Name ____________________________ Date _____________ Class Period _________

Activity A
8.3 Exploring the Behavior of Rational Functions
MATERIALS • paper and pencil
QUESTION How can you identify characteristics of rational functions?
EXPLORE Identify characteristics from a graph

STEP 1 Identify vertical asymptotes

In the table below, record the zeros of the denominator of each function given. Then refer to the graphs of the
functions in the Activity Worksheet to identify the vertical asymptotes of the graph of each function. Record your
results in the table.

Function Zeros of denominator Vertical asymptotes Zeros of numerator x-intercepts

1
y=
(x − 1)(x − 3)

x−1
y=
(x − 2)(x − 5)

4
y=
x(x + 3)(x − 3)

−x 2 + 3x + 10
y=
(x + 3)(x + 1)(x − 4)

2x 2 + 5x − 3
y=
(x + 1)(x − 4)

STEP 2 Identify x-intercepts

Find any zeros of the numerator of each function in the table in Step 1 and record the zeros in the table. Then refer
again to the Activity Worksheet to identify any x-intercepts of the graph of each function. Record your results in
the table.

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DRAW CONCLUSIONS Use your observations to complete these exercises

1. For each rational function in the Explore section, where do the vertical asymptotes occur? Where do the
x-intercepts occur?

In Exercises 2–4, predict without graphing the vertical asymptotes and x-intercepts of the graph of each function.

−3x 2 3. y =
7x + 2 x3
2. y = (x + 3)(x + 1)(x − 4) 4. y =
(x + 3)(x − 2) x 2 − 16

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Activity Worksheet

1 x−1
y= y=
(x − 1)(x − 3) (x − 2)(x − 5)

−x 2 + 3x + 10
4 y=
y= (x + 3)(x + 1)(x − 4)
x(x + 3)(x − 3)

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 2x 2 + 5x − 3
y=
(x + 1)(x − 4)

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Answer Key A
EXPLORE

STEPS 1 AND 2

Function Zeros of denominator Vertical asymptotes Zeros of numerator x-intercepts

1
y= 1, 3 x = 1, x = 3 none none
(x − 1)(x − 3)

x−1
y= 2, 5 x = 2, x = 5 1 1
(x − 2)(x − 5)

4
y= 0, –3, 3 x = 0, x = –3 x = 3 none none
x(x + 3)(x − 3)

−x 2 + 3x + 10
y= –3, –1, 4 x = –3, x = –1 x = 4 5, –2 5, –2
(x + 3)(x + 1)(x − 4)

2x 2 + 5x − 3 1 1
y= –1, 4 x = –1, x = 4 , –3 , –3
(x + 1)(x − 4) 2 2

DRAW CONCLUSIONS

1. at the zeros of the denominator; at the zeros of the numerator

2. vertical asymptotes: x = –3, x = 2; x-intercept: 0
2
3. vertical asymptotes: x= –3, x = –1, x = 4; x-intercept: –
7
4. vertical asymptotes: x = –4, x = 4; x-intercept: 0

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Teacher Notes
ACTIVITY PREPARATION AND MATERIALS

Decide how you will divide the class into groups of 2 or 3.

ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT

The graphs are provided for students to save time and to help them see the relationship between each
function and its asymptotes and x-intercepts.
You may want to review asymptotes and x-intercepts before students begin this activity.
Make sure students understand why the zeros of the denominator are the vertical asymptotes. They should
realize that a zero in the denominator means that the function is undefined at that value. Also, if the
numerator is not also zero, the value of the function must approach infinity (positive or negative) as the
denominator gets closer and closer to zero.

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Activity and Closure Questions
Ask these questions as a class.

1. Without graphing, find any vertical asymptotes and x-intercepts of

x−3
y= .
(x + 2)(2x − 3)

3
Answer: vertical asymptotes: x = –2 and x = ; x-intercept: 3
2

2. How can you determine the vertical asymptotes of the graph of a rational function without graphing it?

Answer: Find the real zeros of the denominator of the rational function .

3. How can you determine the x-intercepts of the graph of a rational function without graphing it?

Answer: Find the real zeros of the numerator of the rational function.

LESSON TRANSITION

After completing this activity, students will be able to identify vertical asymptotes and x-intercepts of rational
functions. Cover how to identify the horizontal asymptotes. Then discuss how to graph rational functions and find
the domain and range. Start the lesson with Example 1 on page 565.

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