Rational Functions
A rational function is a quotient of two polynomials (a fraction with polynomials in both the numerator and denominator). While polynomials themselves are defined for all values of x, rational functions are undefined where the denominator of the function is equal to zero.
Long Division
Believe it or not, the same kind of long division you learned in fifth grade is a concept you’ll use semi-frequently in calculus. But this time, instead of just dividing numbers you’ll be dividing polynomials. See the example on the left for an illustration.
