ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY

Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines

Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

Year Level: Grade 11

Semester/Grading Period: 1st Semester
Lecture Note no.: 3
Week/Session: Week 5 and 6

Topic: Rational Functions and Its Graphs

Lecture/Discussion:

Motivation

INSTRUCTIONS: Give your thoughts on the following questions while looking at the image below.

Guide Questions:
1. Do you know how to play Flappy Bird? What is the best method to play?
2. What should you do to avoid a car accident or a collision involving two or more vehicles
while turning in an intersection lane?

Explanation: THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWERS. Of course, when playing flappy bird, keep in mind that each
amount of force you release corresponds to a height/direction that your flappy bird will take. As a result, to win,
your force level must be inside the range; else, you will lose. In the second image, you must understand that
for every speed you release, you will travel a certain distance/path. So, at every junction lane, there are speeds
that you may reduce in order to follow the proper lane/way/turn/distance and prevent colliding with the other
automobile. By stating this, and in order to make these things feasible, we must study the GRAPH OF RATIONAL
FUNCTION.
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

I. Learning Content

GLOSSARY/DEFINITION OF TERMS

Rational Function: It is a function whose equation is a fraction, provided that the denominator and
degree are not equal to 0. It is written in the form of
p(x)
f(x) = y = q(x)

where: p(x) and q(x) are polynomial functions and q(x) ≠ 0.

the domain of f(x) is all values of x where q(x) ≠ 0.

Domain: It is the set of all real numbers except those that make the denominator q(x) equal to zero
or are all x values for which the function is defined.

Range: a collection of all real numbers that satisfy the rational function, f(x), or are all y values for
which the function is defined.

Intercepts: These are the points at which a graph crosses either the x or y-axis.
Y-intercept: The y-coordinate of a point where a line, curve, or surface intersects the y-axis.
X-intercept: The x-coordinate of a point where a line, curve, or surface intersects the x-axis
Zeroes of Rational Functions: X value/s makes the function equal to zero.
Asymptotes: It is a line(s) that the graph keeps approaching but never touches.
Vertical Asymptote (VA): The vertical line(s) that the graph keeps approaching but never touches-
(x value/s)
Horizontal Asymptote (HA): The horizontal line(s) (y value/s)
Holes – A single point at which the function has no value or when a value of x sets both the
denominator and the numerator of a rational function equal to 0.

Steps in Graphing Rational Functions

Step 1: Find the intercepts, if there are any
Step 2: Find the Zeros of Rational Functions
Step 3: Find the vertical asymptotes (VA), horizontal asymptotes (HA), and the intersection in HA, if
there is any…
Step 4: Find the holes.
Step 5: Sketch the graph.

Knowledge Check
Question: What are the needed properties of rational functions when graphing?
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

Lesson Proper (Experience)

RULES OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

TRY THIS # 1: Determine whether the equations are a rational function or not.

𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 + 2 √𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞(𝑥) =
6−𝑥 2𝑥 − 1
1 2 2

𝑔(𝑥) = 2 𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 7 𝑟(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
6𝑥 + 1
1
𝑔(𝑥) =
𝑥

TRY THIS # 2: Find the domain, range, intercepts, asymptotes, the intersection in HA, and
holes, if any, and graph the following rational functions.

𝟐𝒙
Example 1. 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟏.

DOMAIN SOLUTION
1. Determine which value of x in the denominator 𝑥−1=0
makes the whole function undefined by equating the 𝑥=1
denominator to zero.
2. Write the answer in words or intervals or set All real numbers except 1 or
notation. (−∞, 𝟏) ∪ (𝟏, ∞) 𝒐𝒓 {𝒙 ∈ 𝑹|𝒙 ≠ 𝟏}
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

RANGE SOLUTION
1. Solve for the equation of x in the function. 2𝑥
y=
𝑥−1
𝑥𝑦 − 𝑦 = 2𝑥
𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥 = 𝑦
𝑥(𝑦−2) 𝑦
𝑦−2
= 𝑦−2
𝑦
𝑥 = 𝑦−2
2. Identify which among the values of y in the
denominator makes the function undefined by Equate the denominator:
equating the denominator to zero. 𝒚−𝟐 =𝟎
𝒚=𝟐
3. Write the answer in words or intervals or set All real numbers except 2 or
notation. (−∞, 𝟐)𝑼(𝟐, ∞) 𝒐𝒓 {𝒚 ∈ 𝑹|𝒚 ≠ 𝟐}

Note: (However, the range can only be determined Case 3: a= 2 ,b=1

2
using more complex mathematics, such as calculus, 𝑦=
for some rational functions.) Alternatively, you may 1
apply the Rules (THEOREM 7.2) to identify the value
𝒚=𝟐
of y that does not meet the function.
CASE 1:
degree of numerator < degree of denominator y=0
CASE 2:
degree of numerator > degree of denominator none
CASE 3:
degree of numerator = degree of denominator
y=a/b
(where a & b is the coefficient of the term that has
the highest degree)

Steps Process Solution

1. x and y-intercept x-intercepts: 2𝑥
𝑦=
• Simplify/Factor out 𝑥−1
• Let y=o 2𝑥
0=
• Solve for x 𝑥−1
• Write the ordered pair(answer) 0 = 2𝑥
x=0
x-intercepts: (0,0)
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

y-intercept: 2(0)
𝑦=
• Simplify/Factor out (0) − 1
• Let x =o 0
𝑦=
• Solve for y −1
• Write the ordered pair(answer) 𝑦=0
y-intercepts: (0,0)
2. Zeroes • Simplify or factor out Let, 2x=0
• Let f(x)=y=0 or equate the numerator to
zero. 𝟐𝒙 𝟎
=
𝟐 𝟐
• Solve for x
x=0
Note: What would be your x value in your x-
intercepts that will be your zeroes.
3. Vertical and Vertical Asymptote (VA) x–1=0
Horizontal x=1
Asymptotes and • Factor out but don’t simplify (if necessary) VA : x = 1
intersection in • Equate the denominator into zero
HA. • Solve for x (the value of x will be the
vertical asymptote)

Horizontal Asymptote (HA) Case 3: Degree of

• Use the Cases in range. numerator = degree of
denominator
a= 2 , b=1
𝒂
𝒚=𝒃
𝟐
y= 𝟏
HA: y=2

An intersection in HA: Let y=2

𝟐𝒙
• Simplify or factor out, if necessary. 𝟐=
• Substitute the value of HA (y value). 𝒙−𝟏
𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐 = 𝟐𝒙
• Write your answer in ordered pair.
𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐𝒙 = 𝟐
Does
𝟎≠𝟐
NO INTERSECTION
4. Holes • Equate both the numerator and the Numerator:
denominator to zero separately. If they 2x=0
have at least one same root, then a hole x=0
exists. The common root is the x-
coordinate. Denominator:
x-1=0
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

• To find the y-coordinate, simplify the given x=1

function and substitute the x-coordinate. NO HOLES

5. Complete the X -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6
table and y 1.7 1.6 1.3 0 4 2.7 2.4
graph

𝒙+𝟑
Example 2: 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙−𝟏

Domain Range
Sol. Solution: Solution: CASE 3
𝑥−1=0 y=1
𝑥=1
Domain: ALL real number except 1 or All Real numbers except 1 𝑜𝑟
(−∞, 1) ∪ (1, +∞) 𝑜𝑟 {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≠ 1} (−∞, 1) ∪ (1, +∞) 𝑜𝑟 {𝑦 ∈ 𝑅|𝑦 ≠ 1}

Step 1: Intercept x-intercepts: y-intercepts:

Sol. Sol.
𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒚=𝟎 𝑳𝒆𝒕 𝒙=𝟎
𝒙+𝟑 𝒚 = 𝟎+𝟑
𝟎= 𝟎−𝟏
𝒙−𝟏
𝟎=𝒙+𝟑 𝒚 = −𝟑
𝒙=−𝟑
(0, -3)
(-3, 0)
Step 2: Zeroes Sol.
𝒙 + 𝟑 = 𝟎
𝒙 =−𝟑
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Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

Step 3: Vertical asymptote: Horizontal The intersection in

Asymptotes and Sol. asymptote: HA:
Intersection VA: x -1 = 0 Sol. Sol.
x=1 HA: Case 3: a=1 , 𝒙+𝟑
𝟏=
b=1 𝒙−𝟏
𝑦=𝑏=1
𝑎 1 𝒙−𝟏 = 𝒙−𝟑
𝑿−𝒙 = −𝟑 +𝟏
𝒚=𝟏 𝟎≠ −𝟐
NO INTERSECTION
Step 4: HOLES Solution:
Numerator
Denominator
𝒙+𝟑 =𝟎 𝒙−𝟏=𝟎
𝒙 = −𝟑 𝒙= 𝟏
No Holes
Step 5: Complete the table below and graph.
x -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
f(x) 0.2 0 -0.33 -1 -3 DNE 5 3 2.33

𝒙𝟐 −𝟑𝒙+𝟐
Example 3: 𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒙𝟐−𝟓𝒙+𝟔
Answers:
orn: All real number except 2 & 3 or (−∞, 2) ∪ (2, 3) ∪ (3, +∞) 𝑜𝑟 {𝑥 ∈ 𝑅|𝑥 ≠ 2 & 3}
Range: All real number except 1 or (−∞, 1) ∪ (1, +∞) 𝑜𝑟 {𝑦 ∈ 𝑅|𝑦 ≠ 1}
x-intercept: (1,0)
y-intercept: (0, 1/3)
VA: x=3
HA: y= 1
Hole: (2,-1)
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

Example 4: Give what is being asked based on the given graph.

Domain: _____________________
Range: ________________________
x-intercepts: ______________
y-intercepts: ______________
VA: ______________________
HA: ______________________

Example 5: Word Problem: A mobile phone company offers a new phone for Php 15,000 with a Php
1,750 monthly plan. Using the rational function below,

a) calculate the monthly cost of using the phone, including the purchase price. Complete the table below
and graph.
1750𝑥 + 15,000
𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥
Let f(x): average cost per month
x : be the number of months
x (months) 0 1 2 3 4 5

y (average undefined 16,750 9,250 6,750 5,500 4,750

cost)

b) What is the domain and range of the function? Domain: All natural numbers , Range: ALL real
numbers greater than Php 1750
(Note: This problem talks about months of use, and we can never have a negative number
of months of use.)

c) With each month of use, what happens to the average cost? The average cost decreases.
 ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
Km. 7 Central Park Blvd, Talomo, 8016 Davao City, Philippines
Tel No. +63 (82) 221.2411 local 6200
E-Mail: shs@addu.edu.ph * www.addu.edu.ph

In Consortium with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Xavier University

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – GENERAL MATHEMATICS

SEATWORK
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions and graph the problem using GeoGebra.

5125000𝑉 2 −4490000𝑉+19307
Extended problem: Consider the rational function 𝑝 = 125𝑉 2 (1000𝑉−43)
. This function is based
on the van der Waal’s equation for predicting the pressure p of gas as a function of V at a fixed
temperature. The function above models the pressure p of carbon dioxide in terms of volume V if the
temperature is 500 Kelvins.

1. What is/is the function's vertical asymptote(s)?

2. What is the function's horizontal asymptote?
3. What is the function's p-intercept?
4. What is the function's V-intercept?
Reflection

1. Which of the 6cs applies to the present topic?

2. While listening to the conversations, what realizations, ideas, or sentiments did you come to?
3. What aspect of your life do you believe the topic of today's discussion pertains to?