TOPIC:

PROPERTIES OF RATIONAL
FUNCTIONS
OBJECTIVE:
determines the properties of rational
functions
Properties of Rational Functions
• Domain and Range
• Intercepts
- x-intercept
- y-intercept
• Asymptotes
- vertical
- horizontal
- slant/oblique
Recall:
Rational Function
A function in the form:

The functions p and q are polynomials.

2 2
2 𝑥 −4 2 𝑥 −1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= ( )
h 𝑥= 2 𝑔 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥 +5 𝑥 −4 𝑥−1
 Properties of Rational Functions
Domain of a Rational Function
1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥
The domain of a rational
function is the set of all real
numbers except those 𝑥 =0
values that make the
denominator, q(x), equal to 𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 :
zero.
{x | x  0}

or
(-, 0)  (0, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Domain of a Rational Function
1
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2
𝑥
The domain of a rational
function is the set of all 2
𝑥 =0
real numbers except
those values that make 𝑥= 0 √
the denominator, q(x), 𝑥 =0
equal to zero. 𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 :
{x | x  0}
or
(-, 0)  (0, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Domain of a Rational Function
𝑥 2 −3
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
The domain of a rational 𝑥+4
function is the set of all 𝑥 + 4 =0
real numbers except
those values that make 𝑥 =− 4
the denominator, q(x),
equal to zero.
𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 :
{x | x  –4}

or
(-, -4)  (-4, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Domain of a Rational Function
𝑥2 − 4
𝑔 ( 𝑥 )=
The domain of a 𝑥 −2
rational function is the
set of all real numbers 𝑥 − 2 =0
except those values 𝑥 =2
that make the
denominator, q(x), 𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 :
equal to zero. {x | x  2}
or

(-, 2)  (2, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Domain of a Rational Function
2
h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 −9
The domain of a
rational function is 2
𝑥 − 9 =0
the set of all real
( 𝑥 −3)( 𝑥+3)=0
numbers except
those values that x=− 3 , 3
make the
denominator, q(x),
𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 :
equal to zero. {x | x  –3, 3}
or
(-, -3)  (-3, 3)  (3, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Domain of a Rational Function
2 𝑥 +3
h ( 𝑥)= 2
𝑥 − 2 𝑥 −15
The domain of a
rational function 𝑥 is 2 − 2 𝑥 − 15 =0
the set of all real
numbers except( 𝑥 − 5 )( 𝑥 +3 )=0
those values that x =− 3 , 5
make the
denominator,𝑫𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏
q(x), :
equal to zero. {x | x  –3, 5}
or
(-, -3)  (-3, 5)  (5, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Range of a Rational Function STEPS IN FINDING THE
1 RANGE:
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
The range of a 𝑥 1. Replace f(x) to y.
rational 𝑦 = 1 2. Solve for x in terms
of y.
function is the 𝑥
3. Equate the
set of all
𝑥 real 𝑦 =1 denominator to
numbers that 1 zero and solve for
𝑥=
f(x) will take. y.
𝑦
4. Set of all real
so, numbers other
𝒚 = 𝟎 than the values of
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 : y mentioned in the
last step is the
{y | y  0} or (-, 0)  (0, ) range.
 Properties of Rational Functions
Range of a Rational Function STEPS IN FINDING THE
1 RANGE:
( )
𝑓 𝑥 = 2
The range of a 𝑥 1. Replace f(x) to y.
rational 𝑦 = 1 2. Solve for x in terms
2 of y.
function is the 𝑥 3. Equate the
set of all
𝑥 real2 𝑦 =1denominator to
numbers that 2 1 zero and solve for
f(x) will take. 𝑥 = y.
𝑦

√
4. Set of all real
1 numbers other
𝑥=±
so,
𝑦 than the values of
y mentioned in the
𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 : last step is the
range.
{y | y  0} or (-, 0)  (0, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Range of a Rational Function
2 𝑥+ 1
The range f ( x )=   so,
of a 3 𝑥 −2
3 𝑦 −2=0
rational y =   2 𝑥 + 1
3 𝑥 − 2 3 𝑦 =0+ 2
function is
( 3set𝑥of− 2 ) 𝑦 =2 𝑥 +1
the 3 𝑦 =2
2
all real 𝑦=
3 𝑥𝑦 − 2 𝑦=2 𝑥 +1 3
numbers
3 𝑥𝑦 − 2 𝑥= 2 𝑦 +1𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 :
that f(x)
{y | y  }
𝑥 ( 3 𝑦 − 2 )=2 𝑦 +1
will take.
2 𝑦 +1 or
𝑥=
3 𝑦 −2 (-, )  (, )
 Properties of Rational Functions
Range of a Rational Function
𝑥−2
The range 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= so,
𝑥 +2
of a 𝑦 − 1=0
rational 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2
𝑥 + 2 𝑦 =0+1
function is
𝑥of+ 2 ) 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2 𝑦 =1
the( set
all real 𝑥𝑦+ 2 𝑦=𝑥 − 2 𝑹𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 :
numbers 𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑥=− 2 𝑦 − 2
that f(x) {y | y  }
will take.𝑥 ( 𝑦 − 1 ) =− 2 𝑦 − 2
− 2 𝑦 −2 or
𝑥= (-, )  (, )
𝑦 −1
 Properties of Rational Functions
x-intercept of a Rational Function
𝑥−2
The x-intercept of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
a rational 𝑥 +2
function is where
so,
a graph crosses
the x-axis. 𝑥 −2=0
To find the x-
intercept of a
𝑥=0+2
rational function, 𝑥 =2
find the zero/es of
the numerator.
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇 ( 𝒙 ) 𝒊𝒔 𝟐 .
 Properties of Rational Functions
x-intercept of a Rational Function
2 𝑥+ 1
The x-intercept f ( x )=  
of a rational 3 𝑥 −2
function is so,
where a graph 2 𝑥 +1=0
crosses the x-
axis. 2 𝑥=0 −1
To find the x- 2 𝑥= − 1
intercept of a 1
rational function, 𝑥 =−
2
find the zero/es 𝟏
of the numerator. 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒙 − 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇 ( 𝒙 ) 𝒊𝒔 − .
𝟐
 Properties of Rational Functions
x-intercept of a Rational Function
2
The x-intercept of a 𝑥 −3
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
rational function is 𝑥+4
where a graph so,
crosses the x-axis. 𝑥2 − 3=0
To find the x- 𝑥2 =0 +3
intercept of a 2
𝑥 =3
rational function,
find the zero/es of 𝑥=± √ 3
the numerator.
𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒙−𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒐𝒇 𝒇 ( 𝒙 )𝒊𝒔+√ 𝟑𝒂𝒏𝒅−√ 𝟑.
 Properties of Rational Functions
y-intercept of a Rational Function
𝑥−2
The y-intercept of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
a rational 𝑥 +2
function is where so,
a graph crosses
the y-axis.

To find the y-
intercept of a
rational function, 𝑓 ( 0 ) =−1
evaluate the
function at f(0). 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚 −𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒇 ( 𝟎 )=−𝟏
 Properties of Rational Functions
y-intercept of a Rational Function
2 𝑥+ 1
The y-intercept of a f ( x )=  
3 𝑥 −2
rational function is
where a graph so,
crosses the y-axis.

To find the y-
intercept of a
rational function,
1
evaluate the 𝑓 ( 0 ) =−
function at f(0).
2
𝟏
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚 −𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒇 ( 𝟎 )=−
𝟐
 Properties of Rational Functions
y-intercept of a Rational Function
𝑥2−3
The y-intercept of a 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥+4
rational function is
where a graph so,
crosses the y-axis. (0 )2 − 3
𝑓 ( 0) =
0 +4
To find the y-
intercept of a
rational function, 3
𝑓 ( 0 ) =−
evaluate the 4
function at f(0). 𝟑
𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒚 −𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒇 ( 𝟎 )=−
𝟒
 Properties of Rational Functions
Definition:

Asymptote – is a straight line that

constantly approaches a given curve but
does not meet at any infinite distance. In
other words, Asymptote is a line that a
curve approaches as it moves towards
infinity.
 Properties of Rational Functions
Definition of a Vertical Asymptote
The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function f if f
(x) increases or decreases without bound as x approaches a.
f (x)   as x  a + f (x)   as x  a -

y
y

x f
a x
a
x=a
x=a

Thus, f (x)   or f(x)  -  as x approaches a from either the

left or the right.
 Properties of Rational Functions
Vertical Asymptote
A vertical asymptote exists for any value of x that makes
the denominator zero.
Example: 𝑥 2 −16
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥+5
( 𝑥 − 4)( 𝑥+ 4)
¿
s o, 𝑥 +5
x+ 5=0
x=− 5
A vertical asymptotes exists at x = -5. VA:
 𝑥 2 − 16
Graph of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 𝑥+5

Vertical asymptote:
x=-5
 Properties of Rational Functions
Vertical Asymptote
A vertical asymptote exists for any value of x that makes
the denominator zero.
2
Example: h ( 𝑥) = 2
𝑥 −9
2
h ( 𝑥) =
( 𝑥+3)( 𝑥 − 3)
s o,
x=3 ,− 3
A vertical asymptote exists at VA:
 2
h
Graph of ( 𝑥 ) = 2
𝑥 −9

Vertical asymptote: Vertical asymptote:

x=-3 x=3
 Properties of Rational Functions
Vertical Asymptote
A vertical asymptote exists for any value of x that makes the denominator zero.

Example: 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 −6
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2
𝑥 −7 𝑥 +12
( 𝑥+2)( 𝑥 −3)
¿
( 𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 −3)
s o,
x=3 , 4
A vertical asymptote exists at x = 4. VA:
A vertical asymptote does not exist at x = 3 as it is a value
that also makes the numerator zero.
A hole exists in the graph at x = 3.
 2
𝑥 − 𝑥 −6
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2
Graph of 𝑥 −7 𝑥 +12

Vertical asymptote:
x=4
 Properties of Rational Functions

Definition of a Horizontal Asymptote

The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of a
function f if f (x) approaches b as x increases or decreases
without bound.
y y
y
y=b y=b
f
f
y=b f
x x
x

f (x)  b as x   f (x)  b as x   f (x)  b as x  

 Properties of Rational Functions
Locating Horizontal Asymptotes

Let f be the rational function given by

an x n  an 1x n 1    a1x  a0
f ( x)  m m 1
, an  0, bm  0
bm x  bm 1x    b1x  b0
The degree of the numerator is n. The degree of the denominator is m.
1. If n < m, the x-axis or y=0 is the horizontal asymptote of the graph
of f.
2. If n = m, the line y = an is the horizontal asymptote of the graph of f.
bm
3. If n > m, the graph of f has no horizontal asymptote
 Properties of Rational Functions
Horizontal Asymptote
Example:
a
Since n = m, the line y = bmn is
3
5 𝑥 −2𝑥 −72 the horizontal asymptote of
𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 3
the graph of f.
2 𝑥 −7 𝑥 +10
A horizontal asymptote exists at y = 5/2. HA:

𝑥 −6 Since n < m, the x-axis or

𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2 y=0 is the horizontal
𝑥 −7 𝑥 +12 asymptote of the graph of f.

A horizontal asymptote exists at y = 0. HA:

 5 𝑥3− 2 𝑥2− 7
Graph of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 3
2 𝑥 −7 𝑥 +10

Horizontal asymptote:
y=5/2
 Properties of Rational Functions
Horizontal Asymptote
Example:
a
Since n = m, the line y = bmn is
2 𝑥+ 1 the horizontal asymptote of
f ( x )=   the graph of f.
3 𝑥 −2
A horizontal asymptote exists at . HA:

2 Since n < m, the x-axis or

h ( 𝑥) = 2 y=0 is the horizontal
𝑥 −9 asymptote of the graph of f.

A horizontal asymptote exists at y = 0. HA:

Graph of

Horizontal
asymptote:
y=0
 Section 5.2 – Properties of Rational Functions
Oblique (slant) Asymptote
An oblique asymptote exists if the largest
exponent in the numerator is one degree
larger than the largest exponent in the
denominator. It can be found by dividing
the numerator polynomial by the
denominator polynomial using long
division method.
 Properties of Rational Functions
Oblique Asymptote
Example:

𝑥 2+1 An oblique asymptote exists.

𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥 Long division is required.
We ignore the remainder if
𝑥 it exists
x x2  0x 1
− 𝑥2
0 0𝑥
An oblique asymptote exists at y = x. OA:
 𝑥 2+1
Graph of𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 𝑥

Oblique asymptote:
y=x
 Properties of Rational Functions
Oblique Asymptote
Example:

4 𝑥 4 +2 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 −1 An oblique asymptote exists.

𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 3
2 𝑥 +3 𝑥
Long division is required.
2𝑥
2 x 3  3x 4 x 4  0 x 3  2 x 2  x  1
−4 𝑥 4 −6 𝑥 2
An oblique asymptote
−4 𝑥 2 exists at y = 2x

OA:
 4 𝑥 4 +2 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 −1
Graph of 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
2 𝑥 3 +3 𝑥

Oblique
asymptote:
y = 2x
Oblique/Slant Asymptote
Example:

f (x)  x 2
 4x  5 An oblique asymptote exists.
.
x3
Long division is required.

An oblique asymptote
exists at y = x – 1.

OA:
 2
x  4 x  5
Graph of f (x) 
x3
.
7

3 Oblique asymptote:
2
y=x-1
1

-2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

-1

-2

-3
 Properties of Rational Functions
YOUR TURN!
A. Find the (a) domain; (b) range; (c)
intercepts; and (d) asymptotes of the
following:
𝑥+ 1
1. 𝑓 ( 𝑥 ) =
𝑥+4

3 𝑥 −5
2 . 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥 −2
 Properties of Rational Functions
YOUR TURN!
B. Find the (a) domain; (b) intercepts; and
(c) asymptotes of the following:

𝑥 +3
1. 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )= 2
𝑥 −2 𝑥 −3

2
𝑥 + 𝑥 − 12
2. 𝑓 ( 𝑥 )=
𝑥−4