Math Problem Statement

Write an equation for each horizontal asymptote of the graph of f(x) = 2x / sqrt(x^2 + x + 1).

Solution

The given function is:

f(x)=2xx2+x+1f(x) = \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x^2 + x + 1}}

To find the horizontal asymptote of this function, we need to analyze its behavior as xx \to \infty and xx \to -\infty.

Step 1: Analyze f(x)f(x) as xx \to \infty

When xx becomes very large, the x2x^2 term dominates in both the numerator and the denominator. Therefore, we approximate the function for large xx by ignoring the lower-order terms in the denominator: f(x)2xx2=2xx.f(x) \approx \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x^2}} = \frac{2x}{|x|}.

For xx \to \infty, we have x=x|x| = x, so: f(x)2xx=2.f(x) \approx \frac{2x}{x} = 2. Thus, as xx \to \infty, the horizontal asymptote is y=2y = 2.

Step 2: Analyze f(x)f(x) as xx \to -\infty

Similarly, for xx \to -\infty, we again approximate the function: f(x)2xx2=2xx.f(x) \approx \frac{2x}{\sqrt{x^2}} = \frac{2x}{|x|}.

For xx \to -\infty, x=x|x| = -x, so: f(x)2xx=2.f(x) \approx \frac{2x}{-x} = -2. Thus, as xx \to -\infty, the horizontal asymptote is y=2y = -2.

Conclusion

The function has two horizontal asymptotes:

  • As xx \to \infty, y=2y = 2.
  • As xx \to -\infty, y=2y = -2.

Would you like further details on the process or have any other questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the significance of horizontal asymptotes in a function's graph?
  2. How would the function's asymptotes change if the numerator were different?
  3. What are vertical asymptotes, and how are they determined?
  4. How do you find slant asymptotes if they exist?
  5. What happens to the behavior of f(x)f(x) for values of xx near 0?

Tip: When finding horizontal asymptotes, focus on the behavior of the function for very large positive and negative values of xx, as this reveals the long-term trend.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Asymptotes
Rational Functions

Formulas

f(x) = 2x / sqrt(x^2 + x + 1)
Horizontal Asymptote: lim x → ∞ f(x)

Theorems

Asymptote Behavior at Infinity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12