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3-5 Limits at Infinity
3-5 Limits at Infinity
3-5 Limits at Infinity
AT INFINITY
Consider the "endbehavior" of a function
on an infinite interval.
In the example above, the value of y approaches 3
as x increases without bound. Similarly, f(x)
approaches 3 as x decreases without bound.
NOTATION:
Means that the limit exists
and
the limit is equal to L.
1
HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTE . . .
The height that a function tries to, but cannot, reach as
the function's xvalues get infinitely large or small.
Definition
The line y = b is a horizontal asymptote of the
graph of a function y = f (x) if either
1.
2.
EX.#1: A function can have more than one horizontal asymptote.
2
End Behavior Models
Ex #2: Find
Suppose x is large and positive, then . . .
and
So, for large positive values of x.
Suppose x is large and negative, then . . .
4x and 2x are still behavior models for the
function, but the numerator and denominator
will both be negative now.
So, for large positive values of x.
Then, while
Graph
EX 2
EX 2
3
Let's say we are trying to evaluate some function
called r (x), which is defined as a fraction whose
numerator, n (x), and denominator d (x) are simply
polynomials. Compare the degrees (highest exponents)
of n(x) and d (x).
n(x)
r(x)= A picture for your
d(x) head.
The guidelines below only apply to limits at
infinity so be careful.
If degree of numerator is less than
degree of denominator, then limit is
zero. (BOBO Bigger On Bottom O)
If degree of numerator equals degree of
denominator, then limit is the ratio of
coefficients of the highest degree.
(BETC Bottom Equals Top Coefficient)
If degree of numerator is greater than
degree of denominator, then limit does
not exist.
(BOTU Bigger On Top Undefined).
Other functions, then consider size of the
function:
logarithmic < polynomial < exponential
4
EX #3: Evaluate the following limits:
5
Dividing Method for Finding Horizontal Asymptotes
Remember ∞ is not a real number and should
never be substituted for the variable x.
EX #4: Find
Graph
EX 4
EX #5: Find
Graph
EX 5
EX #6: Find
Graph
Graph
EX 6
EX 6
6
Summary:
Final Note:
Be sure you see that the equal sign in the statement
does not mean that the limit exists. On the contrary, it
tells you how the limit fails to exist by denoting the
unbounded behavior of f (x ) as x approaches c.
1. When the limit of a function at some xvalue is
approaching ±∞, then the function has a
_____________________________ at that value.
2. To find a horizontal asymptote you should find the
limit of f(x) as ____________________________
3. A horizontal asymptote occurs at y = 0 when the
degree of the ________________________ is
greater than the degree of the
______________________.
4. A limit does not exist when the degree of the
________________ is greater. Thus, no
horizontal asymptote.
5. A horizontal asymptote occurs at the _________
of leading coefficients when the highest degreed
terms are _____________.