Algebra II - Unit 4: Graphing Rational Functions Name:

Rational Functions:

f ( x)
 A rational functions is a function of the form y= where f(x) and g(x) are __________________.
g(x )
 The graph of a rational function can have
____________________________ asymptotes,
__________________________ asymptotes, and ____________.
o An asymptote is an invisible line (horizontal or vertical) that the
function will _________________, but not touch.
o A _____________________ is an undefined point in the graph
(open circle) and occurs when factors cancel.
 The graph of a rational function has what looks like
“__________________________”. The number of branches is always
one more than the number of vertical asymptotes.

Finding Vertical Asymptotes:

 To find vertical asymptotes (va), you will need to find any values that make the denominator equal
___________________. There may be more than one!
 If any factors cancel out, this creates a ______________ in the graph.
Find any vertical asymptotes, holes and the number of “branches” for each rational function.

x−3 x 2−4
1. y= 2 2. y=
x −9 x 2+ 4 x−5

x2 1
3. y= 4. y= 2
x +2 x +2
Finding Horizontal Asymptotes:
o To find the horizontal asymptote (ha), you will compare the __________________ of the numerator (n) to the
degree of the ______________________ (d).
o If n > d  there is _________ horizontal asymptote.
−3 x 3+ x−1
Example: f ( x )= 3 > 1, so there is no ha
x−2

o If n = d  divide the ____________ ______________________ of the numerator & denominator to find

your horizontal asymptote
4 x2 +1 4
Example: f ( x )= 2 = 2, so the ha is at y= or y=4
x 2−7 1

o If n < d  then the horizontal asymptote is at y = 0, aka, the ______________________.

2 x+2
Example: f ( x )= 2 1 < 2, so the ha is at y = 0.
x −3
**Go back to examples 1-4 on the front and find any horizontal asymptotes for those functions.

Steps for Graphing Rational Functions:

1. Factor the numerator & denominator
2. Find any holes (do any factors cancel?)
3. Find the x-intercept (let y = 0)
4. Find the y-intercepts (let x = 0)
5. Find all vertical asymptotes (what values of x make the denominator = 0?)
6. Find the horizontal asymptote (check the degrees)
7. Sketch the branches of the curve.

x +2
Example 1) Graph the function f ( x )= 2
x −4

1. Hole(s):

2. X-int:

3. Y-int:

4. VA:

5. HA:
 2
x + 3 x +2
Example 2) Graph the function f ( x )=
x2 + x−2
1. Hole(s):

2. X-int:

3. Y-int:

4. VA:

5. HA:

5 x−10
Example 3) Graph the function f ( x )=
x 2+ x−6
1. Hole(s):

2. X-int:

3. Y-int:

4. VA:

5. HA:

Example 4) Write the rational equation given the following characteristics:

Zero at x = -2, vertical asymptote at x = -5, and horizontal asymptote at y = 2.

f ( x )=¿ __________________________________________
Characteristics of Rational Functions
 The domain of any rational functions includes al real numbers, except where the denominator equals
_______________.
 The function is __________________________ when it is ABOVE the x-axis. (When f ( x ) >0)
 The function is __________________________ when it is BELOW the x-axis. (When f ( x ) <0)
 End behavior describes how the left and right ends of the function are _______________________.
Find the domain on 1-8. Also find the intervals where the functions are positive/negative and end behavior on 1-4.
1. 2.

D: D:

f ( x ) >0 : f ( x ) >0 :

f ( x ) <0 : f ( x ) <0 :

EB: EB:

3. 4.

D: D:

f ( x ) >0: f ( x ) >0 :

f ( x ) <0: f ( x ) <0 :

EB: EB:

v 2−4 v−45 D: x2 −16 D:

5. 2 6. 2
v −17 v+ 72 x −2 x−24

2
2m2 +14 m+20 D: 3 x +30 x+ 63 D:
7. 8. 2
2m+10 x −x−12