You are here:

Advanced Math/horizontal asympototes

Advertisement

Expert: Jack Cheng - 12/4/2006


Question
how do you solve for horizontal asympototes? I know for vertical you set denominator to zero and solve, but what for horizontal.

Answer
Hi Jay,

The horizontal is similarly easy. Just take the limit as x approaches infinity. If it is a number (i.e. not infinity), then y = that number is the horizontal asymptote.

Logically, it makes sense too. A horizontal asymptote is when y approaches a number as x gets infinitely large (hence the leveling off). To find that number, you just take the limit as x approaches infinity.

I hope this helps,
Jack

Advanced Math

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jack Cheng

Expertise

I can answer most questions in Math up to single-variable Calculus, including infinite series. I like to think very much, so questions with a lot of twists and turns are highly welcomed! Mathematical questions related to computer science are also highly welcomed! I can also answer some basic questions in discrete mathematics (logics, sets, some algorithms, basic number theory). I am also studying physics (mechanics in particluar), so I am willing to answer some questions relating to it.

Experience

Majoring in Mathematics.

Education/Credentials
I am sophomore/junior status in college working towards bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.