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Rational Functions Lesson

The document explains rational functions, which are expressed as the ratio of two polynomials. It details how to find intercepts, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, providing examples for clarity. A summary table is included to consolidate the methods for determining these characteristics.

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Romulo Jr. Brazas
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11 views10 pages

Rational Functions Lesson

The document explains rational functions, which are expressed as the ratio of two polynomials. It details how to find intercepts, vertical and horizontal asymptotes, providing examples for clarity. A summary table is included to consolidate the methods for determining these characteristics.

Uploaded by

Romulo Jr. Brazas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Intercepts, Zeros, and

Asymptotes of Rational
Functions
Senior High School Math Lesson
What is a Rational Function?
• A rational function is a function that can be
written as:
• f(x) = P(x) / Q(x), where P(x) and Q(x) are
polynomials and Q(x) ≠ 0.
Intercepts
• • Y-intercept: Set x = 0 and solve for f(x)
• • X-intercept (or zero): Set the numerator = 0
and solve for x (exclude values that make
denominator 0)
Asymptotes
• • Vertical Asymptote: Set the denominator = 0
• • Horizontal Asymptote:
• - If degree of numerator < degree of
denominator: y = 0
• - If degrees are equal: divide leading
coefficients
• - If degree of numerator > degree of
denominator: no HA, may have oblique
asymptote
Example 1
• f(x) = x / (x - 2)
• Y-intercept: y = 0
• X-intercept: x = 0
• Vertical Asymptote: x = 2
• Horizontal Asymptote: y = 1
Example 2
• f(x) = (x^2 - 4) / (x^2 - 1)
• Y-intercept: y = 4
• X-intercepts: x = ±2
• Vertical Asymptotes: x = ±1
• Horizontal Asymptote: y = 1
Example 3
• f(x) = (x^2 + 1) / (x - 3)
• Y-intercept: y = -1/3
• No x-intercepts (no real roots)
• Vertical Asymptote: x = 3
• No HA, has oblique asymptote
Example 4
• f(x) = (x^2 - 9) / (x^2 - 3x)
• Hole at x = 3
• X-intercept: x = -3
• Vertical Asymptote: x = 0
• Horizontal Asymptote: y = 1
Example 5
• f(x) = (2x^2 + x - 1) / (x^2 - 4x + 3)
• Y-intercept: y = -1/3
• X-intercepts: x = -1, x = 1/2
• Vertical Asymptotes: x = 1, x = 3
• Horizontal Asymptote: y = 2
Summary Table
• Y-intercept: Let x = 0
• X-intercept: Set numerator = 0 (exclude
undefined values)
• Vertical Asymptote: Set denominator = 0
• Horizontal Asymptote: Compare degrees of
numerator and denominator

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