Special Graphs

Graphing Rational Expressions

Graphing Rational Functions

To graph a rational function, we must determine three things:

• Zeros-- x values for which the numerator equals 0 (but not the denominator).
• Vertical asymptotes-- x values for which the denominator equals 0 (but not the numerator).
• Holes-- x values for which the numerator and the denominator equal 0.

Note: If a value of x makes a squared term in the denominator equal to 0, that value is called a "double asymptote." For example, f (x) = has a double asymptote of x = 4 .

Here are the steps to graphing a rational function:

1. Plot zeros.
2. Graph vertical asymptotes. These divide the graph into "sections."
3. Start from the right side of the graph. If the degree of the numerator is greater than the degree of the denominator, start from the upper right corner (or the lower right corner if the function is negative). If the degree of the numerator is less than the degree of the denominator, start just above the x -axis (or just below if the function is negative). If the degree of the numerator is equal to the degree of the denominator, start just above the line y = k , where k is the leading coefficient (or just below if negative).
4. Cross over any zeros, and approach the first asymptote.
5. If the asymptote is a single asymptote, approach on the opposite side of the asymptote from the opposite direction (up if the last asymptote led down, and vice versa). If the asymptote is a double asymptote, approach from the same direction.
6. Cross over any zeros, and approach the next asymptote.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the end of the graph is reached.
8. Remove all holes.

Example: Graph f (x) = .

• Zeros: x = - 1 , x = 0 (double), x = 5
  
• Asymptotes: Single: x = 4 . Double: x = - 2 .
  
• Holes: x = 3 .
  
• Degree of numerator = 5. Degree of denominator = 4.

Steps 1 and 2

Step 3

Step 4

Steps 5 and 6 (section 2)

Steps 5 and 6 (section 3)

Step 8