GENERAL MATHEMATICS

LESSON 1: REPRESENTING REAL LIFE SITUATIONS USING RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

p(x )
A Rational Function is a function of the form f ( x )= , where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial functions,
q( x )
and q(x) is not a zero function.

POLYNOMIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. No negative functions
2. No fractional exponent
3. Variable must not be inside the radical
Example 1:
3x
a) f ( x )= , Both polynomial = Rational Function
3 x+ 1
√x
b) g ( x )= , Numerator is not polynomial but denominator is polynomial = Not Rational Function
2x
2 x 2+ 7
c) n ( x )= , Numerator is polynomial but denominator is not polynomial = Not Rational Function
0
Example 2:
Object is to travel a distance of 10 meters. Express velocity V as function of travel time, t, in seconds.
Given:
d 10
v= d = 10m v(t) = RATIONAL FUNCTION
t t
v(t) = ?
t (seconds) 1 2 4 5 10
v (meters per second) 10 5 2.5 2 1
t=1 t=2 t=4 t=5 t = 10
10 10 10 10 10
v(t) = v(t) = v(t) = v(t) = v(t) =
t t t t t
10 10 10 10 10
v(1) = v(2) = v(4) = v(5) = v(10) =
1 2 4 5 10
= 10 =5 = 2.5 =2 =1

LESSON 2: IDENTIFYING RATIONAL EQUATION, INEQUALITY, AND FUNCTION

Rational Expression
- An expression that can be written as a ratio of polynomials.
- A function where either numerator, denominator or both have a variable on it.
Rational Equation
- Equation involving rational expressions and has a symbol of equality. (=)
2 3 1
a. − =
x 2x 5
Rational Inequality
- Equation involving rational expressions and has a symbol of inequality. (¿ ,>, ≤ , ≥)
5 2
b. ≤
x−3 x
Rational Function
p(x )
- Function form f ( x )= , where p( x ) and q (x) are polynomial function, and q ( x) is not a zero function.
q( x )
2
( ) x + 2 x +3
c. f x =
x +1