Rational Functions

Rational functions are basically a division of a polynomial function with another polynomial function.

f(x)= s(x)/ r(x)

Where f(x), s(x) and r(x) are polynomial functions, r(x) cannot be zero and the degree of r(x) > 0.


The simplest rational function is of the form f(x) = y = k/x where k is a constant. It is also called the inverse
variation function
because y varies inversely with x which means that as the value of x increases, that of y
decreases.


Example

xy = k can be written as y = k/x and hence represents an inverse relation between x and y.


Example

The rate of flow of water through a pipe is x cm3 per second. Express the time required to fill a tank of volume k
cm3 as a function of x.


Solution

We can solve this problem by using the unitary method.

The time required to fill x cm3 of water in the tank = 1 second.

  • Time required to fill 1 cm3 of water in the tank = 1/x second.

  • t = time required to fill k cm3 of water in the tank = k/x second.


t = k/x; therefore, time varies inversely with x.

You will encounter rational expressions in many problems related to the ratio of two quantities.

Try this problem

  • Find the ratio of the area of rectangle A with dimensions 4x and 4x+8 to Rectangle B with dimensions 2x and 2x +2.


Answer :

Area of rectangle A รท Area of rectangle B =