# How to Graph Rational Functions?

The rational function is defined as a polynomial coefficient which denominator has a degree of at least 1. In other words, there must be a variable in the denominator. You can graph Rational Functions in a few simple steps. Join us to learn more about graphing Rational Functions.

The general form of a rational function is $$\frac {p(x)}{q(x)}$$, where $$p(x)$$ and $$q(x)$$ are polynomials and $$q(x) ≠ 0$$.

## Step by step guide to graphing rational functions

Each rational function may be graphed using the following steps:

1. Find the $$y$$-intercept by evaluating the function at zero.
2. Multiply the numerator and denominator together.
3. Determine where each numerator component is zero to discover the $$x$$-intercepts for factors in the numerator that are not common to the denominator.
4. Determine the behavior of the graph at those places by finding the multiplicities of the $$x$$-intercepts.
5. Note the multiplicities of the zeros in the denominator to determine the local behavior. Find the vertical asymptotes for those components that are not common to the numerator by setting them to zero and then solving.
6. Find the removable discontinuities in the denominator that are similar to factors in the numerator by setting those factors to $$0$$ and then solving.
7. To get the horizontal or slant asymptotes, compare the degree of the numerator and denominator.
8. Draw the graph.

### Graphing Rational Functions – Example 1:

Sketch the graph of the following function: $$f(𝑥)=\frac{3𝑥+6}{𝑥−1}$$

First, find the $$y$$-intercept: $$f(0)=\frac{3(0)+6}{0−1}=\frac {6}{-1}=-6 → (0,-6)$$

Then, find the $$x$$-intercepts: $$3x+6=0 → 3x=-6 → x=\frac{-6}{3}=-2 → (-2,0)$$

Now, we have to determine the asymptotes:

Vertical asymptote: $$x=1$$, Horizontal asymptote: $$𝑦=3$$

Now, we only need points in each region of $$x$$’s. Since $$y$$-intercept and $$x$$-intercept is currently in the left region, we will not need to point there. This means that we need to get a point in the right region. It does not matter how much $$x$$ we choose here, we just need to keep it relatively small to fit on our graph.

$$f(2)=\frac{3(2)+6}{2−1}=\frac{12}{1}=12$$

By putting all this together, the following diagram is obtained.

## Exercises for Graphing Rational Functions

### Graph these rational functions.

• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{x^2 -3x}{x-5}}$$
• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{x-6}{x^2-5x+1}}$$
• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{x^2}{12x+6}}$$

• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{8x}{2x^2-4x-5}}$$
• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{x^2 -3x}{x-5}}$$

• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{x-6}{x^2-5x+1}}$$
• $$\color{blue}{f(x)=\frac{8x}{2x^2-4x-5}}$$

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