Find all vertical asymptotes and holes of each function.
Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations1h 43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 5m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
5. Rational Functions
Asymptotes
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Find the horizontal asymptote of each function.
f(x)=2x2−x−68x2+1
A
Horizontal Asymptote at y=0
B
Horizontal Asymptote at y=41
C
Horizontal Asymptote at y=4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the degrees of the numerator and the denominator. The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. For the function f(x) = \frac{8x^2 + 1}{2x^2 - x - 6}, both the numerator and the denominator are quadratic polynomials, meaning their degree is 2.
Compare the degrees of the numerator and the denominator. If the degrees are equal, the horizontal asymptote is determined by the ratio of the leading coefficients. The leading coefficient is the coefficient of the term with the highest degree.
For the numerator 8x^2 + 1, the leading coefficient is 8. For the denominator 2x^2 - x - 6, the leading coefficient is 2.
Calculate the horizontal asymptote by dividing the leading coefficient of the numerator by the leading coefficient of the denominator: \frac{8}{2} = 4.
Conclude that the horizontal asymptote of the function f(x) = \frac{8x^2 + 1}{2x^2 - x - 6} is y = 4.
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