GENERAL MATHEMATICS

MODULE 2: RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

INTRODUCTION AND FOCUS QUESTION:

One of the more practical application of rational functions is in solving problems involving
numbers, age, distance, work and mixture. These are similar structure to rational numbers, also
known as fractions, with numerators and denominators that are both polynomial. These functions
are used to model complex equations in engineering and sciences like physics, analytic chemistry
and biochemistry. How can we apply these functions to everyday situations?

Content Standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of key concepts of rational functions.
Performance Standard
The learner is able to accurately formulate and solve real-life problems involving rational
functions.
Essential Understanding
The students will be able to understand that the real- life problems involving rational
functions can be solve using a variety of strategy.
Essential Question:
How can real –life problem be solved using rational functions?

Most Learning Competencies

 Represents real-life situations using rational functions.

 Distinguish rational function, rational equations and rational inequality.
 Solve rational equations and inequalities.
 Represents a rational function through its; a) table of values; b) graph and c)
equation
 Find the domain and range of a rational function
 Determines the: a) intercepts, b) zeroes and c) asymptotes of rational functions
 Solve problems involving rational functions, equations and inequalities.

Let us start your journey in learning more

on rational function. I am sure you are
ready and excited to answer the pre-
assessment. Smile and enjoy!

PRE-ASSESSMENT
Read each questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on the space before the
number.

________ 1. For the function to be define as rational, the denominator should be

a. not equal to 0 b. equal to 0 c. undefined d. equal to 1
________ 2. Which of the following is a rational function?
2x 1 c. ¼ 5x 1
a. b. d. =
3 3x 3 4
________ 3. 5 a+b 3 a−b
Write the difference in lowest terms : - .
10 ab 10 ab
2 a+2 b a+b a+b a+b
a. b. c. d.
10 ab 10 ab 10 ab 5 ab
1
________ 4. What is the rational expression of “the quotient obtained by dividing 3a – 2b by
4c + 1?
3 a−2 b 3 a−b 4 c+1 3−2 b
a. b. c. d.
4 c+1 4 c+ 1 3 a−2 b c +1
________ 5. 2
x −2 x−8 2
x −4
Divide and express in simplest form: 2 ÷ .
x −25 2 x +10.
2(x−4 ) 2( x −4) 2(x−4) 2(x−4)
a. b. c. d.
x −5 ( x−5 ) (x−2) ( x−5 ) (x +2) ( x+5 ) (x+ 2)

Lesson 2: Representing real - life Situation Using Rational Function

OBJECTIVES

The learner will be able to:

 Represents real-life situations using rational functions.
 Distinguish rational function, rational equations and rational inequality.
 Solve rational equations and inequalities.
 Represents a rational function through its; a) table of values; b) graph and c) equation
 Find the domain and range of a rational function

Explore

Activity 1: Getting ready

True False
1. Every term of a polynomial function is either a constant, a variable, or ________ ________
a product of constant and variables.
2. 1 ________ ________
The domain of the function f(x) = is the set of real numbers.
x
3. The graph of a rational function is a parabola. ________ ________
4. A rational function is formed by dividing one polynomial function by ________ ________
another polynomial function.

Firm- up

Think of this question as we go on with our module: “What information can be determined by
the numerator and denominator of a rational function?

A rational function is a function that is the quotient of polynomial functions where the
denominator must not be equal to zero. In symbol,

p (x)
r(x) =
q(x )
where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial and q(x) is not equal to 0, then rational r(x) is a rational
function.

Remember: Rational functions primarily deal with dividing polynomials. Specifically, the
polynomial divisor must not be zero, as this was result to an undefined expression.

2
 Here are some situations that can be modeled by rational functions, rational equations and
rational inequalities.
Example 1: Carlos lives about 20 kilometers from office. If it takes 30 minutes to get to office, what
is his average speed?
Solution: The product of speed and time represents distance. If r is the speed, t is the time, and d
is the distance, then
r∙t=d
d
if both sides of the equation r ∙ t = d is divided by t , we get r = .
t
Example 2: The distance from Manila to Baguio is around 250 kilometers.
a. How long will it take you to get to Baguio if your average speed is 25 kilometers per hour? 40
kilometers per hour?

5t
Example 3: A medical student can encounter the formula C (t) = 2 which is used to determine
4 t +5
the percent of drug content in a person’s bloodstream, where t is the time elapsed after the drug is
injected.
Example 4: Bruno can create a full-length music video in four days. His youngest brother Bert can
create the same full-length music video in three days. If they work together, the rational equation
d d
+ =1
4 3
can be used to determine the number of days it would take for them to complete the full-length
music video.

Example 5: Let us say that you need to drive to a certain tourist spot 100 kilometers away and
upon arrival, you are to spend 4 hours at the site before driving back. Let us also assume that you
are to drive to and from the tourist spot with exactly the same constant speed.
How much time would the entire trip take if you traveled at 1 kph? 2 kph? 4 kph? 10 kph?
20 kph? 50 kph? 100 kph? These speeds are not realistic when driving.
Solution:
Let us organize the data in the following table.

Speed 1 2 4 10 20 50 100
(in kph)
Total time
(in hours)

In computing the amount of time given the speed of travel, we apply the formula for
computing speed.
d
s=
t
In our example, the total time will depend on how fast the travel is made. Therefore, we may
want to solve the same equation for t, as it is in this case, the dependent variable.

d d 200
s= t= t= + 4 where d is always 200 km + 4hrs
t s s
Finally, since this example tells us that the total time spent on the entire trip is a function of
the speed of travel, we rewrite our equation to be:
200
f(s) = +4
s
If the speed of travel is 1 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s
200
f(1) = + 4 = 200 + 4 = 204
1
If the speed of travel is 2 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s

3
 200
f(2) = + 4 = 100 + 4 = 104
2
If the speed of travel is 4 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s
200
f(4) = + 4 = 50 + 4 = 54
4
If the speed of travel is 10 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s
200
f(10) = + 4 = 20 + 4 = 24
10
If the speed of travel is 20 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s
200
f(20) = + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14
20
If the speed of travel is 50 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s
200
f(50) = +4 = 4+4 =8
50
If the speed of travel is 100 kph, we have
200
f(s) = +4
s
200
f(100) = + 4 = 2+ 4 = 6
100

Speed (in kph) 1 2 4 10 20 50 100

Total time (in hours) 204 104 54 24 14 8 6

Using this table of values, let us plot the ordered pairs.

200
We can simply plot the function: f(x) = +4
x

4
 Activity 1: Check Your Understanding

Write T if the statement is true, otherwise, write F.

________ 1. x2 – 3x + 1 is a polynomial.
________ 2. The function f(x) = x + 2 is not a rational function.
________ 3. A rational function is the quotient of p(x0 and q(x) where both p and q are
polynomial functions and q is zero.
________ 4. The graphs of all rational functions are non-linear.
________ 5. A rational function could be zero.

Lesson 2.1: Rational function, Rational Equation and Rational Inequalities

First, recall what is rational expression?

A
Rational expression which can be written in the form where A and B are
B
polynomial and B ≠ 0. It is also called as “algebraic fractions”.

Rational functions can be written in the form

p (x)
r (x) = where p(x) and q(x) are polynomials and q(x) ≠ 0.
q(x )

Example 6: Identify which of the following are rational functions:

a.
f(x) =
2+ x c.
h(x) =
√ x +2
x+1 x 2−4
2 1
b. x −4 x−5 d. 2
g(x) = i(x) = 2+ x
x+3 2
x +2 x+ 1
Solution:
a. Rational function: Both numerator and denominator are
polynomials.
b. Rational function: Both numerator and denominator are
polynomials.
c. Not a Rational function: Numerator is not a polynomial.
d. Not a Rational function: Numerator is not a polynomial.
What is rational equation?

Rational Equation is an equation that contains one or more rational expressions

combined by an equal sign. 5
Example 7:
2
2x 4 x x 4 x −16
a. = −2 x b. − = c. =1
15 5 2−x x + 4 x+ 4 2
x + 4 x+ 4

Rational Inequality is composed of rational expressions combined with >, <, ≤ ,∨≥
sign.

Example 8:

1 x+ 2 2
a. <7 b. ≤0 c. 2
≥1
x x−3 x −1

A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation or
inequality.
A rational function, expresses a relationship between two variables (such as x and y) and can
be represented by a table or a graph.

Activity 2: Check Your Understanding

A. Identify which of the following are rational functions.

__________________________ 1 y+ 13
. h(x) =
1+ y
__________________________ 2 2
x −7 x+12
. f(x) =
x−3
2
__________________________ 3 x +3 x +2
. h(x) =
4+ √ x
__________________________ 4 1
. f(x) = 2
x −1
__________________________ 5 1
2
. h(x) = 3 x +2 x
x +5
B. Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation or a rational
inequality or none of these.

__________________________ 1. x +5
f(x) = 2
5 x −6
__________________________ 2. x 2
−2 ≤
x+ y x− y
__________________________ 3. −3
x +1
f(x) = 2
x −1
__________________________ 4. 4
2y + 3 >
y−1
__________________________ 5. x x 1
− =
5 2 4

Lesson 2.2: Solving Rational Equations and Inequalities

To solve a rational equation:

6
1. Eliminate denominators by multiplying each term of the equation by the least common
denominator (LCD).
2. Note that eliminating denominators may introduce extraneous solutions. Check the
 5x 1 1
Example 9: Solve for x: − = .
6 2 3

Solution: The LCD of the denominators is 6. Multiply both sides of the equation by the 6 and then
solve the resulting equation.

5x 1 1
Check: If x = 1 and − = , then,
5x 1 1 6 2 3
− =
6 2 3 5(1) 1 1
− =
( 56x − 12 ) 6= 13 (6) 6 2 3
5 1 1
− =
5 x− 3 = 2 6 2 3
5 x=2+3 5−3 1
=
5x = 5 6 3
x=1 2 1
=
6 3
1 1
=
3 3
5x 1 1
Hence, x = 1 is the solution of − = .
6 2 3

Example 10: Solve for x:

x
4
1 x
( )
+3= 1− .
2 3
Solution: The LCD of the three fractions involved is 12.

x
4
1
+3= 1−
2 ( )
x
3
Check: If x = -6, and
x
4
1
( )
x
+3= 1− , then,
2 3

( 4x +3)(12) = [ 12 (1− 3x )](12)

−6
4
1
+3= 1−
2( −6
3 )
−6+12 1 6
= +
3x + 36 = 6( 1− )
x 4 2 6
3 6 3+6
=
3x + 36 = 6 – 2x 4 6
3 9
3x + 2x = 6 – 36 =
2 6
5x = -30 3 3
x = -6 = ( True statement)
2 2
x 1
( )
x
Hence, x = -6 is the solution of +3= 1− ,
4 2 3
4 x−6 7
Example 11: Solve for x: = .
2 x−3 x +1
Solution: The given equation is in proportion form. Hence, the product of the extremes 4x – 6 and x
+ 1 is equal to the product of the means 2x – 3 and 7.

4 x−6 7 3 4 x−6 7
= Check: If x = and = , then,
2 x−3 x +1 2 2 x−3 x +1
(4x – 6) (x + 1) = 7(2x – 3) Cross multiplication 3
4 ( )−6 7
4x2 + 4x – 6x – 6 = 14x – 21
2
= 3
3 +1
4x2 - 2x – 6 = 14x – 21 2( )−3 2
2
7
 4x2 - 2x – 14x = 6 – 21 7
6−6
2
4x – 16x = 6 – 21 Combine similar terms. = 5
3−3
4x2 – 16x + 15 = 0 Factor the trinomial. 2
0 14
(2x – 3) (2x – 5) = 0 Factored form = (false statement)
0 5
3 5 3
X= or x = The value x = is not a root of the given
2 2 2
equation. Such kind of value is referred to as
extraneous root.

5 4 x−6 7
If x = and = , then,
2 2 x−3 x +1

4 ( 52 )−6 = 5 7
2 ( )−3 2
5 +1
2
4 7
=
2 7
2
2 = 2 (True statement)
5 4 x−6 7
Hence, x = is the only solution of =
2 2 x−3 x +1
.

2 2
2 x −5 x−12 x +7 x−8
Example 12: Solve the equation: = .
x−4 x−1
Solution:

2 2
2 x −5 x−12 x +7 x−8
= Given
x−4 x−1
( 2 x +3 ) (x −4) (x−1)(x +8) Factoring quadratic trinomial
=
x−4 x−1
Canceling common factor
2x + 3 = x + 8
Apply addition property of equality (APE)
2x – x = 8 – 3
Simplification
x=5
The solution of the equation is {5}.

Rational inequalities are easier to solve if their denominators are eliminated.

Remember that the sense of an inequality is unchanged if the same real number is
added to, or subtracted from both sides of the given inequality.
Moreover, the sense of an inequality remains if both sides of the inequality are
multiplied by, or divided by the same positive real numbers.
But the sense of an inequality is reversed if both sides of the inequality are multiplied
by, or divided by the same negative real number.

5 −2 x
Example 13: Solve the inequality: 3x - ≥ , then graph its solution set.
6 3
Solution: The LCD of the fractions involved is 6.

( ) ( )
5 −2 x The sense of the inequality is unchanged when both sides are
6 3 x− ≥6 multiplied by the positive real number 6.
6 3
8
 18x – 5 ≥ -4x
The sense of the inequality is unchanged when real numbers
18x + 4x – 5 ≥ -4x + 4x 4x and 5 are added to both sides.

22x – 5 + 5 ≥ 0 + 5 The sense of the equality is unchanged when both sides are
22x ≥ 5 divided by 22.
22 x 5
≥
22 22
5
x≥
22
5
The solution set in interval form is [ , ∞ ¿. Its graph is given
22

5
22

x 2
Example 14: Solve the rational inequality <3 - .
x−2 x−2
Solution: The LCD of the fractions involved is x – 2. This implies that x – 2 ≠ 0 or x ≠ 2.
x 2
<3 -
x−2 x−2
x 2 Find zeroes from the numerator and the values that make the
+ −3< 0 function undefined from the denominator.
x−2 x−2
x+ 2 Critical values:
−3<0
x−2
-2x + 8 = 0 x–2=0
x+2−3(x−2)
<0 -2x = -8 x = 2 ---- critical value
x−2 -2 -2
x+2−3 x+6 x = 4 ---- critical value
<0
x−2
Intervals: (-∞ , 2), (2, 4), (4, ∞ )
−2 x +8
<0
x −2
Write the inequalities to determine in which intervals the factors are positive.
If -2x + 8 < 0, then x > 4.
The factor -2x + 8 is positive if x > 4.
If x – 2 < 0, then x > 2.
The factor x – 2 is positive if x > 2.
Summarizing this, we have:

Intervals
Factor (-∞ , 2) (2, 4) (4, ∞ )
-2x + 8 +
x–2 + +
Summary

We fill out the remaining cells with a negative sign as:

Intervals
Factor (-∞ , 2) (2, 4) (4, ∞ )
-2x + 8 - - +
x–2 - + +
9
 Summary + - +

Because the inequality tells us that the rational expression on the left-hand side of the
inequality is less than zero, we are interested with the intervals where the product of the factors is
positive. Thus, we exclude the critical values.
Therefore, the solution set is (-∞ , 2) ∪ (4, ∞ ) or all real numbers except [2, 4].

2 4
2
x −3 x −10
Example 15: Solve the inequality: 2
≤ 0.
x + 2 x−15
Solution:

Proceed to factoring the numerator and ( x−5 ) (x +2)

the denominator. ≤0
( x−3 ) (x +5)
Identify the critical values. Equate all
x–5=0 x+2=0 x–3=0 x+5=0
factors to zero and solve the equation.
x=5 x = -2 x=3 x = -5
The critical values are -5, -2, 3 and 5.
Write the intervals.
Intervals: (-∞ , -5), (-5, -2), (-2, 3), (3, 5), (5, ∞ )

Write the inequalities to determine in which intervals the factors are positive.
If x + 5 > 0, then x > -5.
The factor x + 5 is positive if x > -5.
If x + 2 > 0, then x > -2.
The factor x + 2 is positive if x > -2.
If x - 3> 0, then x > 3.
The factor x - 3 is positive if x > 3.
If x - 5 > 0, then x > 5.
The factor x - 5 is positive if x > 5.
Summarizing this, we have:

Intervals
Factors (-∞ , -5) (-5, -2) (-2, 3) (3, 5) (5, ∞ )
x+5 + + + +
x+2 + + +
x–3 + +
x–5 +
Summary

We fill out the remaining cells with a negative sign as:

Intervals
Factors (-∞ , -5) (-5, -2) (-2, 3) (3, 5) (5, ∞ )
x+5 - + + + +
x+2 - - + + +
x–3 - - - + +
x–5 - - - - +
Summary + - + - +
10
 Because the inequality tells us that the rational expression on the left-hand side of the
inequality is less than or equal to zero, then we are interested with the intervals where the product
of the factors is negative.
Because the inequality has the or equal to qualifier, we include the critical values in the
solution set unless these are not in the domain.
Therefore, the solution set of the inequality is (-5, -2] ∪ (3, 5].
Activity 3: Application

A. Solve the following rational equation.

x 2 5 2
1. 3− − =1 2. + =2
5 x −1 2
x −1 x+1

B. Solve each rational inequality.

4 x +5 5 x ( 4 x +1 ) (3 x−5)
5. > 6. ≤0
x−4 x −4 x ( x−2 ) (x−3)

Deepen
up

Lesson 2.3: Representation of a Rational Functions

11
 A rational function can be represented by its equation, table of values or
graph.
Example 16: Construct a table of values and sketch the graph of the following rational functions:
1 1
a. f(x) = b.. f(x) =
x x−2

Solution: In dealing with a rational function, it is often helpful to find values for which the rational
function is undefined. Later, one will find that the graph of the rational function approaches lines
that contain these values for which the rational function is undefined; hence the graph does not
cross these lines.
1 1
a. The function f (x) = which can be represented by the equation y = is not defined when x =
x x
1
0. The graph of the line x = 0 will not be crossed the graph of f (x) = . The table of values for
x
the function is constructed and shown below.

X -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
y -0.25 -0.33 -0.50 -1.00 undefined 1 0.50 0.33 0.25

Using these values, the points (-5, -0.20), (-4, -0.25), (-3, -0.33), (-2, -0.50), (-1, -1), (1,1), (2,
0.50),(3. 0.33), (4, 0.25) and (5, ).20) can be determined and plotted in a Cartesian plane. With these
points, the graph can be sketched.

1 1
b. The function f (x) = which can be represented by the equation y = is not defined
x−2 x−2
1
when x = 2. The graph of the line x = 2 will not be crossed by the graph of f(x) = . The
x−2
table of values for the function is constructed and shown below.

X -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
y -0.17 -0.20 -0.25 -0.33 -0.50 -1 undefined 1 0.50

Using the values above, plot the points and the graph can be sketched.

12
 Lesson 2.4: Domain and Range of Rational Function

How will you determine the domain and the range of a rational function?

The domain of a rational function is the set of all real numbers x, except those that make
the denominator zero. Meaning, the rational function is defined only when the denominator is
not equal to zero or undefined.

If my equation is linear, therefore, my domain are all real numbers ( R ). But when it is rational,
we have to consider its denominator which should not be equal to 0. Let us take a look on this:

To get the range of the function is to take the values that the x gives out. Therefore, the
range can take any real number except 0

Examples 17: f(x) = The domain of the function is the set of all real numbers except -2
1 that make the denominator zero.
x+2 D = {x ∈ R │x ≠ -2}
In interval form, the domain is (-∞ ,−2 ) ∪ (-2, ∞ ).
1 x
Theofdomain
The range of r(x) =
the function is any
can take the real
set of all real
number numbers,
except 0.
x+2x( x−3)
except those
R = that
{ y ∈make
R │y ≠the
0} denominator zero. These are x = 0 and x –
3 = 0 or x = 3.

Example 18: f (x) = D = {x │x ≠ 0 and x ≠ 3}

x In interval form, the domain is (-∞ , 0) ∪ (0, 3) ∪ (3, ∞ ).
x( x−3)
x
The range of the function can take any real number except
x( x−3)
0.
R = { y ∈ R │y ≠ 0}
2
x −4 x−5
The domain of r(x) = 2 is the set of all real numbers,
x +2 x −8
except those values of x that make denominator x 2 + 2x - 8 zero.
These values are determined by solving x2 + 2x - 8 ≠ 0.
Example 19: r(x) =
2
x2 + 2x - 8 ≠ 0.
x −4 x−5 (x + 4) (x – 2) ≠ 0. Factor
2
x +2 x −8 x + 4 ≠ 0 or x–2 ≠0
x ≠ -4 x ≠2

D = {x │x ≠ -4 and x ≠ 2}
In interval form, the domain is (-∞ , -4) ∪ (-4, 2) ∪ (2, ∞ ).
x
The range of the function can take any real number except 13
x( x−3)
0.
R = { y ∈ R │y ≠ 0}
 Activity 4: Application

A. Represent each rational function by its equation, table of values and graph.

1 1
1. f(x) = 2. f(x) =
2x x−1

14
 1
1. Plot the point then, graph. f(x) =
2x
1
2. f(x) =
x−1

15
B. Determine the domain and range of each rational functions.

2+ x x−1
1. f(x) = 2. f(x) =
x−3 2
x +2 x−15

Lesson 2.5: Intercepts, Zeroes and Asymptote of Rational Functions

What is intercept?

The intercepts of the graph of a rational function are the points of intersection of its graph
and an axis.
a. The y – intercepts of the rational function r(x) are where x = 0.
b. The x – intercepts of the rational function r(x) are where the numerator equals zero,
occurs at the zeroes of the numerator that are not zeroes of the denominators.
Example 20: Find the x- and y- intercept of the rational functions.

a. 3x a. Let us solve for x-intercept (numerator is equal to zero).

f(x) =
x−4 3x = 0
X=0 x – intercept is (0, 0)
b. Let us solve for the y- intercept: (x = 0).
3(o)
y=
(0−4 )
y=0 y- intercept is (0, 0)

b r(x) = a. The x- intercepts are the solution of (x + 1) (x – 3) (x + 2) = 0

. ( x+1 )( x – 3 ) (x +2) (x + 1) (x – 3) (x + 2) = 0
( x−1 ) (x +3) X+1=0 x–3=0 x+2=0
X = -1 x=3 x = -2
Thus, X = -1, x = 3, and x = -2 are x- intercepts of the graph of r(x).
b. The y- intercept of the graph of r(x) is
( 0+1 ) ( 0 – 3 ) ( 0+2) (1)(−3)(2)
r(x) = = =2
( 0−1 ) (0+3) (−1 ) (3)

What is asymptote?

An asymptote is a line (or a curve) that the graph of a function gets close to both x-
axis and y-axis but does not touch either axis.
Vertical asymptotes are found when the denominator equals zero or the y-axis.
A horizontal asymptote is found when the numerator and the denominator have the
same degree, reduced the terms of highest degree; or when the numerator is a lower degree
than the denominator or the x-axis.
There is a horizontal asymptote at y = 0; and if the degree of the numerator is one more16
than the degree of the denominator, the function has no horizontal asymptote but a slant
asymptote.
Example 21: Determine the horizontal and vertical asymptote of the following

a. 3x a. Let us solve the vertical asymptote. (Denominator is equal to

f(x) = zero).
x−4
x–4=0
x = 4 (vertical asymptote)
b. To solve the horizontal asymptote, divide the leading
coefficients of the numerator and denominator with the same
degree.
3
y= (leading coefficient of n and d)
1
y = 3 (horizontal asymptote)
b ( x+1 )( x – 3 ) (x +2) a. The vertical asymptotes for r(x) are x = 1 and x = -3.
. r(x) =
( x−1 ) (x +3) b. There is no horizontal asymptote because the degree of the
numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator.

Example 22: Determine the intercepts, horizontal and/or vertical asymptotes and sketch the graph
3x
of f(x) = .
x−4
a. Let us solve for the x- intercept: (numerator is equal to zero)
3x = 0
x = 0 → x – intercept is (0, 0)
b. Let us solve for the y- intercept: (x = 0)
3x
y=
x−4
3 (0)
¿
0−4
y=0 → y – intercept is (0, 0)
c. The leading coefficient is positive, therefore, the graph will be in quadrants I and III.
d. Let us solve for the vertical asymptote. (Denominator is set to zero).
x–4=0
x = 4 (vertical asymptote)
e. Let us solve for the horizontal asymptote. (Divide the leading coefficients of the numerator
and denominator with the same degree).
3
y= (leading coefficients of n and d)
1
y = 3 (horizontal asymptote)

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 f. Plot some additional points to complete the graph. Use any value of x to get the value of y
which is a whole number.
Domain: (-∞ , 4 ¿ ∪ ¿ )

x y
1 -1
-2 1
8 6
6 9
3x
g. Using asymptotes as guides, the complete sketch of f(x) = is shown below.
x−4

Process question:

1. Is it possible to have no vertical, horizontal or oblique asymptotes? Why?

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Is it possible for a function to have both the horizontal and oblique asymptote? Why?
________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

How to find the zeroes of rational function?

p (x)
The zeroes of rational function r(x) = can be determined by solving p(x) =0. In
q(x )
other words, whatever values that make the numerator p(x) equal to zero are the zeroes of r(x)
provided that it is not a zero of the denominator q(x).

Steps:
1. Factor the numerator and the denominator of rational function f if possible.
2. Identify the restrictions of the rational function f. (The restrictions are the values of the
independent variable function that make the denominator equal to zero.)
3. Identify the values of the independent variable that make the numerator equal to zero.
4. The zeroes of the rational function f are of the values of the independent variable that
make the numerator zero but are not restrictions of the rational function (r).

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Example 22: Find the zeroes of the following ratio function.

3x The value x = 2 make the denominator

a. For g(x) = equal to zero and is restriction.
x−2
3x = 0
x=0
Thus the zero of g(x) is 0.
2 The value x = 3 make the denominator
4 x −9
b. For g(x) = equal to zero and is restriction.
x −3
4x2 – 9 = 0 implies that
(2x – 3) (2x + 3) = 0
3 −3
x= or x = .
2 2
3 −3
Thus, the zeroes of g(x) are x = or x = .
2 2

2 The values x = -2 and x = 3 make the

x +6 x +8
c. f(x) = 2 denominator equal to zero and are
x −x−6
restrictions.
( x +2 ) (x + 4) x = -2 will not be a zero of f because it is
f(x) =
( x+2 ) (x−3) also a restriction.
(x + 2) (x + 4) = 0
x = -2 and x = -4
Thus, the zero of f(x) is -4.

Activity 5: Application

A. Determine the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of the following rational functions.

4 2
2 x −2
1. f(x) = 2. f(x) =
x−5 2
x −9

B. Find the zeros of the rational function.

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

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 C. Find the intercepts of the given in letter A.
2
x +6 x +8 −2
3. f(x) = 4. f(x) =
2
x −x−6 2 x +3

Lesson 2.6: Solving Problems Involving Rational

functions
Example 23: Finance
The student government of a certain high school in Quezon City is going to organize its
annual student mixer. They would be renting a gathering hall at a rate of P3, 000 for the entire
duration of the activity. The organizers are to equally divide the cost of the venue rental among the
attendees, on top of the merienda pack that costs P50.00.Apart from these charges, the organizers
are not planning on making any profit. What will be the price of each ticket to the mixer? If there
are 10 tickets? 20 tickets? 30 tickets?
Solution:
We need come up with a function that determines the price of each ticket. Note that for this
example, the price of each ticket depends on the number of attendees; that is, the price of each
ticket is a function of the number of attendees.
The total cost of renting the venue - P3, 0000 – is to be equally divided among all the
attendees. By this, the cost to be shouldered by each attendee is defined by:

3 ,000
x
where x is the total number of attendees. Also, each attendee is to pay P50 for snacks. So, given x
attendees, the amount to be paid by each is

3000
+50
x
3000
Expressing this function g, we have: g(x) = +50 where g(x) is the price of each ticket and x is
x
the number of attendees.
a. If 10 students attend the mixer, we have: c. If 30 students attend the mixer, we
have:
3000 3000
g(x) = +50 g(x) = +50
x x
3000 3000
g(10) = +50 g(30) = +50
10 30

g(10) = 300 + 50 g(30) = 100 + 50

g(10) = 350 g(30) = 150
b. If 20 students attend the mixer, we have:

20
 3000
g(x) = +50
x
3000
g(20) = +50 g(20) = 150 + 50 g(20) = 200
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Activity 6: Solve me!

Solve the problem carefully.

Travel
Let us say that you need to drive to a certain tourist spot 100 kilometers away and upon
arrival, you are to spend 4 hours at the site before driving back. Let us also assume that you are
to drive to and from the tourist spot with exactly the same constant speed.
How much would the entire trip if you traveled at 45kph? 60kph? 80kph? 90kph?

Show your solution here:

TRANSFER

Mini Task

A. Complete the table.

a b a.b Simplified form

1. 5 1
x+
5
2. 12 1
m-
12
3. 3x 4
+4
x
4. 10a 1 3
+
2a 5a
5. x+2 4
3-
x+2

a. Which of the terms in column a is the LCD of the expression in item column b?
___________________

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B. Determine the domain and range, intercepts, horizontal and vertical asymptotes, zeroes of the
following rational functions.

x (−x+1 ) ( x−5)
1. f(x) = 2− 4 2. f(x) =
x x−3

Great, you are finished answering the sets of activities and mini task in this module.
Congratulations and keep on learning!

Signature of Parent over Printed Name

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