CHAPTER II – RATIONAL FUNCTIONS

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Introduction
In this chapter, learners are expected to demonstrate understanding the key concepts of
functions specifically on representing real-life situations using rational functions, classifying
rational functions, equations and inequalities, solving rational equations and inequalities and
representing a rational function by its: (a) table of values, (b) graph, and (c) equations.
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Pretest
Read and analyze each of the following statements then choose the letter of the correct
answer in the provided space.

_____ 1. Which of the following terms define as an equation involving rational expression?
A. Rational Expression C. Rational Function
B. Rational Equation D. Rational Inequality

_____ 2. Which of the following is not a rational function?

A. 𝑓 (𝑥) = C. = 𝑠(𝑥)
B. 𝑔(𝑥) = ( )
D. =2

_____ 3. The expression >

A. Rational Expression C. Rational Function
B. Rational Equation D. Rational Inequality

_____ 4. Solve for x : =

A. 𝑥 = 4 B. 𝑥 = −4 C. 𝑥 = 5 D. 𝑥 = −5

_____ 5. Find the sum of , and .

A. B. C. D.

_____ 6. Find the sum of and .

A. B. C. D.

_____ 7. Find the product of , and .

A. B. C. D.

_____ 8. Divide by .
A. B. C. D.
 CHAPTER II – RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Lesson 4: Rational Functions, Equations and Inequalities

Competency
1. Distinguishes rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality.
2. Solves rational equations and inequalities.

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
1. Define and differentiate rational function, rational equation and rational inequality.
2. Provide illustrations of rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality.
3. Solve rational equations and inequalities.
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Definition
A rational expression is an expression that can be written as a ratio of two polynomials.
A rational equation is an equation involving rational expressions.
A rational inequality is an inequality involving rational expressions.
( )
A rational function is a function of the form 𝑓 (𝑥) = where 𝑃(𝑥) and 𝑄(𝑥) are
( )
polynomial function and 𝑄 (𝑥) is not the zero function (𝑄(𝑥) ≠ 0).
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Example 1:

6
Rational Expression
𝑥−1

1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = Rational Function
𝑥+1

2𝑥 − 3 1
= Rational Equation
𝑥 𝑥+1

𝑥+7
≤1 Rational Inequality
3𝑥 − 1

8
4𝑥 > Rational Inequality
3𝑥 + 5

5𝑥 + 1
𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 9 − Rational Function
𝑥 −3

3+𝑥
= 15 Rational Equation
𝑥−1

𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 6
Rational Expression
𝑥+7

2𝑥 + 8
≥1 Rational Inequality
3𝑥 − 2𝑥 − 3
Solving Rational Equation
To solve rational equations:
 Eliminate all fractions.
When solving rational equations, multiply the entire problem by the least
common denominator or LCD.
 Simplify the resulting equation.
To simplify the equation, you may need to distribute and combine like terms.
 Solve the simplified equation.
Equate the simplified equation to zero then find the value/s of the unknown
variable.
 Check each solution.
Substitute each solution into original equation and reject any extraneous root/s
(which do not satisfy the equation)
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Example 2:

Solve: − =
Step 1: Eliminate all fractions. In this case, we 𝐿𝐶𝐷: 12𝑥
need to multiply by the LCD to eliminate the
fractions. 5 3 2
12𝑥 − =
2𝑥 4𝑥 3𝑥
Step 2: Simplify the resulting equation. To
simplify the equation, you may need to 6𝑥 (5) − 3(3) = 4𝑥(2)
distribute and combine like terms. 30𝑥 − 9 = 8𝑥
Step 3: Solve the simplified equation. In this 30𝑥 − 8𝑥 = 9
case, we need to get the x’s on one side and
the numbers of the other side. 22𝑥 = 9
9
𝑥=
22
Step 4: Check each solution. In this case, the
5 3 2
only number that would make the problem − =
undefined is 0. Since our answer is not 0, the 9 9 9
2 4 3
answer is accepted. 22 22 22
5 3 2
− =
9 81 27
11 121 22

5(11) 3(121) 2(22)

− =
9 81 27
55 363 44
− =
9 81 27
495 363 44
− =
81 81 27
132 44
=
81 27
44 44
=
27 27
Example 3:

Solve: + =
Step 1: Eliminate all fractions. In this case, we 𝐿𝐶𝐷: (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3)
need to multiply by the LCD to eliminate the
fractions. 5 2 4
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3) + =
𝑥 + 3 (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3) 𝑥 − 3
Step 2: Simplify the resulting equation. To
5(𝑥 − 3) + 2 = 4(𝑥 + 3)
simplify the equation, you may need to
distribute and combine like terms.
5𝑥 − 15 + 2 = 4𝑥 + 12
5𝑥 − 13 = 4𝑥 + 12
Step 3: Solve the simplified equation. In this
case, we need to get the x’s on one side and 5𝑥 − 4𝑥 = 13 + 12
the numbers of the other side. 𝑥 = 25

Step 4: Check each solution. In this case, the

5 2 4
only numbers that would make the problem + =
undefined are 3 or –3. Since our answer is not (25) + 3 (25) − 9 (25) − 3
3 or –3, the answer is accepted.
5 2 4
+ =
28 625 − 9 22
5 2 4
+ =
28 616 22
110 2 4
+ =
616 616 22
112 4
=
616 22
2 2
=
11 11

Example 4:

Solve: + =
Step 1: Eliminate all fractions. In this case, we 𝐿𝐶𝐷: (𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥)
need to multiply by the LCD to eliminate the
fractions. 𝑥 3 5
(x − 1)(2𝑥) + =
𝑥 − 1 𝑥 2𝑥
Step 2: Simplify the resulting equation. To
2𝑥 (𝑥) + 3(2)(𝑥 − 1) = 5(𝑥 − 1)
simplify the equation, you may need to
distribute and combine like terms. 2𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 6 = 5𝑥 − 5

Step 3: Solve the simplified equation. In this

case, we need to get the x’s on one side and 2𝑥 + 6𝑥 − 6 = 5𝑥 − 5
the numbers of the other side. 2𝑥 + 𝑥 − 1 = 0
(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = 0
2𝑥 − 1 = 0 ; 𝑥 + 1 = 0

𝑥= ; 𝑥 = −1
 Step 4: Check each solution. In this case, the
𝑥 3 5
only numbers that would make the problem + =
undefined are 0 or 1. Since our answer is not 0 𝑥 − 1 𝑥 2𝑥
or 1, the answer is accepted. (−1) 3 5
+ =
(−1) − 1 (−1) 2(−1)
−1 3 5
+ =
−2 −1 −2
1 −3 −5
+ =
2 1 2
1 6 −5
− =
2 2 2
−5 −5
=
2 2

𝑥 3 5
+ =
𝑥 − 1 𝑥 2𝑥
1
2 3 5
+ =
1 1 1
−1 2
2 2 2
1
2 + 3 = 5
−1 1 2
2 2 2
−1 + 6 = 5
5=5

Solving Rational Inequalities

To solve rational inequalities, these are the following steps:
 Write the inequality in the correct form. One side must be zero and the other side
can have only one fraction. Simplify the fractions if there is more than one fraction.
 Find the key or critical values. To find the key/critical values, set the numerator and
denominator of the fraction equal to zero and solve.
 Make a sign analysis chart. To make a sign analysis chart, use the key/critical
values found in Step 2 to divide the number line into sections.
 Perform the sign analysis. To do the sign analysis, pick one number from each of
the sections created in Step 3 and plug that number into the polynomial to determine
the sign of the resulting answer. The sign of this answer (positive or negative) will be
sign of the entire section. You can check different number from the same section if you
want to verify your answer.
 Use the sign analysis chart to determine which sections satisfy the inequality. If
the inequality is less than zero or less than or equal to zero, then you want all of the
negative sections found in the sign analysis chart. If the inequality is greater than zero
or greater than or equal to zero, then you want all of the positive sections found in the
sign analysis chart.
 Use interval notation to write the final answer.
Example 5:

Find the values of x that will satisfy: ≤0

Step 1: Write the inequality in the correct form.
One side must be zero and the other side can 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 12
have only one fraction, so simplify the fractions ≤0
if there is more than one fraction. 𝑥−1

Step 2: Find the key or critical values. To find

the key/critical values, set the numerator and
𝑥 + 𝑥 − 12 = 0 and 𝑥−1=0
denominator of the fraction equal to zero and (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 3) = 0 𝑥=1
solve. 𝑥 = −4 and 𝑥 = 3
Step 3: Make a sign analysis chart. To make a
sign analysis chart, use the key/critical values
found in Step 2 to divide the number line into -4 1 3
sections.

Step 4: Perform the sign analysis. To do the

sign analysis, pick one number from each of Interval 𝑥 < −4 −4 < 𝑥 < 1 1<𝑥<3 𝑥>3
the sections created in Step 3 and plug that Test Point -5 0 2 4
number into the polynomial to determine the 𝑥 + 𝑥 − 12
+ - - +
sign of the resulting answer. In this case, you
𝑥−1 - - + +
can choose x = –5 which results in –1.333,
x = 0 which results in +12, x = 2 which results Sign - + - +
in –6, and x = 4 which results in +2.666.

Step 5: Use the sign analysis chart to

determine which sections satisfy the inequality.
In this case, we have less than or equal to
zero, so we want all of the negative sections.
Notice that x ≠ 1 because it would make the
original problem undefined, so you should use
an open circle at x = 1 instead of a closed
circle to draw the graph.

Step 6: Use interval notation to write the final

answer. (−∞, −4] ∪ (1,3]

Example 6:

Find the values of x that will satisfy: ≥0

Step 1: Write the inequality in the correct form.
One side must be zero and the other side can 𝑥+3
have only one fraction, so simplify the fractions ≥0
if there is more than one fraction.
𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 4

Step 2: Find the key or critical values. To find

the key/critical values, set the numerator and 𝑥+3=0 and 𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 4 = 0
denominator of the fraction equal to zero and 𝑥 = −3 (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
solve. 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑥 = 1
Step 3: Make a sign analysis chart. To make a
sign analysis chart, use the key/critical values
found in Step 2 to divide the number line into
sections. -3 1 4
Step 4: Perform the sign analysis. To do the
sign analysis, pick one number from each of Interval 𝑥 < −3 −3 < 𝑥 < 1 1<𝑥<4 𝑥>4
the sections created in Step 3 and plug that Test Point -4 0 2 5
number into the polynomial to determine the 𝑥+3 - + + +
sign of the resulting answer. In this case, you 𝑥 − 5𝑥 + 4
+ + - +
can choose x = –4 which results in –0.025, Sign - + - +
x = 0 which results in +0.75, x = 2 which results
in –2.5, and x = 5 which results in +2.

Step 5: Use the sign analysis chart to

determine which sections satisfy the inequality.
In this case, we have greater than or equal to
zero, so we want all of the positive sections.
Notice that x ≠ 1 and x ≠ 4 because it would
make the original problem undefined, so you
should use an open circle at x = 1 and x = 5
instead of a closed circle to draw the graph.

Step 6: Use interval notation to write the final

answer. [−3,1) ∪ (4, ∞)

Example 7:

Find the values of x that will satisfy: <0

Step 1: Write the inequality in the correct form.
One side must be zero and the other side can 𝑥+1
have only one fraction, so simplify the fractions <0
if there is more than one fraction.
𝑥−4

Step 2: Find the key or critical values. To find

the key/critical values, set the numerator and
𝑥+1=0 and 𝑥−4=0
denominator of the fraction equal to zero and 𝑥 = −1 𝑥=4
solve.

Step 3: Make a sign analysis chart. To make a

sign analysis chart, use the key/critical values
found in Step 2 to divide the number line into
sections. -1 4

Step 4: Perform the sign analysis. To do the

Interval 𝑥 < −1 −1 < 𝑥 < 4 𝑥>4
sign analysis, pick one number from each of
the sections created in Step 3 and plug that Test Point -2 0 5
number into the polynomial to determine the 𝑥+1 - + +
sign of the resulting answer. 𝑥−4 - - +
Sign + - +

Step 5: Use the sign analysis chart to

determine which sections satisfy the inequality.
In this case, we have less than zero, so we
want all of the negative sections. Notice that
x ≠ 4 because it would make the original
problem undefined, so you should use an open
-1 4
circle at x = 4 instead of a closed circle to draw
the graph.

Step 6: Use interval notation to write the final

answer. (−1,4)
 CHAPTER II – RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Lesson 5: Representation of Rational Functions

Competency
Represents a rational function through its: (a) table of values, (b) graph, and (c)
equation.

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
1. Construct table of values and graph of a rational function.
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Activity:
Read the story then answer the following questions below.

The Maya Birds and the Pitcher (Fill me in!)

Once upon a time, there were thirsty Maya birds. They came upon a pitcher that had
some water in it, but when they put their beak into the pitcher, they found they could not
reach the water. Then, one of the Maya birds had an idea. She looked around, found a pebble
and dropped it into the pitcher. Water level rose a little bit. The other birds were encouraged
and joined her to continue to drop pebbles into the pitcher, one at a time, until the water rose
up high enough for them to reach it with their beak. The birds drank and were satisfied.
In this selection, you will simulate the story of “The Maya Birds and the Pitcher” using
a graduated cylinder and marbles. Fill your graduated cylinder with 80mL of water. You will
be adding marbles until the water reaches a level of at least 100mL – the level at which the
Maya birds can reach the water. Add the marbles one at a time and record the effect that
each additional marble has on the water level. Complete the table.
Number of Marbles Water Level (mL)
(x) (y)

Analysis:
1. At what number of marbles will the water level reach 100mL?
2. What is the relationship of the number of marbles added by the birds to the water
level?
3. Express the pattern using an equation or mathematical formula.
Example 8:

Represent 𝑓 (𝑥) = using a table of values and plot a graph of the function by
connecting points.

Solution:
𝑥 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
𝑓(𝑥) 4 7 Und -5 -2 -1 -0.5 -0.2 0 0.14 0.25

Why would the graph unexpectedly break the smooth curve and jump from the point
B to pint C? The answer is that it doesn’t!
Observe that the function will be undefined at 𝑥 = −3. This means that there cannot
be a line connecting point 7 and point -5 as this implies that there is a point in the graph of
the function where 𝑥 = −3.

Example 9:
B
Given 𝑓 (𝑥) = , constructAa table of values from -3 to 7 and plot a graph of the
function by connecting points.

Solution:
GH I J
D E F
𝑥 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
𝑓(𝑥) -1.8 -2.25 -3 -4.5 C -9 Und 9 4.5 3 2.25 1.8
WORK – RATE EQUATION
If the first person does a job in time A, a second person does a job in time B, and
together they can do a job in time T (total). We can use the work – rate equation:
1 1 1
+ =
𝐴 𝐵 𝑇
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Example 10:
Joshua can clean the house in 3 hours, but it takes David 4 hours to do the same
job. How long would it take them to clean the house if they worked together?

Solution:
It takes Joshua 3 hours to do the work, so he does of the work each hour.
It takes David 4 hours to do the work, so he does of the work each hour.

Let x = the number of hours it takes if they work together.

1 1 1
+ =
3 4 𝑥
Solve the equation:
LCD = 12x
1 1 1
12𝑥 + =
3 4 𝑥
4𝑥 + 3𝑥 = 12
7𝑥 = 12
12
𝑥=
7
𝒙 = 𝟏. 𝟕

Example 11:
Layla and Miya together can type 80 words per minute. How fast can Miya type 600
words if Layla can type 200 words in 5 minutes

Solution:
Recall that sum of individual rates = combined rate
Rate is a function of work and time:

𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒
𝑅 (𝑡 ) = 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 =
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

Hence, Layla’s rate + Miya’s rate = Combined rate

So, we let t be the time it took Layla to type 600 words.

200 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 600 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 80 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠

+ =
5 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛1
 200 600
+ = 80
5 𝑡
Since rate is a function of time t, first, we need to solve for t.
LCD = 5t
200 600
5𝑡 + = 80
5 𝑡

200𝑡 + 5(600) = 5𝑡(80)

200𝑡 + 3000 = 400𝑡

3000 = 400𝑡 − 200𝑡

3000 = 200𝑡

3000
=𝑡
200

𝟏𝟓 = 𝒕

Therefore, Miya can type 600 words in 15 minutes.

Example 12:
The time it takes you to get to campus varies inversely as your driving speed.
Averaging 20 kph in bad traffic, it takes you 1.5 hr to get to the campus. How long will the
trip take averaging 50 kph?

Solution:
Recall that 𝑡 = where t is the time and s is speed.

Since, k is constant, we have 𝑘 = 𝑡𝑠 = (20)(1.5) = 30

Then, we want to find the time t as a function of speed. So, 𝑡 = 𝑓 (𝑠) = .

Since s = 50, then 𝑓 (𝑠) = = 𝟎. 𝟔 hr

Converting hour to minutes:

60 𝑚𝑖𝑛
0.6 ℎ𝑟 = 𝟑𝟔 𝒎𝒊𝒏
1 ℎ𝑟

Therefore, it will take you 36 minutes to get to campus if the speed is 50 kph.
 CHAPTER II – RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Lesson 6: Graphing Rational Functions

Competencies
1. Finds the domain and range of a rational function.
2. Determines the: (a) intercepts (b) zeroes; and (c) asymptotes of rational functions.
3. Graphs rational functions.

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:
1. Identify the domain and range of a rational function.
2. Solve for the intercepts, zeroes, and asymptotes of a rational function.
3. Graph the rational function.
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Definition
The domain of a function is the set of all the values that the variable x can take or
the set of values for which the function is defined. This can be done by equating the
denominator to zero to solve for x.
The range of a function is the set of all values that f(x) will take.
The domain and range of a function can be written in two ways:
Set Notation: {𝒙𝝐ℝ|𝒙 ≠ 𝟏}
Interval Notation: (−∞, −𝟐) ∪ (−𝟐, +∞)
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Example 13:
Consider the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = , find the domain and its range.

Solution:
To get the domain of 𝑓 (𝑥) = , equate the denominator to 0 to solve for x.

𝑥+2=0 ⇒ 𝑥 = −2
This means that 𝑥 = −2 is not included as the domain of 𝑓(𝑥). {𝒙𝝐ℝ|𝒙 ≠ −𝟐}
To get the range of 𝑓(𝑥) = , we first graph the function.

Based on the graph, the range of the function is {𝒚𝝐ℝ|𝒚 ≠ 𝟎}

Example 14:
Consider the function 𝑓 (𝑥) = , find the domain and its range.

Solution:
To get the domain of 𝑓 (𝑥) = , equate the denominator to 0 to solve for x.

2𝑥 = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 =0 ⇒ 𝑥=0
This means that 𝑥 = 0 is not included as the domain of 𝑓(𝑥). {𝒙𝝐ℝ|𝒙 ≠ 𝟎}

To get the range of 𝑓(𝑥) = , we first graph the function.

𝟓
Based on the graph, the range of the function is 𝒚𝝐ℝ 𝒚 ≠
𝟐

Example 15:
Find the domain and range of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = + 2.

Solution:
To get the domain of 𝑓 (𝑥) = + 2, equate the denominator to 0 to solve for x.

𝑥−1=0 ⇒ 𝑥=1
This means that 𝑥 = 1 is not included as the domain of 𝑓(𝑥). {𝒙𝝐ℝ|𝒙 ≠ 𝟏}
To get the range of 𝑓(𝑥) = + 2, we first graph the function.

The graph shows that it does not cross the line 𝑦 = 2. Hence, the range of the function is
all real numbers except 2. {𝒚𝝐ℝ|𝒚 ≠ 𝟐}
Definition
The Intercepts of Rational Function
The x-intercept of a rational function is a point that lies on the x-axis. To obtain the x-
intercept assume that y=0 then solve for x. Hence, ignore the denominator whenever you
want to locate the x-intercept (zeroes or roots of rational function).
The y-intercept of a rational function is a point that lies on the y-axis. To obtain y-
intercept, assume that x=0 then solve for the y.
The Asymptotes of Rational Function
Asymptotes are lines that are approached by the graph of the function.
Vertical asymptotes are vertical lines that are obtained by the x values that will make
the function undefined. You can find the vertical asymptote by finding a value in the domain
that will cause f(x) to become undefined.
How to Solve for the Vertical Asymptote?
1. Reduce the rational function to lowest term by cancelling out the common
factors in the numerator and the denominator.
2. Find the values 𝑎 that will make the denominator of the reduced rational function
equal to zero.
3. The line 𝑥 = 𝑎 is a vertical asymptote.
Horizontal asymptote of rational function is an output value that a function
approaches as the input goes to ±∞. This is a horizontal line whose equation is of the form
𝑦 = 𝑏 in which the curve approaches but does not cross on it.
How to Find the Horizontal Asymptote?
Given that n and m are the degrees of the numerator and of the denominator,
respectively:

 If 𝑛 < 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = 0

 If 𝑛 = 𝑚, the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = , where a is the leading coefficient
of the numerator, and b is the leading coefficient of the denominator.
 If 𝑛 > 𝑚, there is no horizontal asymptote.
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Example 16:
Find the vertical and horizontal asymptotes; and the zeroes of each rational function:

a. 𝑓(𝑥 ) =

b. 𝑔(𝑥 ) =

c. ℎ(𝑥 ) =
Solutions:

a. The function 𝑓 (𝑥) = is already in simplified form.

Parts of the Graph 2

𝑓 (𝑥 ) =
of Rational Functions 𝑥+4
The function has no x-intercept since the numerator is
x – intercept
a positive value 2 and not equal to 0.
Let x = 0, then 𝑓(0) = = = .
y – intercept
Hence, 0, .

The domain of the function is the set of all real

numbers except -4 which makes the denominator zero.
Vertical Asymptote Hence, the vertical asymptote is at 𝑥 = −4.

𝑥+4=0 ⇒ 𝑥 = −4
The degrees in the numerator and denominator are
𝑛 = 0 and 𝑚 = 1, respectively. That is 𝑛 < 𝑚.
Horizontal Asymptote

Hence the horizontal asymptote is the x-axis or 𝑦 = 0.

Solutions:

b. The numerator and the denominator of the function 𝑔(𝑥 ) = have to be

factored first.

Parts of the Graph 𝑥 −𝑥−6 (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2)

𝑔(𝑥) = =
of Rational Functions 3𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑥(3𝑥 + 1)
Equate the numerator to zero.
𝑥−3=0 ⇒ 𝑥=3
x – intercept
𝑥+2=0 ⇒ 𝑥 = −2
Hence, we have (3,0) and (−2,0).
Evaluate the function using 𝑥 = 0.
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2) (0 − 3)(0 + 2) −6
y – intercept 𝑔(0) = = =
𝑥(3𝑥 + 1) 0(3(0) + 1) 0
There is no y – intercept since 𝑔(𝑥) is undefined.
1
The domain of the function does not include 0 and − .
3
1
Hence, the vertical asymptotes are 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑥 = −
3
Vertical Asymptote 𝑥(3𝑥 + 1) = 0
𝒙=𝟎 3𝑥 + 1 = 0
𝟏
3𝑥 = −1 ⇒ 𝒙 =−
𝟑

Based on the original function (not factored) the

degrees of the polynomial in the numerator and
denominator are equal. That is, 𝑛 = 𝑚. The leading
Horizontal Asymptote
coefficients are 𝑎 = 1 and 𝑏 = 3.
1
Hence the horizontal asymptote is 𝑦 = .
3
Solutions:
3𝑥+6
c. We need to factor first the function ℎ(𝑥) = .
𝑥2 −5𝑥−6

Parts of the Graph 3𝑥 + 6 3(𝑥 + 2)

ℎ(𝑥) = =
of Rational Functions 𝑥2 − 5𝑥 − 6 (𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 1)
Equate the numerator to zero.

x – intercept 3𝑥 + 6 = 0 ⇒ 3𝑥 = −6 ⇒ 𝑥 = −2
Hence, (−2,0).
Let x = 0,
3(𝑥 + 2) 3(0 + 2) 6
y – intercept ℎ(0) = = = = −1
(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 1) (0 − 6)(0 + 1) −6
Hence, (0, −1).
The domain of the function does not include -1 and 6.
Hence, the vertical asymptotes are 𝑥 = −1 and 𝑥 = 6
Vertical Asymptote
𝑥−6=0 ⇒ 𝑥=6
𝑥+1=0 ⇒ 𝑥 = −1
Since 𝑛 < 𝑚, then the horizontal asymptote is the line
Horizontal Asymptote
𝑦 = 0 or the x – axis.