Horizontal Asymptotes: How They Work In Math Functions

the graph of f has a horizontal asymptote at y=k

lim x -> +- ∞ f(x) = k

If the graph of a function f has a horizontal asymptote at y=k, it means that as the values of x move towards positive or negative infinity, the values of f(x) approach the value k.

In other words, the line y=k acts as a horizontal boundary for the graph of f. This can be represented mathematically using limits:

lim (x→∞) f(x) = k

lim (x→-∞) f(x) = k

This means that no matter how large or small the x values become, the values of f(x) will get closer and closer to k, but will never actually reach it.

Horizontal asymptotes can occur in different shapes of functions, such as a rational function or an exponential function.

For example, in the graph of the rational function f(x)=2x^2/(x^2+1), the horizontal asymptotes occur when x approaches infinity or negative infinity, and the values of f(x) approach 2. To prove this, we can simplify the rational function by dividing both the numerator and denominator by x^2:

f(x) = 2x^2/(x^2+1) = 2 + (-2/(x^2+1))

As x approaches infinity or negative infinity, the value of (-2/(x^2+1)) approaches zero, and thus the value of f(x) approaches 2.

Therefore, we can conclude that if the graph of f has a horizontal asymptote at y=k, it means that the values of f(x) approach k as x approaches infinity or negative infinity.

More Answers:
Limits In Math: What Happens When The Left And Right Limits Don’T Match
How To Remove Removable Discontinuity And Make A Function Continuous At A Point
Vertical Asymptotes: Causes And Characteristics Of Functions Approaching Infinity At X=A

Error 403 The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your quota. : quotaExceeded

Share:

Recent Posts