Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
1. Limits and Continuity
Introduction to Limits
Problem 2.5.47
Textbook Question
Determine limx→∞f(x) and limx→−∞f(x) for the following functions. Then give the horizontal asymptotes of f (if any).
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1
First, identify the highest power of x in both the numerator and the denominator. In the given function f(x) = \frac{4x^3+1}{2x^3+\sqrt{16x^6+1}}, the highest power of x in the numerator is x^3 and in the denominator is x^3 (from the term \sqrt{16x^6+1}).
To simplify the expression, divide every term in the numerator and the denominator by x^3, the highest power of x in the denominator.
After dividing, the function becomes f(x) = \frac{4 + \frac{1}{x^3}}{2 + \sqrt{16 + \frac{1}{x^6}}}.
Now, evaluate the limit as x approaches infinity. As x approaches infinity, the terms \frac{1}{x^3} and \frac{1}{x^6} approach 0. Thus, the function simplifies to \frac{4}{2 + \sqrt{16}}.
Similarly, evaluate the limit as x approaches negative infinity. The simplification process is the same, and the function again simplifies to \frac{4}{2 + \sqrt{16}}. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is y = \frac{4}{2 + \sqrt{16}}.
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