Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.

notebook

2.1A: Introduction to Rational Functions and

Key Features

An asymptote is a line that a curve approaches, as it heads towards infinity:

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Finding Domain:
Example: Find the domain for the rational functions.

Finding Vertical Asymptotes:

A VERTICAL asymptote occurs when there are x­values
that result in the function being undefined (will set the
denominator equal to zero). It is possible for a rational
function to have no vertical asymptotes.
*Note: not all undefined values for x are V.A., some are
point discontinuities (holes).
*­*Factor and cancel first, if possible, prior to finding V.A.

VA: x=3

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Example: Find the vertical asymptote(s) of each function.

In other words, for which values of x is the function undefined?

a) b)

c) d)

Check In: Find the vertical asymptote(s) of each function.

1) 2)

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Finding Point Discontinuities (Holes):

What is special about the rational function f(x) below?

What will the graph look like? What happens at f(1)?

This case results in what we call a HOLE (point discontinuity).

The Process­> Finding Discontinuities

Vertical Asymptotes & Holes:
1)Factor the rational function. Determine the domain for the function
by finding which x value(s) make q(x)=0.

2) Cancel any common factors from the numerator

and denominator. Set the canceled factor =0 and
solve for the x value. This is the x coordinate of the
hole. Plug in to find the y value.

3) The remaining factor(s) in the denominator

that are not canceled as a result of factoring
can be set equal to 0 and solve for the x. This
x value is written as an equation in the form
x=# for the vertical asymptote.

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Example: Find the hole(s) of each function.

a) b)

Example: Find the hole(s) of each function.

1) 2)

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Finding Horizontal Asymptotes:

HORIZONTAL asymptotes are much more complex. The horizontal asymptote of a
function (assuming it has one) tells us roughly where the graph will being going when x
gets really, really big in either direction. They are essentially the end behavior of the
function. To find horizontal asymptotes, we will observe what happens when we plug in
infinity or negative infinity for x.

There are 3 cases for Horizontal Asymptotes!

Let's apply this to help us find some horizontal asymptotes...

Case I: Degree of numerator < degree of denominator.

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Case 3: Degree of numerator > degree of denominator.

Putting It All Together:

Example: Find the horizontal asymptotes of each function.

a) b) c)

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Check In: Find the horizontal asymptote(s), vertical asymptote(s)

and the hole(s) of each function. If none exist, write none.

1) 2)

3)

To Graph: We need more points! Find the x and y­intercepts!

• To find the y­intercept of any function f(x):

• To find the x­intercept of any function f(x):

Example: Find the intercepts of each function.

a) b)

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

2.1B: Graphing Rational Functions:

Putting it ALL together...

and solve. (not including any holes!)

and simplify.

for x (not including any holes!)

4. Find the hole(s):

factor numerator and denominator and find common factors.

Example #1: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Example #2: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

Example #3: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Example #4: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

Example #5: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Check In #1: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

Check In #2: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Check In #3: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

Check In #4: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Check In #5: Graph the function using the asymptote(s), intercept(s),

and hole(s).

Hole(s):

Asymptote(s):

Intercept(s):

2.1C Slant Asymptotes &

Analyzing Graphs of Rational
Functions and Applications

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Reminder:

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Example: Find the slant asymptote for each.

Check in: Find the slant asymptote for each.

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Example:
What is the domain of the rational function?
a) b)

c)

Check in!
What is the domain of the rational function?
a) b)

c)

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Unit 2.1A­C Graphing Rational Functions Notes.notebook

Analyzing Graphs of Rational Functions:

a) What is the domain of g(x)?

b) What is the range of g(x)?

c) What are the asymptotes of g(x)?

d) What are the intercepts of g(x)?

e) Where is g(x) increasing?

f) Where is g(x) decreasing?

g) Where is g(x) > 0? h) Where is g(x) < 0?

i) List the EB for the function.

Check in!
a) What is the domain of f(x)?

b) What is the range of f(x)?

c) What are the asymptotes of f(x)?

d) What are the intercepts of f(x)?

f (x)

e) Where is f(x) increasing?

f) Where is f(x) decreasing?

g) Where is f(x) > 0? h) Where is f(x) < 0?

i) List the EB for the function.

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