a. Analyze x→∞limf(x) andx→−∞limf(x) for each function.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the highest degree term in both the numerator and the denominator. In the given function \( f(x) = \frac{1 + x - 2x^2 - x^3}{x^2 + 1} \), the highest degree term in the numerator is \(-x^3\) and in the denominator is \(x^2\).
Divide every term in the numerator and the denominator by \(x^2\), the highest degree term in the denominator, to simplify the expression. This gives \( f(x) = \frac{\frac{1}{x^2} + \frac{x}{x^2} - \frac{2x^2}{x^2} - \frac{x^3}{x^2}}{\frac{x^2}{x^2} + \frac{1}{x^2}} \).
Evaluate the limit as \( x \to \infty \). As \( x \to \infty \), the terms \( \frac{1}{x^2} \) and \( \frac{1}{x} \) approach 0. Thus, the expression simplifies to \( \frac{0 + 0 - 2 - x}{1 + 0} = -x - 2 \). Therefore, \( \lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = -\infty \).
Evaluate the limit as \( x \to -\infty \). Similarly, as \( x \to -\infty \), the terms \( \frac{1}{x^2} \) and \( \frac{1}{x} \) approach 0. The expression simplifies to \( \frac{0 + 0 - 2 - x}{1 + 0} = -x - 2 \). Therefore, \( \lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = \infty \).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4m
Play a video:
0 Comments
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Limits at Infinity
Limits at infinity describe the behavior of a function as the input approaches positive or negative infinity. This concept is crucial for understanding how functions behave in extreme cases, allowing us to determine horizontal asymptotes and the end behavior of polynomial, rational, and other types of functions.
A rational function is a ratio of two polynomials. The analysis of rational functions often involves examining their limits at infinity, as the degrees of the numerator and denominator significantly influence the function's behavior. Understanding how to simplify and analyze these functions is essential for evaluating limits.
In the context of limits, dominant terms refer to the terms in a polynomial that have the highest degree, which dictate the function's behavior as x approaches infinity or negative infinity. Identifying these terms is key to simplifying rational functions and accurately calculating their limits at infinity.