General Math Quarter 1 Week 3

Name: ______________________________________ Grade & Section: ________________________

Competencies:
1. Determines the (a) intercepts; (b) zeroes; and (c) asymptotes of rational functions.
2. Solves problems involving rational functions, equations, and inequalities.

To the Learners:
The following are the guidelines to follow before starting the module.

1. This module gives you examples and discussions in the simplest way to understand the lesson being taught.

2. Parents or guardians will act as an instructor not as a student. As a student, you alone are responsible in answering
the activities in this module.

3. You can ask for assistance from your classmates or housemates in helping you to understand more the lesson but
YOU are the one who must answer the activities. Always put in mind the saying “Honesty is the best policy”.

4. Pre Test or “Inventory Test” is a test to measure your ability before you proceed in this lesson. This is used to
compare with your Post Test to measure progress as you move further in this lesson. Intuitively, the instructor, your
teacher, doesn’t expect you to have a good score in this kind of test rather the other way around.

5. In checking the Pre Test the parent or guardian must NOT show to the student the correct answer to be able to
avoid memorizing the answer key by the student.

6. Enjoy Studying

Expectations
This module was designed to help you master on how to determine the x- and y-intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes
of a rational function and solve problems involving rational functions, rational equations and rational inequalities.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Determine the following: 2. Solve problems involving

a. x- and y-intercepts; a. rational functions;

b. zeroes; and b. rational equations; and
c. vertical and horizontal asymptotes c. rational inequalities.

Pre-test

Directions: Read carefully then answer the questions below.

Important: SCREENSHOT/PRINTSCREEN this TEST and send this to your teacher before you proceed. This is
just an “inventory test” before you proceed in this lesson.

Multiple Choice Test Question.

𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3
______ 1. What is/are the value(s) of x that will make 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2− 9 be equal to zero?
i. x = -3 ii. x = -1 iii. x = 3
A. i only B. ii only C. i & ii D. i, ii & iii

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 1
 3
______ 2. How many meaningful values are there in 𝑥 < 1?
A. only one B. only two C. only three D. none
3
______ 3. What are the meaningful values in 𝑥 < 1?
1 1
A. x = 0, 3 B. x = 0, -3 C. x = 0, 3 D. x = 0, − 3
𝑥 2− 1
______ 4. In 𝑓 (𝑥) = , what are the zeros of the given function?
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
A. x = 1, -1 B. x = 2, -2 C. x = 1, 2 D. x = -1, -2
𝑥 2− 1
______ 5. In 𝑓 (𝑥) = , what is/are the vertical asymptote(s)?
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3
A. x = 1 B. x = 3 C. x = 1 & x = 3 D. x = -1 & x = -3
𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 10
______ 6. In 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2− 4 , what is/are the x-intercept(s)?
A. x = -5 & -2 B. x = 5 & 2 C. x = -5 D. x = 5
1
( )
______ 7. In 𝑓 𝑥 = − 4𝑥 + 4 , what is the horizontal asymptote?
A. y = 0 B. y = 1 C. y = -1 D. no horizontal asymptote
______ 8. Given the open interval (3, +∞), what does this mean?
A. x > +∞ B. x ≥ +∞ C. x > 3 D. x ≥ 3
______ 9. What will happen if a rational function whose numerator has a degree greater than the degree of the
denominator?
A. There is no x-intercept. C. There is no vertical asymptote.
B. There is no y-intercept. D. There is no horizontal asymptote.
______ 10. Which of the following equation will lead in finding horizontal asymptote given the rational function
𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛+ 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + … + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
f (𝑥 ) = ?
𝑏𝑚𝑥 𝑚+ 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 + 𝑏𝑚−2 𝑥 𝑚−2 + … + 𝑏1 𝑥 + 𝑏0
𝑎0 𝑎𝑛 𝑎0 𝑎𝑛
A. 𝑦 = B. 𝑦 = C. 𝑦 = D. 𝑦 =
𝑏0 𝑏𝑚 𝑏𝑚 𝑏0

Looking Back at your Lesson

A function f(x) relates to a machine that has input and output. The function f(x) takes the value of x, processes it, and
gives an output (value of y). And that f(x) is equal to y, i.e. f(x) = 2x + 1 can be written as y = 2x + 1.

Steps in finding the value of a function f(x).

1. Identify the value of x.
2. Substitute the value of x in the function.
3. Evaluate the function by applying the order of operation (GEMDAS).
4. Write the value of the function that corresponds to the value of x inside the box.

Example: Complete the table below by finding the value of the function f(x) given the value of x.
x 0 1 2
f(x) = 2x + 1
Solutions: f(x)
If x = 0, f(0) =? If x = 1, f(1) =? If x = 2, f(2) =?
f(x) = 2 x + 1 f(x) = 2 x + 1 f(x) = 2 x + 1
f(0) = 2(0) + 1 f(1) = 2(1) + 1 f(2) = 2(2) + 1
f(0) = 0 + 1 f(1) = 2 + 1 f(2) = 4 + 1
f(0) = 1 f(1) = 3 f(2) = 5

x 0 1 2 X 0 1 2
f(x) = 2x + 1 f(x) f(x) 1 3 5

Introduction to the Topic

Let us recall the definition of intercepts. Intercepts are the x- or y-coordinates of the points at which a graph crosses
the x-axis or y-axis. Y-intercept is the y-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the y-axis, denoted as (0, b)
while x-intercept is x-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the x-axis and it is denoted by (a, 0).

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 2
 𝑥+4
Example 1: Let us use 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4 and determine the x- and y-intercepts of this rational function. Follow the steps
below in finding the x- and y-intercepts of a rational function.

Steps in Finding the x- and y-intercepts of a Rational Function

1. Express the function to its lowest form. Factor the numerator and denominator, if possible. Then remove
the common factor(s) between the numerator and denominator.
2. Replace f(x) by variable y.
3. Solve for the intercept.
3.1 If you are looking for the y-intercept, substitute zero (0) to variable x and solve for y.
3.2 If you are looking for the x-intercept, substitute zero (0) to variable y and solve for x.
4. Rewrite your answer in terms of ordered pairs or in the form (0, b) for y-intercept and (a, 0) for x-intercept.
Solution:
Step 1) By inspection, there is no common factor between the numerator and denominator.
𝑥+4 𝑥+4
Step 2) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4 ⇨ 𝑦 = 𝑥−4

Step 3) Solving for the intercepts.

Solving for y-intercept Solving for x-intercept
Please bear in mind that if you are solving for Please bear in mind that if you are solving for x-intercept the
y-intercept the variable x is equal to zero, x = 0. variable y is equal to zero, y = 0.
𝑥+4 𝑥+4
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4 Your given function. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4 Your given function.
𝑥+4 𝑥+4
𝑦 = 𝑥−4 Changing f(x) into y. 𝑦 = 𝑥−4 Changing f(x) into y.
(0) + 4 𝑥+4
𝑦 = (0) − 4 Substituting zero to variable x (0) = 𝑥 − 4 Substituting zero to variable y
𝑥+4
y = -1 By simplifying. (0) (x – 4) = (𝑥 − 4)(x – 4) Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)
0=x+4 By simplifying.
0 + (-4) = x + 4 + (-4) Addition Property of Equality (APE)
-4 = x By simplifying
x = -4 Symmetric Property
Step 4)
Step 4) (-4, 0) Your x-intercept
(0, -1) Your y-intercept

The next sub-topic is zeroes of rational functions. Here you are going to locate or determine the value(s) of x (or the
abscissas) where the graph touches or intersect the x-axis. This is almost the same as finding the x-intercept(s) of a
rational function.
Steps in Finding the Zeroes of a Rational Function
1. Identify the restrictions of the rational function f. (The restrictions are the values of the independent
variable x that make the denominator equal to zero.)
2. Express the function to its lowest form. Factor the numerator and denominator, if possible. Then remove
the common factor(s) between the numerator and denominator.
3. Identify the values of the independent variable x that make the numerator equal to zero.
4. The zeroes of the rational function f are the values of the independent variable x that make the numerator
zero but are not restrictions of the rational function f.
𝑥+4
Example 2: Use the previous given, f(x) = 𝑥 − 4, find the zeroes of the rational function.

Solution:
Step 1) What is the value of x that will make the denominator (D) equal to zero? Answer is x = 4.
Therefore, the restriction is x cannot be equal to 4, x ≠ 4, because this will make the denominator
equal to zero and will lead to an undefined function. To solve for the value/s of x, equate the
denominator (D) to zero, D = 0, and solve for the value/s of x and change the equal sign to an
unequal sign.

Step 2) Express the function to its lowest form. Since there is no common factor between the numerator
and the denominator, skip this step. Your function is already written to its lowest form.

Step 3) What is the value of x that will make the numerator equal to zero? Answer is x = -4. To do this
step, equate the numerator (N) to zero, N = 0, and solve for x.

Step 4) Compare the value/s that you get in the Step 1 and Step 3.

Value/s of x in Step 1 (restriction) Value/s of x in Step 3 (possible zeroes)

x≠4 x = -4

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 3
 Since there are NO same values of x between the “restriction” and “possible zeroes” of the given
rational function, x = -4 is your Zero of Rational Function. In ordered pair (-4, 0), and if you are
going back to intercept, this is the same with x-intercept.

𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8
Example 3: Let us have another example, find the zeroes of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = .
𝑥 2− 𝑥 − 6

Solution:
Step 1) What is the value of x that will make the denominator (D) equal to zero? You cannot easily answer
this through inspection. To solve for the value/s of x, equate the denominator (D) to zero, D = 0,
and solve for the value/s of x and change the equal sign to an unequal sign.

𝑥2 − 𝑥 − 6 = 0 D=0

(x – 3) (x + 2) = 0 Factoring the left side

x – 3= 0 & x+2=0 Zero-Product Theorem (Both factors are 0)

x=3 & x = -2 Solving for x.

x≠3 & x ≠ -2 The restrictions.

𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 4) (𝑥+4)
Step 2) 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2− 𝑥 − 6
⇨ 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) ⇨ 𝑓(𝑥 ) = (𝑥−3)

Note that x + 2 was removed. Equating this factor to zero, x + 2 = 0, it will lead you to x = -2.
2 2 2
Substitute this to the given function you will have 𝑦 = −5 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = − 5. This ordered pair (−2, − 5)
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8
becomes the hole in the graph of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = .
𝑥 2− 𝑥 − 6

Step 3) What is the value of x that will make the numerator equal to zero? Again, you cannot easily tell
the values of x here. You need to equate the numerator (N) to zero, N = 0, and solve for x.
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 = 0 N=0
(x + 2) (x + 4) = 0 Factoring the left side.
x+2=0 & x+4=0 Zero-Product Theorem (Both factors are 0)
x = -2 & x = -4 Solving for x.
Step 4) Compare the value/s that you get in the Step 1 and Step 3.

Value/s of x in Step 1 (restrictions) Value/s of x in Step 3 (possible zeroes)

𝒙 ≠ 𝟑 𝒙 = −𝟐
𝒙 ≠ −𝟐 𝒙 = −𝟒
Since there are same values of x between the “restriction” and “possible zeroes” of the given
rational function which is -2, you cannot include this to zeroes of rational function. Rather x =
-4 is your Zero of Rational Function or in ordered pair (-4, 0).

Now we will proceed to asymptotes of rational functions, asymptotes are the boundaries in the graph of a rational
function. The vertical asymptotes are the restrictions on the x-values, or the forbidden values of x of a reduced
rational function. To find the restrictions, equate the denominator to zero, D = 0, and solve for x. Note that the
factors cancelled when a rational function is reduced that represent holes in the graph. While horizontal asymptote
𝑁(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑥 𝑛+ 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + … + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
is determined by comparing the degrees of N(x) and D(x) in 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝐷(𝑥) = ,
𝑏𝑚𝑥 𝑚+ 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 + … + 𝑏1 𝑥 + 𝑏0

a. If n < m, the graph of f has the line y = 0 as a horizontal asymptote.

𝑎
b. If n = m, the graph of f has the line 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑛 as a horizontal asymptote.
𝑚
c. If n > m, the graph of f has no horizontal asymptote.
𝑥+4
Example 4: Use the rational function 𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4 as an example in finding the asymptotes.
Solution: Finding the Vertical Asymptotes
Equate the denominator to zero, or in symbol D = 0, and solve for x.
x–4=0 D=0
x=4 By APE
𝑥+4
And this value represents the vertical asymptote (restriction or boundary) of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4.

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 4
Finding the Horizontal Asymptotes

Compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator, and refer to the guide above. Given the function
𝑥+4
𝑓(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4, as we can see the degrees of the numerator and denominator are the same, n = m, and it falls under
𝑎
letter b. So make use of this equation 𝑦 = 𝑏 𝑛 to determine the horizontal asymptote.
𝑚
𝑎 1
y = 𝑏𝑛 ⇨ 𝑦=1 Substitute the values of the leading coefficients, 𝑎𝑛 =1 & 𝑏𝑚 = 1.
𝑚

𝑥+4
⇨ y=1 This y = 1 is the horizontal asymptote of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 4

𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8
Another example, make use of 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = . By factoring, we have
𝑥 2− 𝑥 – 6

𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 4) (𝑥+4)
f(x) = ⇨ f(x) = ⇨ f(x) = (𝑥−3)
𝑥 2− 𝑥 – 6 (𝑥 – 3)(𝑥 + 2)

Note that the common factor of the given rational function is x + 2, if this common factor is equated to zero, x + 2 =
(𝑥+4)
0, and solve for x this value x = -2 and then substitute this value to the reduced rational function f(x) = (𝑥−3)
, you
2 2 2
will have f(x) = −5 or y = − 5. The resulting ordered pair (-2, − 5) serves as the hole in the graph.

Solution: Finding the Vertical Asymptotes

Equate the denominator to zero, or in symbol D = 0, and solve for x.
x–3=0 D=0
x=3 By APE and this is your vertical asymptote, the line x = 3.
𝑥+4
And this value represents the restriction or boundary of f(x) = 𝑥 − 3.

Finding the Horizontal Asymptotes

𝑥+4
Compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator, given the function f(x) = 𝑥 − 3, as you can see the
degrees of the numerator and denominator are the same, n = m, and it falls under letter b. So make use of this
𝑎
equation y = 𝑏 𝑛 to determine the horizontal asymptote.
𝑚
𝑎 1
y = 𝑏𝑛 ⇨ 𝑦=1 or y=1 and this is your horizontal asymptote, the line y = 1.
𝑚

SOLVING PROBLEMS IN RATIONAL FUNCTIONS, RATIONAL

EQUATION AND INEQUALITY
𝑥
Given the equation = 2, think of a number(s) that will satisfy the given rational equation. Then let us change the
𝑥+1
𝑥
equal sign (=) to inequality sign (<) of the above given equation, you will have < 2. Make a list of possible
𝑥+1
answers.

Steps in Solving Rational Equations

1. Remove the denominators by multiplying each of the equation by the Least Common Denominator (LCD).
2. Solve for the value(s) of x.
3. Check your solutions whether they satisfy the original equation.

Example 5: Mr. Nonato can paint the house in 15 days and his father can do the same job in 10 days. If they work
together, how long will it take them to finish the job?

Solution:
Let x be the number of days to finish the job working together
1
be the fractional part of the work Mr. Nonato can do in one day
15
1
10
be the fractional part of the work his father can do in one day
1
be the fractional part of the work that can finish in one day
𝑥

1 1 1
Equation: + 10 = This is the equation that represents the above given problem.
15 𝑥
Note: The LCD is 30x

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 5
 1 1 1
Step 1) 30𝑥 (15 + 10) = (𝑥) 30 𝑥 Multiply both sides of the equation by 30x

Step 2) 2x + 3x = 30 Simplified form

1 1 1
(5x) = (30) 5 Multiply both sides by 5
5

x = 6 days The number of days to finish the job working together

Step 3) Checking: x = 6
1 1 1
+ 10 = Original equation
15 𝑥

1 1 ? 1
+ 10 = Replace x with 6 in the equation.
15 (6)

1 1 ? 1
+ (2)(5) = Factor the denominators of the left side
(3)(5) 6

1 2 1 3 ? 1
( ) + (2)(5) (3) = Multiply the fractions on the left side by a conjugate
(3)(5) 2 6

1(2) 1(3) ? 1
+ (2)(3)(5) = Simply and combine similar fractions
(2)(3)(5) 6

2+3 ? 1
= Add the numerators
(2)(3)(5) 6

5 ? 1
= Remove or cancel out the common factor
(2)(3)(5) 6

1 √ 1
= The left side is equal to the right side.
6 6

Note: In checking, the position of the terms must be maintained. If the terms are on the right side it must remain
in the right, if the terms are on the left side it must remain on the left.

Example 6: In an inter-club badminton league, the group representing TALA has won 14 out of 25 games, a
winning percentage of 56%. How many games should they win in a row to improve their win percentage to 80%?

Solution: Let x represent the number of games that they need to win to raise their percentage to 80%. The group
has already won 14 out of their 25 games. If they win x games in a row to increase their percentage to 80%, then
they would have played 14 + x games out of 25 + x games.

𝟏𝟒+𝒙 𝟏𝟒+𝒙 𝟖𝟎 𝟏𝟒+𝒙 𝟒

The equation is = 𝟎. 𝟖 or = or =
𝟐𝟓+𝒙 𝟐𝟓+𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟓+𝒙 𝟓

Use the steps in solving rational equation.

14 + 𝑥 4
Step 1) (5)(25 + 𝑥 ) 25 + 𝑥
= 5 (25 + 𝑥)(5) Multiply both sides by LCD, (25 + x) (5)

Step 2) 70 + 5x = 100 + 4x Simplifying the equation

⇨ 5x – 4x = 100 – 70 Combining similar terms

⇨ x = 30 games The number of games they needed to win

𝟏𝟒+𝒙 𝟏𝟒+(𝟑𝟎 ) ?
Step 3) = 𝟎. 𝟖 ⇨ = 𝟎. 𝟖 Substitute the value of to the original eq’n.
𝟐𝟓+𝒙 𝟐𝟓+(𝟑𝟎)

𝟒𝟒 √
𝟓𝟓
= 𝟎. 𝟖 The left side is equal to the right side.

Therefore, 30 is the correct answer.

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 6
In solving rational inequality Interval and Set Notation are needed. Please refer to the table below for examples.

INTERVAL NOTATION SET NOTATION GRAPH

(a, b) {x|a < x < b}
[a, b] {x|a ≤ x ≤ b}
[a, b) {x|a ≤ x < b}
(a, b] {x|a < x ≤ b}
(a, ∞) {x|a < x < ∞}
[a, ∞) {x|a ≤ x < ∞}
(-∞, b) {x|-∞ < x <b}
(-∞, b] {x|-∞ < x ≤ b}
(-∞,∞) {x|-∞ < x < ∞}

𝑥
Example 7: Recall the given 𝑥+1 < 2, let us solve this rational inequality. Follow the steps below.

Steps in Solving Rational Inequality

1. Make the right hand side of the inequality to zero by adding the additive inverse.
2. Write the inequality with a single rational expression on the left-hand side of the inequality.
3. Determine the meaningful numbers by setting the numerator equal to zero and setting the denominator
equal to zero.
4. Use the meaningful numbers to make a partition in the number line.
5. Test for the meaningful numbers if they make the inequality true or false. If true, then they are part of the
solution. If false, then they are not part of the solution.
Get a value in each interval and substitute these into the inequality. Test whether these values satisfy the
inequality, if TRUE then the entire interval is a solution. If FALSE, then the entire interval is not a
solution.
6. Express the answer in interval notation.

Note: Multiplying both sides of an inequality by a positive number retains the direction of the inequality. And
multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number reverses the direction of the inequality.

Solution:
𝑥
Step 1) + (-2) < 2 + (-2) Adding -2 to both sides of the inequality.
𝑥+1
𝑥
Step 2) + (-2) < 0
𝑥+1
𝑥 𝑥 +1 𝑥 +1
⇨ + (-2)(𝑥 + 1) < 0 Multiply the constant term by (𝑥 + 1).
𝑥+1
𝑥 −2𝑥 − 2
⇨ + <0 Simply the right side of the inequality.
𝑥+1 𝑥+1
𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 2
⇨ <0 Combining the similar fractions.
𝑥+1
−𝑥 −2
⇨ <0 Combining similar terms.
𝑥+1

Step 3) Equate both the numerator and denominator to zero to determine the meaningful numbers.
N=0 D=0
-x – 2 = 0 x+1=0
-x = 2 ⇨ x = -2 x = -1

Therefore, the meaningful numbers are -1 & -2. Since the denominator cannot be equal to zero, it automatically
makes x = -1 NOT part of the solution.

Step 4)

Look at the horizontal number line above and the meaningful values, x = -1 and x = -2. These meaningful values
divide the number line into 3 parts and they are numbered accordingly, Part 1: x < -2, Part 2: -2 < x < -1, and Part 3:
x > -1. From these parts you are going to choose or nominate a number within each part or interval, and these
numbers become your testing points. Ideally for Part 1: negative three or x = -3 is the most convenient, for Part 2:
𝟑
negative three-halves or x = − 𝟐 , and lastly Part 3: zero or x = 0.

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General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 7
Test each of the meaningful and nominated values of x. Below is the summary of substitution of the said values of x
𝑥
to the original inequality 𝑥+1 < 2, namely:
𝟑
1) x = -1: False 4) 𝐱 = − 𝟐 : False
2) x = -2: False 5) x = 0: True
3) x = -3: True
From the summary above, it can be concluded that Part 1: x < -2 and Part 3: x > -1 are part of the solutions.

Step 5) Interval Notation: (-∞, -2) ⋃ (-1, ∞)

𝑁(𝑥)
Definition of a Rational Function: It is a function in the form of f(x) = where N(x) and D(x) are polynomial
𝐷(𝑥)
functions, and D(x) is NOT equal to zero, i.e. D(x) ≠ 0. The domain of f(x) is all values of x except value(s) that will
make the denominator equal to zero, i.e. D(x) ≠ 0.

Example 8: Consider a 300-meter track used for foot races. The speed (s) of a runner can be computed by taking the
𝑑
time it takes him to run the said track and applying it to the formula s = 𝑡 . Write a rational function defining the
relationship of speed and time.

300
You have s = , since the distance is fixed at 300 meters. Represent the speed of a runner as a function of time it
𝑡
takes to run 300 meters in the track.

Note that time (t) is the independent variable and speed (s) is the dependent variable.

Solution: Since the speed of a runner depends on the time it takes the runner to run 300 meters, we can represent
speed as a function of time.

Let t represent the time it takes the runner to run 300 meters. Then the speed can be represented as a function s(t) as
300
follows: 𝑠(𝑡) = .
𝑡

Example 9: Relate to the situation above. Assume that a runner runs the 300 meter race track at different run
times as given below. Complete the table below.

t (in seconds) 24 30 36 42 48 54
s(t) (in m/seconds)

300
Solution: Substitute the value of t to the function 𝑠(𝑡) = , and you will get the corresponding values of speed.
𝑡

t (in seconds) 24 30 36 42 48 54
s(t) (in m/seconds) 12.5 10 8.33 7.14 6.25 5.56

Example 10: In an inter-club badminton league, the group representing TALA has won 14 out of 25 games, a
winning percentage of 56%. We have previously solved that for them to have win percentage of 80% they need to
win 30 games in a row. What will be their winning percentage if they win (a) 40 games in a row? (b) 50 games? (c)
60 games? (d) 100 games?

Can they reach a 100% winning percentage? Why?

Solution: Let x be the number of wins that TALA group needs to win in a row. Then the percentage (p) is a
𝟏𝟒+𝒙
function of the wins that the group needs to win. It can be written as: 𝒑(𝒙) = 𝟐𝟓+𝒙

Construct a table of values for p(x).

x 40 50 60 100
p(x) (in percent) 83.08 85.33 87.06 91.20

Even if the group wins 300 consecutive games, the group still cannot manage to reach 100% winning percentage. It
is because the group has lost 11 games already with 14 wins out of 25 games.

Nonato U. Gatan
General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 8
 Activities

Activity 1.1 FIND ME

Find the intercepts, zeroes and asymptotes of the following rational functions: Box your final answers.

𝑥−2 𝑥2 − 4
1. f(x) = 𝑥 + 3 2. f(x) = 𝑥 2+ 3𝑥−10

Note: In writing your answer, use a separate sheet for this activity.

Activity 1.2 FIND ME TOO

1
Find the solution set of the rational inequality 𝑥 ≥ 2. Identify the meaningful numbers and testing points.
Draw the horizontal number line with correct partition. Write the interval notation for the solution set of the given
rational inequality.

Note: In writing your answer, use a separate sheet for this activity.

Activity 1.3 FILL ME UP

In this time of pandemic - COVID-19, a local barangay received a budget of ₱300, 000 from its local government
unit (LGU) to provide food support for the senior citizens in the barangay. The amount is to be allocated equally
among all the senior citizens in the barangay. Write an equation representing the relationship of the allotted amount
per senior citizen (y-variable) versus the total number of senior citizens (x-variable). Fill up the boxes with correct
term(s) to form an equation representing the problem.

Equation: y=

Fill up Table 1 below using the scenario above.

x (number of senior citizens) 100 200 300 500 1000

y (allotted amount per senior citizen)

Suppose that the barangay captain wants to divert some of the said budget to a “special project” for the improvement
of the barangay hall. And he wants to deduct ₱50 to the amount to be received by each senior citizen. If f(x)
represents this new amount allotted for each senior citizen, fill up the missing terms of the function.

Function: f(x) = –
x
Fill up Table 2 below with the new allotment amounts under this scenario.

x (number of senior citizens) 100 200 300 500 1000

f(x) (allotted amount per senior citizen)

Additional questions:

1. Which of the given number of senior citizens will yield the most amounts of savings for the said
improvement?

2. How much would be the amount of savings?

Nonato U. Gatan
General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 9
 Remember

Asymptotes are the boundaries in the graph of a rational function. The vertical asymptotes are the restrictions on
the x-values, or the forbidden values of x of a reduced rational function. Note that the factors cancelled when a
rational function is reduced represent holes in the graph. While horizontal asymptote is determined by comparing
𝑁(𝑥) 𝑎𝑛𝑥 𝑛+ 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + … + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
the degrees of N(x) and D(x) in 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝐷(𝑥) = .
𝑏𝑚𝑥 𝑚+ 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 + … + 𝑏1 𝑥 + 𝑏0

Conjugate is having the same derivation and therefore usually some likeness in meaning (Merriam-webster.com). It
is a multiplier of a fraction, which is equal to one, to make dissimilar fractions to similar, i.e.

1 5 1 5
+6 =? ⇨ + (2)(3) = ?
4 (2)(2)

1 𝟑 5 𝟐 1(3) 5(2)
⇨ ( ) + (2)(3) (𝟐) = ? ⇨ + (2)(3)(2) = ?
(2)(2) 𝟑 (2)(2)(3)

3 + 10 13 𝟏𝟑 3 2
⇨ =? ⇨ = The conjugates are (3) & (2).
(2)(2)(3) (2)(2)(3) 𝟏𝟐

In rational inequality, it is important to identify the following: (a) meaningful numbers or neutral
numbers; (b) testing points; and (c) partition of the horizontal number line (graph).

Note: Multiplying both sides of an inequality by a positive number retains the direction of the inequality. And
multiplying both sides of an inequality by a negative number reverses the direction of the inequality.

In checking, always remember to (1) use the original equation, and (2) the position of the terms must be maintained.
If the terms are on the right side it must remain in the right, if the terms are on the left side it must remain on the left
of the equation.

Post-test

Multiple Choice Test Question.

𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3
______ 1. What is/are the value(s) of x that will make 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 2− 9 be equal to zero?
i. x = -3 ii. x = -1 iii. x = 3
A. i only B. ii only C. i & ii D. i, ii & iii
3
______ 2. How many meaningful values are there in 𝑥 < 1?
A. only one B. only two C. only three D. none
3
______ 3. What are the meaningful values in 𝑥 < 1?
1 1
A. x = 0, 3 B. x = 0, -3 C. x = 0, 3 D. x = 0, − 3
𝑥 2− 1
______ 4. In 𝑓 (𝑥) = , what are the zeros of the given function?
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
A. x = 1, -1 B. x = 2, -2 C. x = 1, 2 D. x = -1, -2
𝑥 2− 1
______ 5. In 𝑓 (𝑥) = , what is/are the vertical asymptote(s)?
𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 3
A. x = 1 B. x = 3 C. x = 1 & x = 3 D. x = -1 & x = -3
𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 10
______ 6. In 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 2− 4 , what is/are the x-intercept(s)?
A. x = -5 & -2 B. x = 5 & 2 C. x = -5 D. x = 5
1
( )
______ 7. In 𝑓 𝑥 = − 4𝑥 + 4 , what is the horizontal asymptote?
A. y = 0 B. y = 1 C. y = -1 D. no horizontal asymptote
______ 8. Given the open interval (3, +∞), what does this mean?
A. x > +∞ B. x ≥ +∞ C. x > 3 D. x ≥ 3
______ 9. What will happen if a rational function whose numerator has a degree greater than the degree of the
denominator?
A. There is no x-intercept. C. There is no vertical asymptote.
B. There is no y-intercept. D. There is no horizontal asymptote.
______ 10. Which of the following equation will lead in finding horizontal asymptote given the rational function
𝑎𝑛 𝑥 𝑛+ 𝑎𝑛−1 𝑥 𝑛−1 + 𝑎𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑛−2 + … + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑎0
f (𝑥 ) = ?
𝑏𝑚𝑥 𝑚+ 𝑏𝑚−1 𝑥 𝑚−1 + 𝑏𝑚−2 𝑥 𝑚−2 + … + 𝑏1 𝑥 + 𝑏0
𝑎0 𝑎𝑛 𝑎0 𝑎𝑛
A. 𝑦 = B. 𝑦 = C. 𝑦 = D. 𝑦 =
𝑏0 𝑏𝑚 𝑏𝑚 𝑏0

Nonato U. Gatan
General Mathematics Quarter 1 Week 3 Page 10