Oblique asymptotes of a rational function

In summary, to find the oblique asymptotes of a rational function, one can use the expression f(x)=ax+b+\frac{R(x)}{Q(x)} obtained through long division, where the degree of R is less than the degree of Q. The slant asymptote can be found by dividing the fraction and discarding the remainder.
  • #1
mindauggas
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Homework Statement



To find the oblique asymptotes of a rational function

(i) [itex]f(x)=\frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}=\frac{a_{n}x^{n}+a_{n-1}x^{n-1}+...+a_{0}x^{0}}{b_{m}x^{m}+b_{m-1}x^{m-1}+...+b_{0}x^{0}}[/itex]

where [itex]n=m+1[/itex]

we exprese it in a form

(ii) [itex]f(x)=ax+b+\frac{R(x)}{Q(x)}[/itex] using long division (my book says). The degree of R is less than the degree of Q.

Q.: How? Does one have to divide (i) and then add? How is the [itex]f(x)=ax+b+\frac{R(x)}{Q(x)}[/itex] obtained?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Those generalized expressions make my eyes bleed. You'll have a slant asymptote if the degree of the numerator is one higher than the denominator. To find out what it is, just divide the fraction and discard the remainder. This expression will be your slant asmptote.
 

Related to Oblique asymptotes of a rational function

1. What is an oblique asymptote?

An oblique asymptote is a slanted or diagonal line that a rational function approaches as the input values get larger or smaller. It is also known as a slant asymptote or a linear asymptote.

2. How do you find the oblique asymptote of a rational function?

To find the oblique asymptote of a rational function, you can use long division or synthetic division to divide the numerator by the denominator. The result will be a linear function, and the equation of this line will be the oblique asymptote.

3. Can a rational function have more than one oblique asymptote?

No, a rational function can only have one oblique asymptote. This is because the degree of the numerator is always one less than the degree of the denominator, causing the result of the division to be a linear function.

4. What is the significance of an oblique asymptote?

An oblique asymptote can help us understand the behavior of a rational function as the input values get extremely large or small. It can also help us determine the end behavior of the function and its range of possible values.

5. Can a rational function cross its oblique asymptote?

No, a rational function cannot cross its oblique asymptote. This is because the function approaches the oblique asymptote as the input values get larger or smaller, but it will never intersect or cross it.

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