Rational Functions

Domain and Range

 Rational Functions
 A function is a rational function if

where the numerator, is a polynomial of degree

greater than or equal to zero and the denominator is a
polynomial of degree greater than or equal to one.

 If there are values in the domain and/or range that are

restricted, there will be at least one asymptote.
 Domain of a Rational Function
The domain of is the set of all real numbers x such that
the denominator .

Examples: Determine the domain of the following

rational functions.
1. f (x) x+3=0 2. f (x) =
= x=-3

Domain: Domain:
Set Notation: {x/x ∈ R, x ≠ -3} Set Notation: {x/x ∈ R, x ≠ ±2}
Interval Notation: (-∞,-3) U (-3,∞) Interval Notation: (-∞,-2) U (-2,2)
U(2,∞)
Domain of a Rational Function
Examples (continued)

3. Domain:
Set Notation: {x|x ∈ R, x ≠ 4 and -1}
Interval Notation: (-∞,-1) U (-1,4) U
(4,∞)

4. Domain:
Set Notation: {x|x ∈ R}
Interval Notation: (-∞, ∞)
 Range of a Rational Function

To get the range of a rational function, solve for x in

terms of y then examine the possible restrictions for y

Examples.

Range: {y |y ER, y≠0} Range: {y|yER, y≠2}

 Domain and Range of a Rational
Function
Practice: Determine the domain and range of the following
rational functions.

1. f (x) = Domain: {x | x ∈ R, x ≠ -2}

Range : {y | y ∈ R, y ≠ 0}

2. f (x) = Domain: {x | x ∈ R, x ≠ -2}

Range : {y | y ∈ R, y ≠ 2/3}

Domain: {x | x ∈ R}
3. f (x) = Range : {y | y ∈ R, 0 < y }
Reference:

Leithold, L (1989). College Algebra and Trigonometry. (Alt.ed.)

Addison- Wesley.