2.

4 Rational Functions
Definition:
A rational function …
 any function that is the ratio (division) of two polynomials
 a quotient of polynomials,
R(x)
 A rational function can be expressed as f ( x )= where R(x) and S(x) are polynomials, and S ≠ 0
S(x)
 Examples:

To “Simplify a Rational
Expression”
Example 1:  factor
Write the simplified expression for the function defined by  cancel out any
common factors on
3 2
3 x −3 x numerator and
f ( x )= 3 2
8 x −12 x −4 x denominator

 Don’t forget to
State Restrictions!!

Restrictions:
the values of the variable(s)
State the restrictions … in a rational function or
expression that cause the
function to be undefined.
These are the zeros of the
denominator. These
numbers are not in the
domain of a function.
Example 2:
Simplify the following rational _________________ and state any restrictions on the variables

4 3
30 x y
7
−6 x y

Example 3:
Simplify and state any restrictions on the variables
4 2
10 x −8 x + 4 x
2
2x

What is the domain?

Example 4:
Simplify f(x) and state the domain
2
x + 7 x−8
f ( x )=
2−2 x

Example 5:
Simplify and state any restrictions on the variables
2 2
4 x −16 y
2 2
x + xy −6 y

Summary:
 a rational function can be expressed as the ratio of two polynomial functions
 restrictions are found by determining all the zeros of the denominator
Homework: 112 #1-7, 10