Final answer:
A horizontal asymptote calculator is a tool that helps find the horizontal asymptote(s) of a rational function. It determines the behavior of the function as x approaches positive or negative infinity.
Step-by-step explanation:
A horizontal asymptote calculator is a tool that helps find the horizontal asymptote(s) of a rational function. It determines the behavior of the function as x approaches positive or negative infinity. The steps to find a horizontal asymptote using a calculator are as follows:
- Enter the rational function into the calculator.
- Graph the function.
- Observe the behavior of the graph as x approaches positive or negative infinity.
- If the graph approaches a horizontal line as x goes to positive or negative infinity, that line is the horizontal asymptote.
For example, let's say we have the rational function y = (3x^2 + 2x - 1) / (2x^2 + 5).
Using a calculator, we can input this function and graph it. As x goes to positive or negative infinity, we notice that the graph approaches the line y = 3/2, which means the horizontal asymptote is y = 3/2.