January 19, 2010

Graphing Rational Functions

Functions of the form

where a(x) and b(x) are polynomial functions.

Examples
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Graphing Rational Functions

Appearance

Where n is even, the Where n is odd, the

graph looks like this: graph looks like this:
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Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching (7 steps)

Step 1: Find the y-intercept (let x = 0)

Step 2: Factor everything. (Use rational roots theorem if necessary.)

Step 3: Find the roots of the function by finding the roots of the
numerator a(x).

Step 4: Find the vertical asymptotes by finding the roots of the

denominator b(x).
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Graphing Rational Functions

Step 5: Find the horizontal asymptotes by dividing each term in the
function by the highest power of x, and take the limit as x goes to infinity.
(Use the UNfactored form.)

You will find that, in general, there are three possible results:

i When [degree of numerator < degree of denominator]

the horizontal asymptote is y = 0.

ii When [degree of numerator = degree of denominator]

the H.A. is the ratio leading coefficient of a(x)
leading coefficient of b(x)

iii When [degree of numerator > degree of denominator] there is

no horizontal asymptote; however there may be a slant asymptote or
a hole in the graph.
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Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching (7 steps)

Step 6: Determine the sign of the function over the intervals defined by
the roots and vertical asymptotes. (Use the factored form.)

Step 7: Sketch the graph.

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Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching: Example 1 of 4

Step 1: Step 5:

Step 6:

Step 2:

Step 3: Step 7:

Step 4:
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Step 5:
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Sketch the graph of

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Graphing Rational Functions

Sketching: Example 2 of 4
Step 5:

Step 1:
Step 6:

Step 2:
Step 7:

Step 3:

Step 4:
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Step 5: