Rational Functions and Their Graphs Objectives Find the domain of rational functions. Find horizontal and vertical asymptotes of graphs of rational functions. Analyze and sketch graphs of rational functions.

Rational Functions A rational function is the ratio of two polynomial functions Asymptote comes from combining 3 Greek words “an-sum-piptein” meaning “does not fall together with”. An asymptote is a curve that another curve approaches but does not ultimately cross.

Finding the domain of a rational function

Find the domain of the rational function Answer in set-builder notation is Answer in interval notation is

Find the domain of the rational function Answer in set-builder notation is Answer in interval notation is Since we don’t have a restriction, the domain will be all real numbers.

The Reciprocal Function The domain of this function is all real numbers except zero. Let’s look at the behavior of this function on the left of zero.

The Reciprocal Function x is approaching zero from the left. As x approaches 0 from the left, what are the y-values, f(x), doing? They are decreasing without bound towards negative infinity.

The Reciprocal Function

x is approaching zero from the right. As x approaches 0 from the right, what are the y-values, f(x), doing? They are increasing without bound towards positive infinity.

The Reciprocal Function

Vertical Asymptotes Refer to page 343 in your book. The line x = a is a vertical asymptote of the graph of a function f if f(x) increases or decreases without bound as x approaches a. A graph may have more than one vertical asymptote. It may have no vertical asymptotes. Look at the four examples on page 343. The dotted lines represent the asymptotes. Think of them as an electric fence which can be approached closely but cannot be touched.

Locating Vertical Asymptotes

Step 1: Simplify the rational function, if possible. Step 2: Solve for the polynomial in the denominator for if it equals zero.

Locating Vertical Asymptotes Step 1: Simplify the rational function, if possible. Step 2: Solve for the polynomial in the denominator for if it equals zero.

Graphing a Rational Function with a Hole Example:Graph Solution:Notice the domain of the function cannot include 2. Rewrite f in lowest terms by factoring the numerator. The graph of f is the graph of the line y = x + 2 with the exception of the point with x-value 2.

The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the graph of a function f if f(x) approaches b as x increases or decreases without bound. Horizontal Asymptotes The dotted lines represent the asymptote. There can at most only be one horizontal asymptote. The graph may cross its horizontal asymptote.

Locating Horizontal Asymptotes

Find the horizontal asymptote: Compare the lead degrees of the two polynomials. The degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator. If n < d, the x-axis, or y = 0, is the horizontal asymptote of the graph.

Find the horizontal asymptote: Compare the lead degrees of the two polynomials. The degree of the numerator is the same as the degree of the denominator.

Find the horizontal asymptote: Compare the lead degrees of the two polynomials. The degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator. If n > d, the graph has no horizontal asymptotes.

Graphing Rational Functions 1.Simplify, if possible, the rational function. 2.Find the y-intercept (if there is one) by substituting 0 for every x-variable. 3.Find the x-intercepts (if there are any) by letting f(x) be zero. 4.Find any vertical asymptotes. 5.Find the horizontal asymptotes (if there is one). 6.Plot several points between and beyond each x- intercept and vertical asymptote. 7.Complete the sketch.

Graphing A Rational Function Step 1: Simplify, if possible, the rational function. Is it simplified? Yes Step 2: Find the y-intercept (if there is one) by substituting 0 for every x-variable. What is the y-intercept? Step 3: Find the x-intercepts (if there are any) by letting f(x) be zero. The x-intercept is

Graphing A Rational Function Step 4: Find any vertical asymptotes. Step 5: Find the horizontal asymptotes (if there is one). Solve for the polynomial in the denominator for if it equals zero. Compare the lead degrees of the two polynomials.

Graphing A Rational Function Step 6: Plot several points between and beyond each x- intercept and vertical asymptote. Final Step: Complete the sketch.

Graphing A Rational Function