1. Make sure numerator is of lower degree than denominator
2. Odd/Even/Neither?
3. x & y intercepts
4. Vertical asymptotes
a) Test behaviour at vertical asymptotes
5. Behaviour as x -> + or - infinity
Using these steps, 1. is fulfilled.
2. f(-x) = f(x) so it is even (symmetrical about y-axis)
3. When x = 0, y = 1 so y intercept is (0, 1). When y = 0, 0 = 1 which cannot be possible so there is no y intercept and there is a horizontal asymptote at y = 0
4. Denominator cannot equal to zero as you cannot solve x^2 + 1 = 0
5. As x -> infinity, 1 / (x^2 + 1) -> 0+ (the plus meaning it is slightly above 0)
As x -> -infinity, 1 / (x^2 + 1) -> 0+
So now you're left with this,
From this, we can "join the dots" smoothly in to a nice curve.