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Graphing Rational Functions

The document outlines the steps for graphing rational functions, including factoring the numerator and denominator, identifying x-intercepts and vertical asymptotes, and determining horizontal or oblique asymptotes. It emphasizes the importance of critical values and provides a method for creating a number line table to analyze the function's behavior. Finally, it concludes with instructions for graphing the function based on the identified asymptotes and intercepts.

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Pocholo Mendiola
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18 views3 pages

Graphing Rational Functions

The document outlines the steps for graphing rational functions, including factoring the numerator and denominator, identifying x-intercepts and vertical asymptotes, and determining horizontal or oblique asymptotes. It emphasizes the importance of critical values and provides a method for creating a number line table to analyze the function's behavior. Finally, it concludes with instructions for graphing the function based on the identified asymptotes and intercepts.

Uploaded by

Pocholo Mendiola
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

Graphing Rational Functions

UVU Math Lab

Step 1: Given a rational function, factor the numerator and denominator.

2(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥

2(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥(𝑥 + 2)

Step 2: Identify the 𝑥-intercepts.

𝑥-intercepts are found by setting 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑦 = 0.

𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟏)(𝒙 − 𝟑)
𝑓(𝑥) = =0
𝑥(𝑥 + 2)

𝑓(𝑥) = 2(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3) = 0

𝑥+1=0 𝑥−3=0
𝑥 = −1 𝑥=3

Step 3: Identify the vertical asymptotes.

A vertical asymptote is an invisible line which the graph will generally not cross and is written as the
equation of a vertical line, 𝑥 = 𝑎.
The vertical asymptotes of a rational function are directly related to its domain restriction,

𝑁(𝑥)
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐷(𝑥), we know that 𝐷(𝑥) ≠ 0 since the denominator of any rational expression is undefined
when it is equal to zero.
2(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝒙(𝒙 + 𝟐)

Therefore we will have vertical asymptotes at:


𝑥(𝑥 + 2) = 0

𝑥=0 𝑥+2=0
𝑥 = −2
Graphing Rational Functions continued:

Step 4: Make a number line table with the critical values identified above.

V.A. x-int V.A. x-int


−2 −1 0 3 Domain
𝑥
𝑥+2 − + + + +
𝑥+1 − − + + +
𝑥 − − − + +
𝑥−3 − − − − +
multiplied + − + − + Range

• Notice that the binomials are listed in the same order as their zeros, critical values.
• All values up to a binomial’s zero would make that binomial a negative number. So we know the
graph will be a negative y-value, that is, the graph will be below the x-axis.
• Likewise, all values after a binomial’s zero would make that binomial a positive y-value and above
the x-axis.
• The last row is the result of multiplying the signs in each column.

Step 5: Identify horizontal or oblique asymptotes.

Horizontal and oblique (diagonal) asymptotes are found by comparing the degree of the numerator to the
degree of the denominator.

𝑁(𝑥) 𝑎𝑥 𝑛 +⋯
Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝐷(𝑥) = 𝑏𝑥 𝑑 +⋯

If… then the asymptote is… and defined by…


the x-axis:
𝑛<𝑑 horizontal
𝑦=0
the ratio of the leading coefficients:
𝑛=𝑑 horizontal 𝑎
𝑦=
𝑏
the equation of the line found by dividing the numerator by the
𝑛>𝑑 denominator.
oblique (diagonal) 𝑁(𝑥) 𝑟(𝑥)
by 1 degree
𝑓(𝑥) = = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏 +
𝐷(𝑥) 𝐷(𝑥)

Otherwise, there are no asymptotes.


2(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3)
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥

Since the degree of the numerator is equal to that of the denominator, 𝑛 = 𝑑, then the ratio of the leading
coefficients is the H.A.
2
𝑦= =2
1
Graphing Rational Functions continued:

Step 6: Identify y-intercept.


The y-intercept is found by setting 𝑥 = 0. However, since 0 is an excluded domain value, we will not have
a y-intercept in this case.

Step 7: Graph.

1. Graph asymptotes.
2. Graph x- & y-intercepts.
3. Graph curves using the table as a guide for
the range values and remembering that the
graph will be guided by the asymptotes.

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