Most Essential Learning Competency

❖ represent real-life situations using rational functions

❖ distinguish rational function, rational equation, and rational inequality
❖ solve rational equations

Presentation of the Lesson

Representing Real – life Situations Using Rational Functions

Rational functions can model a number of real-life situations. One particular example is the
help that is extended by the government to the citizen during the time of pandemic. Majority
of our fellow citizens experienced hardship and required help coming from the government.
As a response, they provided a particular amount to a certain percentage of the population
that can be represented as rational function to determine how much either in cash or kind an
individual may receive. However, it is not enough that only the government will take part to
solve this crisis everyone can be part of the solution if we played our role properly. Real-life
situations that involve rational functions is mostly seen in economics and science however
other disciplines also incorporate this concept.

Definition of Rational Function

A rational function, r(x) is a function of the form
𝑝(𝑥)
𝑟(𝑥) =
𝑞(𝑥)
where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are polynomial functions and 𝑞(𝑥) ≠ 0.
The domain of 𝑟(𝑥) is a set of real numbers such that q(x) is not zero.

The following are examples of rational functions:

𝑥 3 −1
1. 𝑟(𝑥 ) = ,𝑥 ≠ 1 ; Both numerator and denominator are polynomial
𝑥+1
functions, denominator has restriction because it should not be equal to zero
1
2. 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥 , 𝑥 ≠ 0 ; The numerator 1 is a polynomial function with a degree
0, the denominator is a polynomial function and it must not be equal to 0

There are different scenarios or real-world relationships that can be modeled by rational
functions, let us take the following examples:
1. The Local Government Unit allotted a budget of ₱100,000.00 for the feeding program
in the Day Care Center. The amount will be divided equally to all the pupils in the Day
Care Center. Write an equation showing the relationship of the allotted amount per
pupil represented by f(x) versus the total number of children represented by 𝑥.
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 Showing the relationship in tabular form we will arrived at

No. of children (x) 10 20 50 100 200

Allocated amount per child ₱10,000 ₱5,000 ₱2,000 ₱1,000 ₱500

Notice that as the number of children increase the amount allocated per child
decrease.
100000
In writing a representation we will arrived at 𝑓 (𝑥 ) = 𝑥

2. Suppose a benefactor wants to supplement the budget allotted for each child by
donating additional ₱650.00 per child. If h(x) represents the new amount allotted per
child, construct a function representing the relationship. Using the table we used
earlier:

No. of children (x) 10 20 50 100 200

Allocated amount per ₱10,000.00 ₱5,000.00 ₱2,000.00 ₱1,000 ₱500.00
child + ₱650.00 + ₱650.00 + ₱650.00 + ₱650.00 + ₱650.00
100000
Thus, the representation of the rational function is 𝑔(𝑥 ) = + 650
𝑥

3. A car is to travel a distance of 70 kilometers. Express the velocity (v) as a function of

travel time (t) in hours.

Let us first show the relationship using a table. Remember that as time increases in travelling
the velocity or the speed of a car will decrease
Time (hours) 1 2 3 5 10
Velocity (km/hr) 70 35 23.33 14 7

70
Thus, the function 𝑣 (𝑥 ) = can represent v as a function of 𝑡.
𝑡

Rational Functions, Equations and Inequalities

It was defined in the previous lesson that rational functions are expressed as a ratio of two
polynomials P and Q. The value of rational functions is defined for all real numbers x, except
for the value of x that makes the denominator zero. There are different relationships between
rational expressions. It may involve inequality, equality and functions.
A rational expression can be described as a ratio or quotient of two polynomials. Let us look
at the examples:
Consider the following algebraic expressions, determine whether they are rational or not and
state the reason.
3𝑥 2 −5𝑥+2
1. ; Rational expression because it is a ratio of two polynomials
𝑥+1
2
2. ; Rational expression because 1 and x-5 are polynomials
𝑥−5
√𝑥−4
3. 2𝑥+1
; Not a rational expression since the numerator is not a polynomial
4. 𝑥 + 5 ; Rational expression because the numerator x+5 and denominator 1 are
polynomials
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To determine the difference among rational function, rational equation and rational inequality
study the table below:
Rational Equation Rational Rational Function
Inequality
Definition An equation involving An inequality A function of the form 𝑓(𝑥 ) =
rational expression involving rational 𝑝(𝑥) where 𝑝(𝑥) and 𝑞(𝑥) are
expressions 𝑞(𝑥)
polynomial functions and 𝑞(𝑥) is
not the zero function
𝑥+4 1 𝑥−2 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8
Example = >3 𝑓(𝑥) =
𝑥−1 5 5 𝑥+4

Additional examples:
Determine whether the given sentence is a rational equation, a rational function, a rational
inequality or none of these.
𝑥+5
1. =𝑦 ; This is an example of rational function because the symbol 𝑦 is also a
𝑥−1
representation of function of 𝑥 or 𝑓(𝑥)
√2 √2
2. ≤3 ; None of these because is not a rational expression
𝑥+1 𝑥+1

Solving Rational Equations

How do you solve algebraic expressions? What are the different properties you need to
apply to solve problems involving rational equations and inequalities?
For you to begin, you need to recall some properties and processes to simplify rational
expressions by answering the following problems below.
𝑥−2
1. Simplify the given rational expression:
𝑥 2 −4
To simplify the rational expression, you can do the following steps.

Steps in simplifying rational expression 𝑥−2

𝑥2 − 4
1. Factor the denominator of the rational 𝑥−2
expression. (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)
𝑥−2
2. Cancel the common factor.
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)
1
3. Write the simplified rational expression.
𝑥+2

3𝑥+1 𝑥+1
2. Multiply the given rational expressions: ∙
𝑥 2 −1 3𝑥 2+𝑥
To multiply rational expressions, you can do the following steps.

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 3𝑥 + 1 𝑥 + 1
Steps in multiplying rational expressions ∙
𝑥 2 − 1 3𝑥 2 + 𝑥
3𝑥 + 1 𝑥+1
1. Factor out all possible common factors. ∙
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) 𝑥(3𝑥 + 1)
(3𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
2. Multiply the numerators and denominators.
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)𝑥(3𝑥 + 1)
(3𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 1)
3. Cancel out all common factors.
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)𝑥(3𝑥 + 1)
1
4. Write the simplified rational expression.
𝑥 (𝑥 − 1)

5𝑥−1 3𝑥+4
3. Find the sum of given rational expressions with like denominators: +
𝑥−8 𝑥−8

To add and subtract rational expressions with like denominators you can do the following
steps.

Steps in addition or subtraction of rational 5𝑥 − 1 3𝑥 + 4

expressions with like denominators +
𝑥−8 𝑥−8
1. the numerators of both expressions and 5𝑥 − 1 + 3𝑥 + 4
keeping the common denominator. 𝑥−8
5𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 4 − 1
2. Combine like terms in the numerator.
𝑥−8
3. Write the simplified rational expression. 8𝑥 + 3
𝑥−8

4. Find the difference of the given rational expressions with unlike denominators:
6 2
−
𝑥 2 − 4 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6

To add and subtract rational expressions with unlike denominators you can do the following
steps.

Steps in adding or subtracting 6 2

rational expressions with unlike −
denominators 𝑥 2 − 4 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
6 2
1. Factor the denominator of each −
fraction to help find the LCD. (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3)

2. Find the least common

LCD: (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
denominator (LCD).

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 6 (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
3. Multiply both the numerators ∙
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
and denominator of both 2 (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
expression by the LCD. − ∙
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
6(𝑥 − 3) 2(𝑥 + 2)
4. Simplify each expression −
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3) (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)

6𝑥 − 18 − 2𝑥 − 4
5. Combine the two expressions
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
6. Combine like terms and reduce
the rational expression if you can. 4𝑥 − 22
In this case, the rational (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
expression cannot be simplified.

Rational equation is an equation containing at least one rational expression with a

polynomial in the numerator and denominator. It can be used to solve a variety of problems
that involve rates, times and work. Using rational expressions and equations it can help us to
answer questions about how to combine workers or machines to complete a job on schedule.
Let us use the previous activity to discuss and deepen your knowledge and skills in solving
rational equation. The first thing to be in your mind in solving rational equation is to eliminate
all the fractions.

Let us solve
Example 1
2 3 1
− =
𝑥 2𝑥 5
Step 1. You need to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).
The LCD of the given fractions is 5(2)(𝑥 ) = 10𝑥
Step 2. You need to multiply LCD to both sides of the equation to eliminate the fractions. You
can also apply cross multiplication if and only if you have one fraction equal to one fraction,
that is, if the fractions are proportional. In this case you cannot use the cross multiplication
unless you simplify the left equation into a single fraction.
2 3 1
(10𝑥) [ − = ]
𝑥 2𝑥 5
Step 3. You simplify the resulting equation using the distributive property and then combine
all like terms.
20 − 15 = 2𝑥
Step 4. You need to solve the simplified equation to find the value/s of x.
5 = 2𝑥
𝟓
=𝒙
𝟐
𝟓
So, the possible solution is
𝟐
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Step 5. Finally, you can now check the solution by substituting in the original equation.
2 3 1
− =
𝑥 2𝑥 5
2 3 1
− =
5 5 5
2 2 (2)
4 3 1
− =
5 5 5
1 1
= 
5 5
Example 2
4𝑥 + 1 12
−3= 2
𝑥+1 𝑥 −1
Step 1. You need to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).
The LCD of the given fractions is (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)

Step 2. You need to multiply LCD to both sides of the equation to eliminate the fractions. You
can also apply cross multiplication if and only if you have one fraction equal to one fraction,
that is, if the fractions are proportional. In this case you cannot use the cross multiplication
unless you simplify the left equation into a single fraction.
4𝑥 + 1 12
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) [ −3= 2 ]
𝑥+1 𝑥 −1
Step 3. You simplify the resulting equation using the distributive property and then combine
all like terms.
(4𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) − 3(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) = 12
Step 4. You need to solve the simplified equation to find the value/s of x. In this case, we
need to get the equation equal to zero and solve by factoring.
4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 1 − 3𝑥 2 + 3 = 12
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 = 12
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 2 − 12 = 0
𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 10 = 0
(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 2) = 0
𝑥−5=0 or 𝑥+2= 0
𝑥=5 𝑥 = −2
The solutions are -2 and 5.

Step 5. Finally, you can now check each solution by substituting in the original equation
and reject any extraneous root/s (which do not satisfy the equation).

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 4𝑥 + 1 12
−3= 2
𝑥+1 𝑥 −1
When 𝑥 = −2
4(−2) + 1 12
−3=
(−2) + 1 (−2)2 − 1
−8 + 1 12
−3=
−1 4−1
−7 12
−3=
−1 3
7−3 = 4
4=4
When 𝑥 = 5
4(5) + 1 12
−3=
(5) + 1 (5)2 − 1
20 + 1 12
−3=
6 25 − 1
21 12
−3=
6 24
21 18 12
− =
6 6 24
3 12
=
6 24
1 1
= 
2 2

Example 3
2 1 1
− =
𝑥2 − 1 𝑥 − 1 2

Step 1. You need to find the Least Common Denominator (LCD).

The LCD of the given fractions is 2(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)

Step 2. You need to multiply LCD to both sides of the equation to eliminate the fractions. You
can also apply cross multiplication if and only if you have one fraction equal to one fraction,
that is, if the fractions are proportional. In this case you cannot use the cross multiplication
unless you simplify the left equation into a single fraction.
2 1 1
2(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) [ − = ]
𝑥2 −1 𝑥−1 2

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Step 3. You simplify the resulting equation using the distributive property and then combine
all like terms.
2(2) − 2(𝑥 + 1) = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
4 − 2𝑥 − 2 = 𝑥 2 − 1
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0
Step 4. You need to solve the simplified equation to find the value/s of x. In this case, we
need to get the equation equal to zero and solve by factoring.
𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3 = 0
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
𝑥 + 3 = 0 or 𝑥 − 1 = 0
𝑥 = −3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥=1

So possible solutions are -3 and 1.

Step 5. Finally, you can now check each solution by substituting in the original equation
and reject any extraneous root/s (which do not satisfy the equation).
2 1 1
− =
𝑥2 −1 𝑥−1 2
When 𝑥 = −3
2 1 1
− =2
(−3)2−1 (−3)−1
2 1 1
− −3−1 = 2
9−1
2 1 1
− −4 = 2
8
2 1 1
+ =
8 4 2
1 1
=2 
2

2 1 1
In this case, 𝑥 = 1 is not a solution of
𝑥 2 −1
− 𝑥−1 = 2 since this will make the equation
undefined. Thus, 𝑥 = −3 is the only solution. That’s why it is always important to check all
solutions in the original equations. You may find that they yield untrue statements or produce
undefined expressions.

Activity
Activity 1
Determine whether the given is a rational function, a rational equation, a rational inequality
or none of these
1+𝑥
1. 𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 1 6.
𝑥−2
=4

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 3 2𝑥 2
2. −3= 7. 5𝑥 ≥
𝑥 2𝑥+1 2𝑥−1

𝑥 2 −7
3. √𝑥 + 5 = 2 8. 𝑓(𝑥 ) = −3
𝑥+2

𝑥+5 𝑥+2
4. = 𝑥2 9. =𝑦+3
𝑥−5 𝑥−2

𝑥 𝑥+1
5. 6𝑥 − 3 ≤ 2 10. < √𝑥 + 3
2

Activity 2
Solve rational equations

𝑥−2 1 1
Rational Equation + =
𝑥2 − 4 𝑥 + 2 𝑥 − 2
1. Find the Least Common Denominator
(LCD).

2. Multiply both sides of the equation by its

the LCD.

3. Apply the Distributive Property and then

simplify.

4. Find all the possible values of x.

5. Check each value by substituting into the
original equation and reject any extraneous
root/s

References
References

Jolo, Ann Michelle M., 2021. General Mathematics. Cainta, Rizal

Reglo, January B., 2021. General Mathematics. Cainta, Rizal
Santos, Durwin C. & Biason Ma. Garnet P., Math Activated: Engage Yourself and Our World
General Math. (Makati City, Salesiana Books by Don Bosco Press, Inc., 2016)
Orines, Fernando B., Next Century Mathematics. (Quezon City, Phoenix Publishing House,
2016)

Aunzo, Rodulfo, Flores Maricar, Gagani Ray Ferdinand M, and Quennie Ypanto. 2016.
General Mathematics Activity-based, Scaffolding of Student . Quezon City: C&E
Publishing, Inc.
2016. General Mathematics Learner’s Material . Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines
1600: Lexicon Press Inc.
2016. General Mathematics Teacher’s Guide. Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600:
Lexicon Press Inc.
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