Horizontal Asymptote of f(x) = 2x2/(x4-81)1/2 - How to Factor Bottom

In summary, the horizontal asymptote in the function f(x) = 2x^2/(x^4-81)^1/2 represents the long-term behavior of the function as x approaches positive or negative infinity. To determine the horizontal asymptote, we can use the quotient rule for limits and take the limit as x approaches infinity, which in this case is 0. The horizontal asymptote is a constant value that remains the same unless the function itself is changed. The bottom term of the function does not affect the horizontal asymptote, but factoring it can help determine the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. In this case, factoring the bottom term to (x^2+9)(x^2-9
  • #1
Loppyfoot
194
0

Homework Statement


Find the horizontal asymptote to the graph: f(x) = 2x2/(x4-81)1/2


Homework Equations





How do I factor the bottom? Because for, the HA, I compare the coefficients.
 
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  • #2
x4-81=x4(1-81/x4)

and remember that √(ab)=√a * √b
 
  • #3
How do I prove that the HA: is y=2?
 
  • #4
Look at
[tex]f(x)~=~\frac{2x^2}{\sqrt{x^4(1 - 81/x^4)}}[/tex]
and simplify the denominator.

What is the limit of f(x) as x gets large in either direction?
 

1. What is the significance of the horizontal asymptote in the function f(x) = 2x2/(x4-81)1/2?

The horizontal asymptote in this function represents the value that the function approaches as x approaches positive or negative infinity. It is a visual representation of the long-term behavior of the function.

2. How can we determine the horizontal asymptote of the function f(x) = 2x2/(x4-81)1/2?

To determine the horizontal asymptote, we can use the quotient rule for limits. This means taking the limit as x approaches infinity of the function, which in this case would be 0. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is y=0.

3. Can the horizontal asymptote of a function change?

No, the horizontal asymptote of a function will remain the same unless the function itself is changed. It is a constant value that represents the long-term behavior of the function.

4. How does the bottom term of the function f(x) = 2x2/(x4-81)1/2 affect the horizontal asymptote?

The bottom term of the function, (x4-81)1/2, does not affect the horizontal asymptote. It only affects the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. The horizontal asymptote is determined by the overall behavior of the function, not just the bottom term.

5. What is the relationship between factoring the bottom term and the horizontal asymptote of the function f(x) = 2x2/(x4-81)1/2?

Factoring the bottom term of the function can help us determine the behavior of the function as x approaches infinity. In this case, factoring the bottom term to (x2+9)(x2-9) can help us see that the function will approach y=0 as x approaches infinity, since both (x2+9) and (x2-9) will approach infinity at a slower rate than x4. This aligns with our previous determination of the horizontal asymptote.

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