Rational Function

Things to Remember

Rational Number and Rational Representing a Rational Expression

Expression It is a quotient or ratio of two polynomials with the
Rational number is a quotient of two denominator not equal to zero.
integers and a rational expression is a Example:
quotient of two polynomials.

2 𝑥−3 𝑦+2 𝑥−2

, 3𝑧 + 5, , , and
3 2𝑥 2 −2 5𝑦 𝑥+1

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HELLO STUDENTS!
This lesson focuses on the nature and the domain of
a rational function.

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2
Rational Function
What it is?

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“ ‘Rational function’ is the name given to
a function which can be represented as
the quotient of polynomials, just as a
rational number that is expressed as a
quotient of whole number. The typical
𝑝(𝑥)
rational function has the form
𝑞(𝑥)
where p and q are polynomials.

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LEARNING COMPETENCIES

At the end of the lesson, you are expected

to:
▰ describe a rational function; and
▰ find the domain of a rational function;

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BIG
CONCEPT
How do we describe a rational
function? What is the domain of a
rational function?
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RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

A rational expression is expressed as a

quotient of two polynomials. On the other
hand, if we let 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) be two
polynomials, then a function of the form
𝑃(𝑥)
𝑓 𝑥 = , is called a rational function
𝑄(𝑥)
where 𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0.

Note: Any value of the variable that would make the

denominator zero is not permissible.
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DOMAIN OF A RATIONAL FUNCTION

𝑃(𝑥)
The domain of a rational function 𝑄(𝑥) consists of all points 𝑥
where 𝑄(𝑥) is non-zero. This domain really depends on the
way in which 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) are chosen. For example,

𝑥2 − 4
𝑔 𝑥 = 2
𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 6

can be written as

(𝑥−2)(𝑥+2)
𝑔 𝑥 = (𝑥−3)(𝑥−2)
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DOMAIN OF A RATIONAL FUNCTION

𝑃(𝑥)
The domain of a rational function 𝑄(𝑥) is the set of all real
numbers so that 𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0, so

(𝑥−2)(𝑥+2)
𝑔 𝑥 = (𝑥−3)(𝑥−2)

𝑥+2
which can be simplified to 𝑥−3, then the domain is the set of
all real numbers except 3.

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DOMAIN OF A RATIONAL FUNCTION

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Example 1: What is the domain of ℎ 𝑥 = ?
𝑥

Solution: To find the domain we set the

denominator not equal to 0, then 𝑥 ≠ 0, so
the domain is the set of all real numbers
except 0.

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DOMAIN OF A RATIONAL FUNCTION

𝑥+4
Example 2: Find the domain of 𝑏 𝑥 =
2𝑥+8

Solution: Set the denominator not equal to 0.

2𝑥 + 8 ≠ 0

then solve for 𝑥.

𝑥 ≠ −4

Thus, the domain is the set of all real numbers except

− 4. 12
DOMAIN OF A RATIONAL FUNCTION

𝑥−1
Example 3: Find the domain of 𝑓 𝑥 = 𝑥 2−2𝑥−3

Solution:
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 ≠ 0
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 1) ≠ 0
𝑥1 ≠ 3
𝑥2 ≠ −1

The domain is the set of all real numbers except 3 and -1.

Note: Make sure that the rational expression is in simplest form before setting
the denominator not equal to zero.
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CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Find the domain of the following rational functions.

3𝑥−4
1. 𝑓 𝑥 =
𝑥+1

2𝑥 2 −1
2. 𝑔 𝑥 =
𝑥 2 −3𝑥

𝑥 2 +2𝑥−8
3. ℎ 𝑥 =
𝑥 2 −4

𝑥 2 −𝑥−6
4. 𝑘 𝑥 =
𝑥 2 −9

𝑥 2 −𝑥−6
5. 𝑝 𝑥 =
𝑥 2 +4𝑥+4 14
SUMMARY

Rational function is a The domain of a

function which is the 𝑃(𝑥)
rational function 𝑄(𝑥)
ratio of polynomial
functions in the form consists of all points
𝑃(𝑥) 𝑥 where 𝑄(𝑥) is
of 𝑄(𝑥). non-zero.

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What’s Next?

Do an advance
reading
about
Asymptotes
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