Horizontal Asymptote of Rational Function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the horizontal asymptote of the rational function f(x) = [sqrt{2x^2 - x + 10}]/(2x - 3). Participants explore the implications of the degrees of the numerator and denominator, the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity, and the potential existence of multiple horizontal asymptotes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that if the top degree of the function is greater than the bottom degree, the horizontal asymptote does not exist.
  • Others propose that for very large x, the term "-x + 10" becomes negligible compared to "2x^2", suggesting that the function behaves as if the top and bottom degrees are equal.
  • A participant mentions that dividing both the numerator and denominator by x leads to a limit of sqrt{2}/2 as x approaches infinity.
  • There is a claim that the textbook states there are two horizontal asymptotes: y = sqrt{2}/2 and y = -sqrt{2}/2, which some participants question as a possible typo.
  • One participant later acknowledges that there was no typo and confirms the existence of two horizontal asymptotes.
  • Several participants express uncertainty about the graphical representation of the asymptotes and whether they appear on the graph provided via Desmos.
  • There are also light-hearted exchanges about the use of brandy and its effects on cognitive processes during discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of the horizontal asymptotes, with some asserting there are two while others remain skeptical. The discussion includes competing views on the interpretation of the function's behavior as x approaches infinity.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the graphical representation of the asymptotes and the accuracy of the textbook answers. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with mathematical concepts and tools like Desmos.

nycmathdad
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Given f(x) = [sqrt{2x^2 - x + 10}]/(2x - 3), find the horizontal asymptote.

Top degree does not = bottom degree.

Top degree is not less than bottom degree.

If top degree > bottom degree, the horizontal asymptote DNE.

The problem for me is that 2x^2 lies within the radical. I can rewrite the radical using a fractional degree (2x^2 - x + 10)^(1/2) but leads no where, I think.
 
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Beer soaked ramblings follow.
nycmathdad said:
Given f(x) = [sqrt{2x^2 - x + 10}]/(2x - 3), find the horizontal asymptote.

Top degree does not = bottom degree.

Top degree is not less than bottom degree.

If top degree > bottom degree, the horizontal asymptote DNE.

The problem for me is that 2x^2 lies within the radical. I can rewrite the radical using a fractional degree (2x^2 - x + 10)^(1/2) but leads no where, I think.
I see one vertical asymptote and one horizontal asymptote but your textbook's answer section says there are two horizontal asymptote. Probably a typo. (1.5.65)
Screenshot_20210402-070255_Adobe Acrobat.jpg

https://www.desmos.com/calculator/ggerdmqli0
 
Last edited:
The horizontal asymptotes are given to be y = sqrt{2}/2 & y = -sqrt{2}/2. Which is correct?
 
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
nycmathdad said:
The horizontal asymptotes are given to be y = sqrt{2}/2 & y = -sqrt{2}/2. Which is correct?
Click on the desmos link and find out for yourself.
 
I cannot tell from the graph if the textbook has a typo or not.

sqrt{2}/2 = 0.7071067812

-sqrt{2}/2 = -0.7071067812

I don't see this on the graph.
 
Beer soaked query follows.
nycmathdad said:
I cannot tell from the graph if the textbook has a typo or not.

sqrt{2}/2 = 0.7071067812

-sqrt{2}/2 = -0.7071067812

I don't see this on the graph.
Have you typed those alleged horizontal asymptotes on desmos?
 
nycmathdad said:
Given f(x) = [sqrt{2x^2 - x + 10}]/(2x - 3), find the horizontal asymptote.

Top degree does not = bottom degree.

Top degree is not less than bottom degree.

If top degree > bottom degree, the horizontal asymptote DNE.

The problem for me is that 2x^2 lies within the radical. I can rewrite the radical using a fractional degree (2x^2 - x + 10)^(1/2) but leads no where, I think.
For very, very large x, "-x+ 10" negligible compared to "[math]2x^2[/math]". For very, very large x,[math]\frac{\sqrt{2x^2- x+ 10}}{2x-3}[/math] is indistinguishable from [math]\frac{\sqrt{2x^2}}{2x- 3}= \frac{\sqrt{2}x}{2x- 3}[/math]. In the limit, it IS true that "top degree= bottom degree".

Another way to see this: divide both numerator and denominator of [math]\frac{\sqrt{2x^2- x+ 10}}{2x- 3}[/math] by x. In the numerator the x goes into the square root as [math]x^2[/math] so it becomes [math]\frac{\sqrt{2- \frac{1}{x}+ \frac{10}{x^2}}}{2- \frac{3}{x}}[/math].

As x goes to infinity, the fractions with x or [math]x^2[/math] in the denominator go to 0 so that, again, has limit [math]\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}[/math].
 
Country Boy said:
For very, very large x, "-x+ 10" negligible compared to "[math]2x^2[/math]". For very, very large x,[math]\frac{\sqrt{2x^2- x+ 10}}{2x-3}[/math] is indistinguishable from [math]\frac{\sqrt{2x^2}}{2x- 3}= \frac{\sqrt{2}x}{2x- 3}[/math]. In the limit, it IS true that "top degree= bottom degree".

Another way to see this: divide both numerator and denominator of [math]\frac{\sqrt{2x^2- x+ 10}}{2x- 3}[/math] by x. In the numerator the x goes into the square root as [math]x^2[/math] so it becomes [math]\frac{\sqrt{2- \frac{1}{x}+ \frac{10}{x^2}}}{2- \frac{3}{x}}[/math].

As x goes to infinity, the fractions with x or [math]x^2[/math] in the denominator go to 0 so that, again, has limit [math]\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}[/math].

I thought about dividing the top and bottom by x but wasn't sure if I could do the same on top considering the radical. I see that there's a typo in the textbook answer section, which is very common in math and other science books.
 
Brandy induced realization follows.
jonah said:
...
I see one vertical asymptote and one horizontal asymptote but your textbook's answer section says there are two horizontal asymptote. Probably a typo. (1.5.65)
nycmathdad said:
... I see that there's a typo in the textbook answer section, ...
There's nothing like heavy lifting and brandy to make one see one's folly. There was no typo. There are indeed two horizontal asymptotes: $y=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$ and $y=-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/0ewse3snch
 
  • #10
jonah said:
Brandy induced realization follows.There's nothing like heavy lifting and brandy to make one see one's folly. There was no typo. There are indeed two horizontal asymptotes: $y=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$ and $y=-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/0ewse3snch

I'm not too familiar with desmos.
 
  • #11
Is the "heavy lifting" lifting the glass of brandy?
 
Last edited:
  • #12
Beer soaked recommendation follows.
nycmathdad said:
I'm not too familiar with desmos.
I strongly suggest that you get yourself familiar with it and download the app on your phone. You'll thank me later.
Country Boy said:
Is the "heavy lifting" lifting the glass of brandy?
It does along with some regular barbell and dumbbell exercises, machine exercises, and some negative chins. Repetitive activities can often induce eureka moments.
 
  • #13
I think the brandy would be the limit of my exercises!
 
  • #14
Country Boy said:
I think the brandy would be the limit of my exercises!
Why is that?
I sure hope that you're not injured.
 
  • #15
Lifting a glass of brandy repeatedly tends to leave me in no condition to do exercises!
 
  • #16
Man, you had me worried.
Brandy is just something I occasionally do for those times when my brain needs an extra boost. Otherwise, beer is good enough.
By the way, I don't see you anymore at https://mathforums.com/math/
V8Archie is also MIA lately.
 
  • #17
jonah said:
Man, you had me worried.
Brandy is just something I occasionally do for those times when my brain needs an extra boost. Otherwise, beer is good enough.
By the way, I don't see you anymore at https://mathforums.com/math/
V8Archie is also MIA lately.

I haven't been on MHF for many years, got sick of the constant spam. Has it improved at all?
 
  • #18
Prove It said:
I haven't been on MHF for many years, got sick of the constant spam. Has it improved at all?
A little bit.
Just saw your post there.
 
  • #19
Prove It said:
I haven't been on MHF for many years, got sick of the constant spam. Has it improved at all?

It has improved. However, mo matter what username I select, as soon as they know it is me, the blocking game begins. What about FMH?
 
  • #20
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
nycmathdad said:
It has improved. However, mo matter what username I select, as soon as they know it is me, the blocking game begins. What about FMH?
Maybe it's because you deserved to be blocked because you keep posting political and religious stuff despite warnings not to do so. You know something is hot but you keep touching it anyway. It's like you never learn anything from experience at all. You even irritated Dan (Topsquark, the moderator) recently.
 
  • #21
I just noticed that nycmathdad just got banned again.
 

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