Math Problem Statement

What is the answer

Using the graph of the rational function y = f(x) given in the figure below, evaluate the limits. If you need to enter ∞ or -∞, type INFINITY or -INFINITY.

Solution

Let's go through each part of the question by analyzing the graph shown in the image.

The graph shows a rational function with different behaviors at different parts of the graph. We will evaluate the limits accordingly:

(a) limxf(x)\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x)

As xx approaches \infty (positive infinity), the function approaches a horizontal asymptote near the xx-axis. This indicates that:

limxf(x)=0\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = 0

(b) limxf(x)\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x)

As xx approaches -\infty (negative infinity), the function again approaches a horizontal asymptote near the xx-axis. Therefore:

limxf(x)=0\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 0

(c) limx7f(x)\lim_{x \to 7^-} f(x)

As xx approaches 7 from the left (x7x \to 7^-), the function drops down towards negative infinity. This indicates that:

limx7f(x)=\lim_{x \to 7^-} f(x) = -\infty

(d) limx7+f(x)\lim_{x \to 7^+} f(x)

As xx approaches 7 from the right (x7+x \to 7^+), the function shoots upwards towards positive infinity. Hence:

limx7+f(x)=\lim_{x \to 7^+} f(x) = \infty

Summary of Answers:

(a) limxf(x)=0\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x) = 0
(b) limxf(x)=0\lim_{x \to -\infty} f(x) = 0
(c) limx7f(x)=\lim_{x \to 7^-} f(x) = -\infty
(d) limx7+f(x)=\lim_{x \to 7^+} f(x) = \infty

Would you like any further clarifications or additional details?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you determine horizontal asymptotes from a graph of a rational function?
  2. What is the significance of limits as xx approaches positive and negative infinity?
  3. How can you find vertical asymptotes algebraically from the equation of a rational function?
  4. What does it mean for a function to approach \infty or -\infty as xx nears a certain value?
  5. How does the behavior of a function change near its asymptotes?

Tip: Remember that vertical asymptotes indicate where a function approaches infinity or negative infinity, while horizontal asymptotes help determine the function's end behavior as xx tends to infinity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Rational Functions
Asymptotic Behavior

Formulas

Limit notation: lim x→a f(x)
Horizontal and Vertical Asymptotes

Theorems

Limit Theorems
Behavior of Functions Near Asymptotes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12