Module 7 - Limits and Infinity | ||||||||||
Introduction | Lesson 1 | Lesson 2 | Lesson 3 | Lesson 4 | Self-Test | ||||||||||
Lesson 7.4: Nonlinear Asymptotes | ||||||||||
In this lesson you will examine a rational function with a nonlinear asymptote. The asymptotes discussed in the previous lessons were all linear. Some asymptotes are nonlinear, as shown in the example below.
Consider the rational function
![]() The same procedure used in Lesson 7.3 for an oblique linear asymptote can be used to identify characteristics of the graph of any rational function.
7.4.1 Discuss what the results of the long division indicate about the graph of
Graphical support for the answer to Question 7.4.1 may be found by graphing the function in a large window and in a smaller window near x = 2. The Wide View
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The graph of
The Narrow View
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The graph of
A Medium View
Both the vertical and parabolic asymptotic behavior of
Changing the graphing style of Y2 = x2 - 8x - 15 to "dot" will make the difference between the graph of the function and its parabolic asymptote clearer.
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![]() The screen shows that the rational function resembles the parabolic asymptote when x is not near 2 but it differs from the parabolic asymptote close to 2. It also implies that there is a vertical asymptote at x = 2. Displaying a Complete Graph As you have seen, the choice of viewing window can dramatically affect the appearance of a function, and different windows should be used to illustrate different features. The best graph is one where all significant features of a function are displayed or implied. Such a graph is called a complete graph. Two or more windows are often needed to illustrate a complete graph. |
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