 − 3𝑥 = −10 Combining similar terms
−𝑥 = −10 Adding similar terms
𝑥 = 10 Dividing both sides by -1
You can also apply cross-multiplication to obtain the same result for x.
𝑥+5 3
=
2𝑥 4
4(𝑥 + 5) = 3(2𝑥)
4𝑥 + 20 = 6𝑥 By cross-multiplication
4𝑥 − 6𝑥 = −20 Combining similar terms by transposition
−2𝑥 = −20 Adding similar terms
𝑥 = 10 Dividing both sides by -2
𝑥−4 4𝑥+5
Example 2: Find x in the equation −2 − 2𝑥+3 = 0.
Solution:
Start by multiplying both sides of the equation by the LCD, which is −2(2𝑥 + 3).
𝑥 − 4 4𝑥 + 5
−2(2𝑥 + 3) ⋅ ( − ) = 0 ⋅ [−2(2𝑥 + 3)]
−2 2𝑥 + 3
(2𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4) − (−2)(4𝑥 + 5) = 0
2𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 12 − (−8𝑥 − 10) = 0

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 2𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 12 + 8𝑥 + 10 = 0
2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2 = 0
(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2) = 0
Equate both factors to 0 and then solve for x.
2𝑥 − 1 = 0 𝑥+2=0
2𝑥 = 1 𝑥 = −2
2𝑥 1
=
2 2
𝟏
𝒙=
𝟐
1
Therefore, the values of x are 2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 2.
Rational Inequalities
Rational Inequalities are inequalities containing rational terms either in the numerator or
denominator, or both.
5 1 𝑥+2 1 𝑥 2 −1 5 2
Examples: 3𝑥+5
> 𝑥, 𝑥
< 4, 𝑥−2
≥ 3 , 𝑥−3
≤𝑥
To solve rational inequalities:
(a) Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side of the inequality symbol and 0
on the other side.
(b) Determine on what intervals the fraction takes positive and negative values.
i. Locate the x-values for which the rational expression is zero or undefined
(factoring the numerator and denominator is useful strategy).
ii. Mark the numbers found in (i) on a number line.Use a shaded circle to indicate
that the value is included in the solution set, and a hollow circle to indicate that the
value is excluded. These numbers partition the number line into intervals.
iii. Select a test point within the interior of each interval in (ii). The sign of the
rational expression at this test point is also the sign of the rational expression at
each interior point in the aforementioned interval.
iv. Summarize the intervals containing the solution.

Remember:
It is not valid to multiply both sides of an inequality by a variable. Recall that
➢ multiplying both sides of an inequality by a positive number retains the direction
of the inequality; and
➢ Multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number reverses the
direction of the inequality.

Since the sign of a variable is unknown, then it is not valid to multiply both sides of an inequality
by a variable.
2𝑥 3𝑥−1
Example 1: Solve for the inequality 5
+ 2
> 9.
Solution:
2𝑥 3𝑥 − 1
10( + ) > 9(10)
5 2
2(2𝑥) + 5(3𝑥 − 1) > 90 Multiplying both sides of the inequality by 10
4𝑥 + 15𝑥 − 5 > 90 Distributive Property of Multiplication
19𝑥 > 90 + 5
19𝑥 > 95 Combining similar terms
19𝑥 95
19
> 19
𝑥>5 Dividing both sides by 19

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The inequality is true for all 𝑥 > 5. Therefore, the solution is (5, +∞).
2𝑥
Example 2: Solve the inequality 𝑥+1 ≥ 1.
Solution:
(a) Rewrite the inequality as a single fraction on one side, and 0 on the other side.
2𝑥
≥1
𝑥+1

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 2𝑥
−1≥0
𝑥+1
2𝑥 − (𝑥 + 1)
≥0
𝑥+1
2𝑥 − 𝑥 − 1
≥0
𝑥+1
𝑥−1
≥0
𝑥+1
(b) The value x =1 is included since it makes the fraction equal to zero, while x = -1 makes the
fraction undefined. Use a shaded circle for 𝑥 = 1 (a solution) and an unshaded circle for 𝑥 = −1
(not a solution).

-1 1
The inequality is true for all 𝑥 < −1 or 𝑥 ≥ 1. The solution set is (−∞, −1) ∪ (1, ∞).
Representations of Rational Function
In this lesson we demonstrate how we can represent rational functions using tables
of values, graphs and equations.
𝑑
Average speed (or velocity) can be computed by the formula 𝑠 = 𝑡 . Consider a 100-
meter tr7ack used for foot races. The speed of a runner can be computed by taking the time will
100
take him to run the track and applying it to the formula𝑠 = 𝑡 , since the distance is fixed at 100
meters.
Example 1: Represent the speed of a runner as a function of the time it takes to run100 meters
in the track.
Solution:
Since the speed of a runner depends on the time it takes the runner to run 100 meters,
we can represent speed as a function of time. Let x represent the time it takes the runner to run
100
100 meters. Then the speed can be represented as a function s(x) as follows: 𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥 .
𝑑
Observe that it is similar in structure to the formula 𝑠 = 𝑡 relating speed, distance and time.
Example 2: Continuing the scenario above, construct a table of values for the speed of a
runner against different run times.
Solution:
A table of values can help us determine the behavior of a function as the variable x
changes.
The current world record (as of October 2015) for the 100-meter dash is 9.58 seconds
set by the Jamaican Usain Bolt in 2009. We start our table of values at 10 seconds.
Let x be the run time and s(x) be the speed of the runner in meters per second, where
100
𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥 . The table of values for run times from 10 seconds to 20 seconds is as follows:
x 10 12 14 16 18 20
s(x) 10 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56 5
From the table we can observe that the speed decreases with time. We can use a graph
to determine if the points on the function follow a smooth curve or a straight line.
Example 3: Plot the points on the table of values on a Cartesian plane. Determine if the points
100
on the function 𝑠(𝑥) = 𝑥 follow a smooth curve or a straight line.
Solution:
Assign points on the Cartesian plane for each entry on the table of values above:

𝑨(𝟏𝟎, 𝟏𝟎) 𝑩(𝟏𝟐, 𝟖. 𝟑𝟑) 𝑪(𝟏𝟒, 𝟕. 𝟏𝟒) 𝑫(𝟏𝟔, 𝟔. 𝟐𝟓) 𝑬(𝟏𝟖, 𝟓. 𝟓𝟔) 𝑭(𝟐𝟎, 𝟓)

Plot these points on the Cartesian plane.

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

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 𝑥−1
Example 4: Represent the rational function given by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+1 using table of values and plot a
graph of the function by connecting points.
Solution:
Let us construct a table of values from some x-values from -6 to 6:
x -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

f(x) 1.4 1.67 3 -1 0.33 0.6 0.71

Plot the points on a Cartesian plane and connecting the points.

6
4
2
-8 -6 -4 -2 2 4 6 8
-2

ASSIMILATION
Name:
Section:
ACTIVITY 1
A. Determine whether each of the following is a rational expression. If it is not a rational
function, explain why.
1
1. 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−2
𝑥
2. 𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥−1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 1
3
3
4. 𝑓(𝑥) =
(𝑥−1)(𝑥+2)(𝑥−3)
𝑥3
5. 𝑓(𝑥) = 1
(2𝑥−4)2
B. Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation, a rational
inequality or none of these.
1. 𝑦 = 5𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 + 1
7𝑥 3 −4𝑥+1
2. 𝑦 =
𝑥+3
8 𝑥
3. 𝑥
− 8 = 2𝑥−1
4 1
4. 𝑥−2
>𝑥
5. √𝑥 − 2 = 4
𝑥−1
6. 𝑥+1 = 𝑥 3
5
7. 6𝑥 − ≥0
𝑥+3
𝑥−4 1
8. 𝑥−8
≤2
9. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1
𝑥+3
10. 𝑥 + 1 > 0

ACTIVITY 2
A. Find the solutions for each rational equation below. Make sure to check for extraneous
solution.
3 2
1. 𝑥+1 = 𝑥−3
2𝑥 5
2. + =2
𝑥+1 2𝑥
5 3
3. 3𝑥+5
= 3𝑥+5 + 1

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 𝑥 2 −4𝑥 −14−5𝑥
4. 𝑥−1
= 𝑥−2
𝑥 2 −4𝑥 14−9𝑥
5. =
𝑥−2 𝑥−2
B. Find the solution set for each rational inequality below. Graph the solution set on a number
line.
𝑥+3
1. 𝑥 + 1 > 0
4𝑥 2−3𝑥
2. 3
+ 2 <6
𝑥+1
3. 𝑥+3
−2 ≤ 0
(𝑥+3)(𝑥−2)
4. (𝑥+2)(𝑥−1)
≥0
C. Determine the domain and range of the given rational functions.
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1. 𝑦 =
𝑥+2
𝑥+3
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥−2
𝑥+1
3. 𝑦 = −5𝑥−10
4
4. 𝑦 = 2𝑥−1

REFLECTION
A. Answer the following questions based on what you have learned from the module.

1. What is rational function?

2. How to determine if the function is a rational function?

3. How is the idea of rational function applied to real-life situations?

4. What are the differences of rational function, rational equation and rational inequality?

𝑥−3
5. Construct a table of values for the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥+4for −6 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2, x taking on integer
values. Identify values of x where the function will be undefined. Plot the points corresponding
to values in the table. Connect these points with a smooth curve. Explain why the points cannot
be joined by a single curve.

Closing Prayer

We give you thanks Almighty Father through your son Jesus Christ for all the benefits you have
given us to you who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Well done! So you have successfully completed the activities and tasks for this module. It is
expected that you have gained insights and meaningful experiences. What a great
achievement! Again, CONGRATULATIONS AND GOD BLESS!

Name of Teacher Contact No. Consultation Day Consultation Hours

Mrs. Maricris A. Amoloza 0975-702-5302 Tuesday 1:00-3:00

0946-246-9841
Ms. Chrishelyn D. Dacsil 0977-307-6602 Tuesday 1:00-5:00

Engr. Randie Ian A. Villatuya 0932-643-2907 Friday 1:00-5:00