1.

2.
3.
4.

Objectives:
Be able to identify the parent function for a rational.
Be able list the characteristic of a rational function.
Be able to graph rational functions in general form.
Be able to graph rational functions in polynomial form.
Critical Vocabulary:
Parent function, Rational Function, Asymptote

I. The Parent Function

Parent Functions: f ( x)

1
x

This function will have a

vertical asymptote at x = 0.
This function will have a
horizontal asymptote at y = 0.
This function will be a
hyperbola (which consists of 2
symmetrical parts called
branches.
Domain: All Real #; except x 0
Range: All Real #; except y 0

II. The Rational Function

1
f ( x)
x

1
1
f ( x)
f ( x) 3
( x 3)
x

a
7
k
f ( x)
xh
x
a: Determines the size and direction

Parent Functions: f ( x)

If a is positive the graph will be in

sections 1 and 3.
If a is negative the graph will be in
sections 2 and 4.
lal > 1: Hyperbolas change slower
lal < 1: Hyperbolas change quicker
h: horizontal shift
(Vertical Asymptote: x = #)
K: Vertical Shift
(Horizontal Asymptote: y = #)

1
f ( x)
x

1
f ( x)
4x

III. Graphing a Rational Function (General Form)

3
3
Example 1: Graph f ( x)
( x 2)
1st: List the Characteristics:
Hyperbolas in S1 and S3
Slow Change
VA: x = -2
HA: y = -3
2nd: Graph your asymptotes
3rd: Find Two more points
x

-5

-2

-4

4th: Find the Domain and Range

D: All Real #; except x -2

R: All Real #; except y -3

III. Graphing a Rational Function (General Form)

4
3
Example 2: Graph f ( x)
( x 1)
1st: List the Characteristics:
Hyperbolas in S2 and S4
Slow Change
VA: x = 1
HA: y = 3
2nd: Graph your asymptotes
3rd: Find Two more points
x

-3

4th: Find the Domain and Range

D: All Real #; except x 1

R: All Real #; except y 3

Page 561 #12, 13, 19, 21

a. List the Characteristics
b. Graph (show table)
c. Find Domain and Range

1.
2.
3.
4.

Objectives:
Be able to identify the parent function for a rational.
Be able list the characteristic of a rational function.
Be able to graph rational functions in general form.
Be able to graph rational functions in polynomial form.
Critical Vocabulary:
Parent function, Rational Function, Asymptote
Warm Up: Graph the following:
1. f ( x)

2
4
( x 3)

IV. Graphing a Rational Function (Polynomial Form)

2x 1
f ( x)
Example 1: Graph
x 3
1st: Find (and graph) your asymptotes
VA: Place where the function is und.
x-3=0
x=3
HA: Leading co-efficient of numerator
divided by the leading co-efficient
of the denominator.
y=2
3rd: Find Two more points
x

-5

4th: Find the Domain and Range

D: All Real #; except x 3

R: All Real #; except y 2

IV. Graphing a Rational Function (Polynomial Form)

3x 6
Example 2: Graph f ( x)
x2
1st: Find (and graph) your asymptotes
VA: Place where the function is und.
x+2=0
x = -2
HA: Leading co-efficient of numerator
divided by the leading co-efficient
of the denominator.
y=3
3rd: Find Two more points
x

-4

-3

4th: Find the Domain and Range

D: All Real #; except x -2

R: All Real #; except y 3

Page 562 #27, 28, 30

(3 problems)