Question

Find the vertical and horizontal asymptote if they exist

Answer 1

Hello!

Vertical asymptotes are determined by setting the denominator of a rational function to zero and then by solving for x.

Horizontal asymptotes are determined by:

1. If the degree of the numerator < degree of denominator, then the line, y = 0 is the horizontal asymptote.

2. If the degree of the numerator = degree of denominator, then y = leading coefficient of numerator / leading coefficient of denominator is the horizontal asymptote.

3. If degree of numerator > degree of denominator, then there is an oblique asymptote, but no horizontal asymptote.

To find the vertical asymptote:

2x² - 10 = 0

2(x² - 5) = 0

(x - √5)(x + √5) = 0

x = √5 and x = -√5

Graphing the equation, we realize that x = -√5 is not a vertical asymptote, so therefore, the only vertical asymptote is x = √5.

To find the horizontal asymptote:

If the degree of the numerator < degree of denominator, then the line, y = 0 is the horizontal asymptote.

Therefore, the horizontal asymptote of this function is y = 0.

Short answer: Vertical asymptote: x = √5 and horizontal asymptote: y = 0