Math Problem Statement

Let f be the function defined by f(x) = (2^x + 5) / (e^x + 1) for x > 0. Which of the following is a horizontal asymptote to the graph of f?

Solution

The question asks to find the horizontal asymptote of the function f(x)=2x+5ex+1f(x) = \frac{2^x + 5}{e^x + 1} for x>0x > 0.

To determine the horizontal asymptote, we need to compute the limit of f(x)f(x) as xx \to \infty.

Step-by-step approach:

f(x)=2x+5ex+1f(x) = \frac{2^x + 5}{e^x + 1}

  1. As xx \to \infty, both 2x2^x and exe^x grow exponentially, and the terms 55 and 11 become negligible in comparison. Therefore, we can simplify the expression by focusing on the dominant exponential terms: f(x)2xexf(x) \approx \frac{2^x}{e^x}

  2. Now, we compute the limit of this simplified expression: limx2xex=limx(2e)x\lim_{x \to \infty} \frac{2^x}{e^x} = \lim_{x \to \infty} \left( \frac{2}{e} \right)^x

Since 2e<1\frac{2}{e} < 1, the term (2e)x\left( \frac{2}{e} \right)^x approaches 0 as xx \to \infty.

Thus, the horizontal asymptote is: y=0\boxed{y = 0}

This corresponds to option A\text{A}, which is the correct answer. The reasoning behind the incorrect selection of option B\text{B} (which claimed y=2ey = \frac{2}{e}) likely came from misinterpreting the behavior of the exponential functions.

Would you like a more detailed explanation of exponential growth, or do you have any questions on this topic?

Related Questions:

  1. What are the rules for finding horizontal asymptotes for rational functions?
  2. How do exponential functions compare in growth rates?
  3. How can you determine vertical asymptotes?
  4. What happens to functions involving different bases of exponentials as xx \to \infty?
  5. How do polynomial and exponential terms behave at large values of xx?

Tip: When evaluating limits at infinity, focus on the terms that grow fastest and how they compare to one another!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Horizontal Asymptotes
Exponential Growth

Formulas

lim_{x → ∞} f(x) = lim_{x → ∞} (2^x + 5) / (e^x + 1)

Theorems

Limit at infinity for exponential functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12