Rational Functions

with Homero Simpson

1. Define rational functions.
2. Find the domain of a rational
function.
3. Find the asymptotes of a rational
function.
4. Draw the graph of a rational function.
Objectives
Asymptote
One way to study the behavior of a function when the values tend to infinity or at the
points where the function is not defined (isolated points) is to compare the function with a
straight line, so we say that a line is an asymptote of function when the graph of the
function and the line remain very close. Depending on the line as we have three types of
asymptotes: Vertical, Horizontal and Oblique.
But what is the definition of a rational function?
It is the function of the form
R x
p x
q x
( )
( )
( )
=
Where p (x) and q (x) are
polynomial functions q
(x) is not zero.
The domain consists of all
real numbers except those
for which the denominator
q (x) is 0.
Polynomial is the sum of several
monomials.
Monomial: algebraic expression in which letters, numbers and
symbols are used
Domain: The set of values for which a function is defined
Codomain: One function is the set involved in that function.
Y X f :
Y
But it's function?
It is the term used to
indicate the relationship or
correspondence between
two or more quantities.
Example:
Find the domain of the following rational functions:
Real Numbers: include rational numbers
(such as 31, 37) and to those Irrational
numbers can not be expressed
fractionally and have infinite decimal
places.
Definicin
If x tends to (x ) x -, and the value of R (x) to a fixed number L is about, then
the line y = L is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of R.
y = L
y = R(x)
x
horizontal asymptote
Asymptote: A function whose graph
representation is in the form of a straight
line or parabola and its trajectory is
approaching a curve.
Horizontal Asymptote: It's called horizontal
asymptote. The value (Real number) tends
to F (x) to increase (or decrease) the x
indefinitely.
y = L
y = R(x)
y
x
x
y = L
y = R(x)
y
x
If x approaches a real number c, and the value of |R(x)| , spproaches infinity ", then the
line x = c is a vertical asymptote of the graph of R.

y
x
Vertical
asymptote
x = c
x Vertical asymptotes: vertical lines are
to which the function is approaching
indefinitely without ever cutting.
Infinity: Any reference to an amount
no limit or end, as opposed to the
concept of finitude.
Finito: A group with a finite number
of elements.
definition
If an asymptote is neither horizontal nor vertical is called oblique asymptote.
y
x
Oblique asymptote
Oblique asymptotes are straight equation
n mx Y + =

x
x f
m
) (
lim =

x
For values of x increasing
(in absolute value), the
points on the line and the
graph of the function are
increasingly coming.
Theorem of Vertical Asymptotes
Asymptote: It tells a function f (x) to a straight t whose distance from the
curve tends to zero when x tends to infinity or x tends to a point a.
A rational function in reduced form, has a vertical asymptote at x = r, si x r is a
factor of the denominator q(x); is, q(r )= 0 .

The line x=a is vertical asymptote (AV) de f(x) if lim
x->a+
f(x) = inf olim
x->a-
f(x) = inf.
EYE: To x = r is a vertical asymptote
q(r) = 0 but p(r) 0.

Example
Find the vertical asymptotes of the graph of each rational function, if any.
2
3
(a) ( )
1
R x
x
=

3
( 1)( 1) x x
=
+
The graph has vertical asymptotes at : x = - 1 y en x = 1
2
3
(b) ( )
12
x
R x
x x

=
+
3
( 3)( 4)
x
x x

=
+
1
4 x
=
+
The graph has a vertical asymptote at x = - 4
2
5
(b) ( )
1
x
R x
x
+
=
+
2
1 0 x + = x i R = e
The graph has no vertical asymptotes
2
4
(c) ( )
12
x
R x
x x
+
=
+
4
( 3)( 4)
x
x x
+
=
+
1
3 x
=

The graph has a vertical asymptote has x = 3

Theorem horizontal and oblique asymptotes - Consider the rational function
R x
p x
q x
a x a x a x a
b x b x b x b
n
n
n
n
m
m
m
m
( )
( )
( )
= =
+ + + +
+ + + +

1
1
1 0
1
1
1 0

1. If n < m, then the line y = 0 is an horizontal asymptote of the graph of R.

2. If n = m, then the line y = a
n
/ b
m
is an horizontal asymptote of the graph of R.
wherein the degree of the numerator is the degree of the denominator
n is m.
http://www.coolmath.com/graphit/
The best way to have a
reference of how to graph is
using
It is very easy to use
3. Ifi n = m + 1, then the line y = ax + b is an oblique asymptote of the graph of R, where
ax + b is the quotient of the division between p (x) y q (x).
4. If n > m + 1, he graph of R is not linear or horizontal or oblique asymptotes.
Horizontal asymptotes: We tend to indicate the
function when x is large or very small mus also are
parallel to the axis OX lines. Written
y= asymptotic value.

Oblique Asymptotes: A rational function has
oblique asymptote when the degree of the
numerator is greater than the degree of the
denominator unit.
2
3 2
3 4 15
(a) ( )
4 7 1
x x
R x
x x x
+
=
+ +
The horizontal asymptote is: y = 0
2
2
2 4 1
(b) ( )
3 5
x x
R x
x x
+
=
+
The horizontal asymptote is; y = 2/3
Example
Find the horizontal or oblique asymptote of the graph of the function, if any.
The oblique asymptote is; y = x + 6
2
4 1
(c) ( )
2
x x
R x
x
+ +
=

( )
( )
2
2
6
2 4 1
- 2
6 1

- 6 12
13
x
x x x
x x
x
x
+
+ +

QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU