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X FX X FX: B. Limits at Infinity (End Behavior)
X FX X FX: B. Limits at Infinity (End Behavior)
As x , f ( x ) ? As x , f ( x ) ?
lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) =
1
1 X
x
x x 0 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
-4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4
-1
lim f ( x ) = lim f ( x ) =
-1
-2
-2
x x
-3
-3
-4
-4
2
i. lim f ( x ) ii. lim f ( x ) 1
x x x
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
-1
iii. Write equations for any horizontal -2
asymptotes. -3
-4
4 y
1
x
i. lim f ( x ) ii. lim f ( x ) -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-1
1 2 3 4
x x
-2
-3
asymptotes.
x x 4
x
-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8
iii. Write equations for any horizontal -4
asymptotes. -8
-16
Unit 1 p. 18
Thomas, 13e
Limits at Infinity and End Behavior: An Algebraic Approach
y
y
y
2. lim x = lim x =
x x
x
1 1
=
*3. lim 0=lim 0
x x x x
1 1 1 1
Theorem: If n > 0 is any rational number, lim= = 0 =
lim n = 0
x x n
big + x x big + /
(Algebra technique given a limit of /: To use the basic limits above, divide the numerator and
denominator by the by highest power of x in the denominator)
3x + 4 3x + 4
5a. lim lim
x x2 x x2
4 x 2 + 3x 4 x 2 + 3x
5b. lim lim
x 2 x 3 5 x 2 x 3 5
x+3x x+3x
5c. lim lim
x 2 x + 5 x 2 x + 5
Unit 1 p. 19
Thomas, 13e
3x + x
2
3x + x
2
5d. lim lim
x x 1 x x 1
*For improper rational functions: Use long division to rewrite in proper form in order to find both the
end behavior and the oblique asymptote (if there is one).
2. lim f ( x ) = or lim f ( x ) = x
x x
lim x = n
lim 2 x 4 =
x x y
Polynomial Functions
(Algebra technique given a limit of indeterminate form -:
To use the basic limit at infinity, factor out the highest power of x and try the limit again)
a. lim 5 x 3 + x 2 4 b. lim 2 x 4 x 3 + 2 x 2 + 1
x x
Unit 1 p. 20
Thomas, 13e
Exponential Functions and Logarithmic Functions
y
Basic Exponential Limits: y Basic Natural Log Limits:
Example 8: Find the domain, intercepts, and use limits to find any vertical asymptotes, holes, and end
behavior (including any horizontal or oblique asymptotes). Then sketch the graph.
x 2 + 3x
(see ex.3) 8a. f ( x ) = 2
x + x6
Unit 1 p. 21
Thomas, 13e
3x + x
2
(see ex 5d) 8b. f ( x ) =
x 1
Example 9: Sketch the graph of a function that satisfies all of the following properties:
f (1) = 0
lim f ( x ) =
x2
lim f ( x ) = 2
x
lim f ( x ) =
x
Unit 1 p. 22