Problem 29
We must describe the local and end behaviour of the function:
First, we rewrite the polynomials in numerator and denominator in terms of their roots:
Local behaviour
We see that f(x) has a zero in the denominator for x = 1/3 and x = -5/2. The function f(x) has vertical asymptotes at these values. To analyze the local behaviour, we must compute the lateral limits for x → 1/3 and x → -5/2.
Limit x → 1/3 from the left
Computing the limit from the left when x → 1/3, is equivalent to replacing x by 1/3 - ε and computing the limit when ε → 0:
In the last step, we can't throw the ε in the parenthesis different to zero.
Limit x → 1/3 from the right
Computing the limit from the left when x → 1/3, is equivalent to replacing x by 1/3 + ε and computing the limit when ε → 0:
In the last step, we can't throw the ε in the parenthesis different to zero.
Limit x → -5/2 from the left
Computing the limit from the left when x → -5/2, is equivalent to replacing x by -5/2 - ε and computing the limit when ε → 0:
In the last step, we can't throw the ε in the parenthesis different to zero.
Limit x → -5/2 from the right
Computing the limit from the left when x → -5/2, is equivalent to replacing x by -5/2 + ε and computing the limit when ε → 0:
In the last step, we can't throw the ε in the parenthesis different to zero.
End behaviour
To describe the end behaviour of the function, we must compute the limits of the function when x → -∞ and x → +∞.
Limit x → -∞
To compute the limit we have divided numerator and denominator by x² and distributed the limit. The result of each limit is given by the leading term, which has the highest power of x.
Limit x → +∞
To compute the limit we have divided numerator and denominator by x² and distributed the limit. The result of each limit is given by the leading term, which has the highest power of x.
Answers
Local behaviour
The function f(x) has vertical asymptotes at x = 1/3 and x = -5/2.
End behaviour