4.

3
Rational Functions I
A rational function is a function of the form

Where p and q are polynomial functions and q

is not the zero polynomial. The domain
consists of all real numbers except those for
which the denominator is 0.
Find the domain of the following rational functions:

All real numbers except -6 and-2.

All real numbers except -4 and 4.

All real numbers.

 y Horizontal Asymptotes
y = R(x)

y=L

x
y
y=L
x y = R(x)
x=c Vertical Asymptotes
y

x
x=c
y

x
If an asymptote is neither horizontal nor vertical
it is called oblique.
y

x
Theorem Locating Vertical Asymptotes
A rational function

In lowest terms, will have a vertical

asymptote x = r, if x - r is a factor of the
denominator q.
Find the vertical asymptotes, if any, of the graph
of each rational function.
Vertical
asymptotes:
x = -1 and x = 1
No vertical asymptotes

Vertical asymptote: x = -4
Consider the rational function

1. If n < m, then y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote of the

graph of R.
2. If n = m, then y = an / bm is a horizontal asymptote of
the graph of R.
3. If n = m + 1, then y = ax + b is an oblique asymptote
of the graph of R. Found using long division.
4. If n > m + 1, the graph of R has neither a horizontal
nor oblique asymptote. End behavior found using long
division.
Find the horizontal and oblique asymptotes if
any, of the graph of

Horizontal asymptote: y = 0

Horizontal asymptote: y = 2/3

Oblique asymptote: y = x + 6