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Graphing Rational
Functions
Objectives:
Part I
Find the Vertical Asymptotes
Find the Horizontal Asymptotes
Rational Functions
An asymptote is a vertical or horizontal
line where the function is undefined.
(Dashed line)
A rational function can have more than one
asymptote:
1.Vertical asymptote (are the excluded values)
2.Horizontal asymptote (at most one, must apply the
rules for)
Vertical Asymptotes
V.A. is a vertical line where x = a, and a represents the
real zeros of the denominator ( excluded valued).
Example:
f ( x)
2x
2
x 1
2
q
(
x
)
x
1 ( x 1)( x 1) the zeros
Since
are 1 and -1. Thus the vertical asymptotes
are x = 1 and x = -1.
Horizontal Asymptotes
The horizontal asymptote is
determined by looking at the
degrees of p(x) and q(x).
**In other words, the degree of the
numerator and degree of the denominator**
leading coefficient of p ( x)
.
leading coefficient of q ( x)
Lets try 1
Example 1:
3x
2
x 1
Degree of numerator = 1
Degree of denominator = 2
y = 0.
Since the degree of the numerator is
Example 2:
3x 1
.
Find the horizontal asymptote: f ( x)
2x 1
Degree of numerator = 1
Degree of denominator = 1
3
y
2
Since the degree of the numerator is
Example 3
Example:
Degree of numerator = 2
Degree of denominator = 1
There is no horizontal asymptote. Since the
xyhk
a
yxhk
Copy ..
Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptotes:
Break!
Video on Asymptotes
http://cms.gavirtualschool.org/Shared/Math/CCGPS_AdvancedAlgebra/RationalandRadicalRelationships/index.html
p( x)
f ( x)
q( x)
y=k
2
1
.1
y21
x2
xy0
Example 1
1.Identify your
asymptotes and sketch
them. (Horizontal and
Vertical)
2.Create a table of
values to graph at least
2 points on either side
of the vertical
asymptote.
3.Sketch!
Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptotes:
x
3
y
2
x 1
Example 2
.
-5 1.5
-2
Left of
vert.
asymp.
Right of
vert.
asymp.
2
015362x1yx1,4
6.2
y3
4
Example 3~ You try!
center:
Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptotes:
x
x2
y
3x 3
Example 4
Vertical asymptote:
3x+3=0 (set denominator =0)
3x=-3
x= -1
x
Horizontal Asymptote:
-3
1
3
y
.83
-2 1.33
0
-.67
3
y
2
x 1 E
Ex. 1
x
7
.0
y1
2
y
1
432
alRx
3
Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptotes:
x
Domain:
Range:
1
10
01
.3
y2
2
3
x2/3alRy31//22
You try!
Vertical asymptotes:
Horizontal asymptotes:
x
Domain:
Range:
Characteristics:
Discontinuity and Holes
Discontinuity- Where the graph breaks ( The
Vertical Asymptotes)
Holes Factor and simplify. They are the factor/s
that will cancel. Solve for the x.
Example 4 Handout 2
HW- Describe all characteristics
You try
AGAIN
!
Ex
Domain: (-,)
Range:
1 1
2 , 2