Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region I
San Fernando City
La Union

MODULE IN
GENERAL MATHEMATICS
1st QUARTER, WEEK 1

MELC: Represents real life situations using rational functions

Distinguishes rational function, rational equation, and
rational inequality
Solve rational equations and inequality
Represents rational function through its: (a.) table of
values, (b.) graphs, and (c.) equations
Finds the domain and range of rational function

 M11GM-Ib-5 - 8

Objectives:

At the end of the session, the learner is able to

1. Represents real life situations using rational functions
2. Distinguishes rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality
3. Solve rational equations and inequality
4. Represents rational function through its: (a.) table of values, (b.) graphs, and (c.)
equations
5. Finds the domain and range of rational function

Prepared by:

AGNES R. RAMO
SHS TEACHER II
Name: _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________

Grade/Section:__________________________________________ Score:____________

Title of the Activity: FUNCTION

Most Essential Learning Competency: Represents real -life situations using rational
functions
K to 12 BEC CG: M11GM- Ib-5 - 8

INTRODUCTION

Represents Real- life Situations Using Rational functions

Definition:
A polynomial function p of degree n is a function that can be written in a form:

f ( x )=an x n + a n−1 x n−1+ an−2 x n−2 +… a1 x+ a0

Where a 0 , a1 ,… an ϵ R, a n≠ 0, and n is a positive integer. Each summand is a term of the

polynomial function. The constant a 0 , a1 ,… an are the coefficients. The leading coefficient is
a n . The leading term isa n x n and the constant term is a 0 ,.

Examples of Rational Functions

The definition you just got might be a little overbearing, so let's look at some examples of
rational functions:
The function R(x) = (x^2 + 4x - 1) / (3x^2 - 9x + 2) is a rational function since the
numerator, x^2 + 4x - 1, is a polynomial and the denominator, 3x^2 - 9x + 2 is also a polynomial.
The function R(x) = (-2x^5 + 4x^2 - 1) / x^9 is a rational function since the numerator,
-2x^5 + 4x^2 - 1, is a polynomial and the denominator, x^9, is also a polynomial.
The function R(x) = 1 / ((x - 1)(x^2 + 3)) is a rational function since the numerator, 1, is a
polynomial (yes, a constant is still a polynomial) and the denominator, (x - 1)(x^2 + 3), is also a
polynomial (it's just in a factored form).

Non-Examples of Rational Functions

The function R(x) = (sqrt(x) + x^2) / (3x^2 - 9x + 2) is not a rational function since the
numerator, sqrt(x) + x^2, is not a polynomial since the exponent of x is not an integer.
The function R(x) = (x - 4) / x^(-2/3) + 4 is not a rational function since the denominator,
x^(-2/3) + 4, is not a polynomial since the exponent of x is not a non-negative integer.
PRE- TEST

Fill up the table below with the different allotment amounts for the
Number of children:

No. of Children, x 10 20 50 100 200 300 500 1000

Allocated Amount, y

A philanthropist wants to supplement the budget allotted for each child

by providing an additional P750 for each child in the barangay. If g(x) represents this new
amount allotted for each child, construct a function representing this relationship.

100 , 000
Ans. y= + 750
x

Fill up the table below with the different allotment amounts under this scenario:

No. of Children, x 10 20 50 100 200 300 500 1000

Allocated Amount, y
 DISCUSSION

p( x )
A rational function f ( x )= where p(x) and q(x) are polynomial functions, and
q(x )
q(x) is not the zero function (i.e., q(x) ≡ 0). The domain of f(x) is all values of x where q(x)
≠ 0.

EXAMPLE:
1. An object is to travel a distance of 10 meters. Express velocity v as a function of
v(t) of travel time t, in seconds.

t (seconds) 1 2 4 5 10
v (meters per seconds) 10 5 25 2 1

10
The function v(t) = can represent v as a function of t.
t
A local barangay received a budget of P 100, 000 to provide medical check –ups for the
children in Barangay. The amount is to be allotted equally among all the children in barangay.
Write an equation representing the relationship of the allotted amount per child (y- variable)
versus the total number of children (x- variable).

100 , 000
Ans. y=
x

Vertical Asymptotes
One of the most unique properties of a rational function is that it may have vertical asymptotes.
First off, we should probably define a vertical asymptote. A vertical asymptote at a value x is
when the value of our function approaches either positive or negative infinity when we evaluate our
function at values that approach x (but are not equal to x).
This example may help clarify the idea of a vertical asymptote:
 We see there is a vertical asymptote when x = 1 since the function is approaching negative
infinity as we approach 1 from the left, and the function is approaching positive infinity as we
approach 1 from the right.

Finding Vertical Asymptotes

How do we find the vertical asymptotes (if any exist) if we have been given a rational
function? We can use the following theorem:
Theorem: Let R(x) be a rational function with no common factors between the numerator
and the denominator. Then, the real values of x that make our denominator equal to 0 will have
vertical asymptotes.

DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES
A.
 DISCUSSION:

Rational Functions, Equations, and Inequalities

Definitions:
A rational expression is an expression that can be written as a ratio of two
polynomials. It can be described as a function where either the numerator, denominator, or
both have a variable on it
Rational Equation Rational Inequality Rational Function
Definitions A functions of the
An equation involving An inequality p( x )
rational expressions involving rational form f ( x )=
q( x )
expressions.
where p(x) and q(x)
are polynomial
functions, and q(x) is
not the zero function
(i.e., q(x) ≡ 0). The
domain of f(x) is all
values of x where q(x)
≠ 0.

Examples 2 3 1 5 2 x 2+ 2 x +3
− = ≥ f ( x )=
x 2x 5 x−3 x x +1

A rational equation or inequality can be solved for all x values that satisfy the equation or
inequality. Whereas we solve equation or inequality, we “do not” solve functions. Rather, a
function (and in particular a rational function) expresses a relationship between two variables
(such as x and y), and can be represented by table of values or graphs.
 .

DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES:
DISCUSSION:

Solving Rational Expressions

Steps in Solving Rational Equations

• Find the LCM for the denominators
• Any solution that results in a zero in denominator must be excluded from your list of
solutions.
• Multiply both sides of the equation by the LCM to get rid of all denominators
• Solve the resulting equation (may need quadratic techniques, etc.)
• Always check your answers by substituting back into the original equation.

EXAMPLES:

−4 5
1. Solve for x: =
x+3 x−3
Solution -4(x – 3) = 5(x+3) cross- multiply the equation
-4x +12 = 5x + 15 distributive property
- 4x – 5x = 15 – 12 group like terms
-9x = 3 divide both side by -9
x = - 1/ 3

2. Nita walks 10 kilometers from her house to the market to buy

a new bike which she will use to return home. She averaged 15 kilometers faster
on her bike than on foot. If his total trip took 1 hour and 30 minutes, what is his
d
walking speed in kph? Use the formula v= .
t
d d
Solution: Using the formula v= , convert the formula for time t= . .
t v
Let v be Nita’s speed. Then v+15 is her speed on her new bike.
10 10
Nita’s walking time is . and her biking time is . Rewrite 1
v v +15
hour and 30 minutes into fraction.
 5 5 3
+ =
v v+ 15 2
The LCD is 2v(v+15). Multiply both sides of the equation to eliminate the
denominators
2 ( v +15 ) ( 10 ) +2 v (10 )=v ( v+15 )( 3 )
20 ( v +15 )+20 v=v (3 v +45)
20 v +3000+20 v=3 v 2 + 45 v
3 v 2 +25 v −300=0
( 3 v −20 ) ( v +15 )=¿ 0
3
v= ∨v=−15
20
.
Steps in Solving Rational Inequalities
• Recall that for inequalities, we often pretend we are dealing with an equation, put the
solutions on a number line, and then test a point from each region
• Same thing here!
• 1st find the excluded values
• Then solve the related equation
• Put the solutions and excluded values on a number line
• Then test a point in each region to determine which range(s) of values represent
solutions!
1 2 2
EXAMPLE: Solve the ff.  
3x 9 x 3

Solutions: Multiply by the LCM which is 9x.

 1 2   2
9x         9x
 3 x 9 x   3

3  2  6x
5  6x

5
5
x
. Using the exclude value and the solution
The excluded value is
6 6
Make a Number line. Test the values between the dotted lines.

5
6
Using the exclude value and the solution make a Number line. Test the values
between the dotted lines.

1 2 2 3 2 2
Let x = 1    
3x 9 x 3 9 9 3

.
1 2 2 5 2 5
   yes x  works
3 9 3 9 3 6
 Using the exclude value and the solution make a Number line. Test the values
between the dotted lines.

1 1 2 2 2 2
Let x =   1  Does not work
3 1 1 3 3 3
3  9 
 3  3
So final solution will be:
1 2 2
  5
1 3 3 x0 x
6

Summary in Solving Rational Expression

Excluded Simplify/Multiply/Divide Combining

Values/Undefined
 Denominator equals  Division –  If necessary
zero multiply by the factor denominators
 Set denominator reciprocal to find a common
equal to zero  Factor wherever denominator
and solve for all values of possible and reduce  Combine
“x”  Monomials- numerators (Watch
divide through by a out for subtraction –
common factor distribute the
 Binomials – must negative)
be the same and  Keep
divide to 1 denominator
 Exception:  Factor & Reduce
x− y
=−1
Equations y−x Complex Fractions
 Find a common  Combine
denominator numerator to a single
 Eliminate fraction
denominators  Combine
 Solve for x; check for denominator to a
extraneous roots single fraction
 Multiply
numerator with
Inequalities reciprocal of
denominator AFTER
 Find critical values you have simplified
a. Value(s) make numerator and
undefined denominator
b. Solutions
 Graph on number
line & write interval
notation

DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES:

A. Multiply or divide the following rational Equations. (Remember to factor when

necessary).

2 2
x+ 3 x 2−x−2 x −x−12 x +x−20
⋅ ÷
1. x 2 −4 x+ 4 x 2 +4 x +3 2. 3 x +9 x +5

15x 2 5x 6 6 5x  25
 4 
4. x  9 x  20 3x  6
3 2
3. 45x 9 x

6 x  12 3x 3

5. 4 x
2
2x  4

B. Add or subtract the following rational expressions.

 7 2 3 4
− +
1. 3x 5 2. 2 x +6 6 x +18

3 4 1 4
+ + 2
3. x +2 x−7 4. y +3 y + 4 y +3

2 3
−
5. 5 x 10 x

C. Solve the following inequalities. Show all your solutions.

1.6. x  5 x  6  0
2
5 3
4. 
x4 x3 x2

5 2
x 2  9 x  14 5. 
2. 0 x  4 x 1
x2  6x  5

x3
3. 0
x4
DISCUSSION:
GRAPHS OF RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

We really have no standard form of a rational function to look at, so we will

concentrate
1
f x  
on the parent function of x . The following illustrate the effects of the denominator,
f
as well as the behavior of  x  .

1
f x  
x

Here, the vertical asymptote is at x=0, and the horizontal asymptote is y=0.

1 1
f x   f x  
x2 x2
The graph of this function shifts left 2. The graph of this function shifts right 2.

The range for each of these functions is  , 0    0,   . There is no way to tell
what the range of a rational function will be until it is graphed. Remember,
the curve may cross the horizontal axis.

Steps to graph a rational function:

1. Find the domain
2. Find the intercpts
3. Find the vertical and horizontal asymptote
4. Make a table of values with points
to the left and the right of the vertical asymptote
5. Plot points
6. Connect points with a smooth curve.
7. Determine the range

Finding Domain
The domain of a rational function is found using only the vertical asymptotes. As
previously noted, rational functions are undefined at vertical asymptotes. The rational
function will be defined at all other x values of the domain.
x Here is a rational function in completely
f x 
 x  2   x  3 factored form.

Since the zeros of the denominator are -2 and

x  2 and x  3 3, these are the vertical asymptotes of the
function.

Therefore, the domain of this function is

 , 2   2,3  3,   .

WARM UP ACTIVITY:
 Find the domain of each of the following rational functions.

x7 x2
f x   f x  
1. x5 3. x 5
3
f x 
2. x 4
2

Finding Intercepts

We have found that the zeros of the denominator of a rational function are the
vertical asymptotes of the function. The zeros of the numerator on the other hand,
are the x intercepts of the function.

x2  9
f x  
Find all x and y intercepts of the function x 1 .

f x  
 x  3   x  3 Write out the function in completely factored
x 1 form.

Now, find the zeros of the numerator

These are the x intercepts of the function.
x  3 and x  3

Look at the original function.

From here, substitute zero for x, and find the y
x 9
2 intercept, which in this case will be the ratio of
f x   the two constants.
x 1

y 9 This is the y intercept of the function. In this

case, it is the ratio of the two remaining
constants once zero is substituted in for x. If
there is no constant in the denominator, then
there will be no y intercept as x=0 is a vertical
asymptote and the graph is undefined at the y
axis.

The x intercepts are

 3,0  and  3, 0 
 The y intercept is
 0,9 

WARM UP ACTIVITY:

Find the x and y intercepts of the function.

x7
f x  
1. x5

Finding Asymptotes

Rational functions have various asymptotes. The following will aid in

finding all asymptotes of a rational function. The first step to working with
rational functions is to completely factor the polynomials. Once in factored form,
find all zeros.

Vertical Asymptotes
The Vertical Asymptotes of a rational function are found using the zeros of the denominator.

For Horizontal Asymptotes use the following guidelines.

 If the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator by more than
one, the graph has no horizontal asymptote.(none)
 If the degree of the numerator is equal to the degree of the denominator, the horizontal
asymptote is the ratio of the two leading coefficients.(y = #)
 If the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, the horizontal
asymptote is zero. (y = 0)

Oblique Asymptotes
 If the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator by one, there is
an oblique asymptote. The asymptote is the quotient numerator divided by the
denominator.
An asymptote is like an imaginary line that cannot be crossed. All rational
functions have vertical asymptotes. A rational function may also have either a
horizontal or oblique asymptote. A rational function will never have both a horizontal
and oblique asymptote. It is either one or the other. Horizontal asymptotes are the
 only asymptotes that may be crossed. The vertical asymptotes come from zeroes of the
denominator.
Here is a rational function in completely factored form.

x
f x  
 x  2   x  3
The zeros of the denominator are -2 and 3.
Therefore, these are the vertical asymptotes
of the function. x  2 and x  3
Since an x value of -2 or 3 would create a zero in the denominator, the function would be
undefined at that location. As a result, these are the vertical asymptotes for this function. In this
same function, the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, therefore, the
horizontal asymptote is y  0 .
When finding the oblique asymptote, find the quotient of the numerator and
denominator. If there are any remainders, disregard them. You only need the
quotient. The graph of the function can have a either a horizontal asymptote, or an oblique
asymptote. You can not have one of each. This particular function does not have an
oblique asymptote.

Here is an example with an oblique asymptote.

x 2  8 x  20
f x  
Find the oblique asymptote of the rational function x 1 .

Dividing the polynomials, the quotient x+9 is found.

This is the equation for the oblique asymptote of the function.

y  x9 Notice the remainder of the division problem is disregarded.
It plays no part in the equation for the oblique asymptote.

Finally, let us look at a rational function where the degree of the numerator is equal
to the degree of the denominator.

Find the horizontal asymptote for the rational function.

2 x2  4 x  8
f x  
3 x 2  27
 Notice the degree of the numerator
is the same as the degree of the denominator.

WARM UP ACTIVITY:
Find all asymptotes of the following functions.
x7
f x  
1. x5
3
f x 
2. x 2
2

x2
f x  
3. x 5

DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES:
A. Find the domain of each of the following rational functions.

2 x2  5x  3 x 8
f x   f x  
1. x 1 4. x  x 2  12 x
3

x3 x3  2 x 2  5
f x   2 f x  
2. x  7 x  12 5. x2

1
f x  
3. 3 x
B. Find the x and y intercepts of each rational function.

3 x2
f x  2 f x  
1. x 4 4. x 5

2 x2  5x  3 x 8
f x   f x  
2. x 1 5. x  x 2  12 x
3

x3
f x  
3. x 2  7 x  12

C. Find all asymptotes of the following functions.

2 x2  5x  3 7 x2  5x  2
f x   f x  
1. x 1 4. 2 x 2  18

2 x2  5x  5 1
f x   f x  
2. x2 5. 3 x

x2  4 x3  2 x 2  5
f x   f x  
3. x 4  81 6. x2
POST TEST
A.
B. Perform the indicated operations. Match the problems on the left to their
correct answer on the right.

x 2 x +4 1
+
1. x−2 x−2 x+1

x +3
− 2
4 3
2
2. x −1 x −1 x−3

2x 6 −3 x+29
−
3. x−3 x−3 4( x+3 )( x−3)
2 x +11 2−x
+ −3 x
4. x 2−9 9−x 2 2( x−2)
x +2
−
7 3 x+4
5. x 2 −9 4 x+12 x−2
3x 2x 2
−
6. 6 x−12 x−2 ( x−4)( x−2 )
 7. −( x−1)
5 3 x( x +1)
2
− 2
x −3 x−4 x −x−2
8.
1 2 2
− − 2
x x+2 x 2 +3 x +2

C. PROBLEM SOLVING

4 x +9
f ( x )=
Given x +3

a
f ( x )= +k
a. Express f ( x ) in transformation form. (Divide). ( x −h )

1
g( x )=
b. Identify the transformations to go from x to f (x ) in the proper order.

c. Identify the domain

d. Identify the range

e. Write the equation for the vertical asymptote

 f. Write the equation for the horizontal asymptote.

g. Find the x – intercept.

h. Find the y – intercept.

REFERENCES:

https://study.com/academy/lesson/rational-function-definition-equation-examples.html