Lesson 5

Graphing Rational Functions

I. Learning Outcomes:
In the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. identify the zeroes, x-and y-intercept, and the asymptotes of the given graph of a
function;
2. identify the domain and range in a given set of coordinates; and
3. sketch the graph of a rational function;

II. Pre-Assessment:
Graph the function. State the domain and range.
3 x +1 1
1. y= + 4 2. y= 3. y= −1
x x−3 x +3

III. Lesson Map:

intercepts asymptote

domain zeroes
Graphing
Rational
Functions

The figure above shows the terms that are associated in graphing rational functions.

IV. Core Content:

ENGAGE: PROPERTIESOF FUNCTIONS

Activity:

1. Identify the zeroes, x-and y-intercept, and the asymptotes of the graph of the function
3
y= +4.
x

2. Given these set of coordinates, identify the domain and range.

{ ( N , 1 )( E , 2 ) ( M , 3 ) ( C , 4 )( O , 5 ) }

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the concepts and rules that you have used in the given activity?
 ____________________________________________________________________
2. How are these concepts related to our lesson?
____________________________________________________________________

EXPLORE: ENTRY CARD

 EXPLAIN: LESSON DEVELOPMENT

In sketching the graph of a rational function, we will make use of the x and y-
intercepts of the function. In addition, we will observe how the function behaves near
the values where the functions is undefined, as well as in the extreme values of x.

Let us take a detailed look at the steps in graphing a simple rational function and
develop a process for graphing other rational functions.
We summarize the results from the previous examples as follows:
From the graph, we observe that the function increases without bound and it also crosses the
horizontal asymptote. Therefore the range of the function is the set of all real numbers.

EXTEND: PROBLEM SOLVING

Solve the following;
 1. Past records from a factory producing electronic components show the average,
new employees can assemble N(t) components per day after t days of training,
where
75 t
N (t)= t ≥0.
t +5

Sketch the graph of N on the first quadrant, and include the intercepts and
asymptotes. What happens to N (t ) as t → ∞ ? What does this mean in practical
terms?

(2) A challenging riddle. I am a rational function having a vertical asymptote at the

lines x=3∧x=−3, and a horizontal asymptote at y=1.If my only x-intercept is 5,
−5
and my y-intercept is , what function am I?
9

EVALUATE: HOW MUCH HAE YOU LEARNED?

Instructions: For each , identify the x- and y-intercepts, the asymptotes, and the intervals where
the function is above or below the x-axis. Sketch the graph. Identify the domain, and (if possible)
the range.
V. Topic Summary
In this lesson, you have learned the following:
 The domain of a function is the set of all values that the variable x can
take.
 The range of a function is the set of all values that f(x) can take.
 The zeroes of a function are the values of x which can make the function
zero. The real numbered zeroes are also x-intercepts of the graph of the
function.
 The y-intercept is the function value when x=0.

VI. Post-Assessment:
Graph the function. State the domain and range.
3 x +1 1
2. y= + 4 2. y= 3. y= −1
x x−3 x +3

VII. References:
 Oronce, Orlando A. GENERAL MATHEMATICS. Rex Book Store, Inc.
2016