Which Statement Describes The Behavior Of The Function $f(x) = \frac{3x}{4-x}$?A. The Graph Approaches -3 As $x$ Approaches Infinity.B. The Graph Approaches 0 As $x$ Approaches Infinity.C. The Graph Approaches 3 As
Understanding the Function
The given function is . This is a rational function, which means it is the ratio of two polynomials. In this case, the numerator is and the denominator is . To understand the behavior of this function, we need to analyze its components and how they interact with each other.
Horizontal Asymptotes
One way to analyze the behavior of a rational function is to look for its horizontal asymptotes. A horizontal asymptote is a horizontal line that the graph of the function approaches as approaches infinity or negative infinity. To find the horizontal asymptote of a rational function, we need to compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator.
Degree of the Numerator and Denominator
The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. In this case, the degree of the numerator is 1 (since the highest power of is 1), and the degree of the denominator is 1 (since the highest power of is 1). Since the degrees of the numerator and denominator are the same, the horizontal asymptote is given by the ratio of the leading coefficients.
Leading Coefficients
The leading coefficient of a polynomial is the coefficient of the highest power of the variable. In this case, the leading coefficient of the numerator is 3, and the leading coefficient of the denominator is -1. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is given by the ratio of these two coefficients, which is .
Behavior of the Function as Approaches Infinity
Since the horizontal asymptote is , the graph of the function approaches this line as approaches infinity. This means that as gets larger and larger, the value of the function gets closer and closer to .
Behavior of the Function as Approaches Negative Infinity
To analyze the behavior of the function as approaches negative infinity, we can use a similar approach. As gets more and more negative, the value of the function gets closer and closer to . This is because the denominator becomes more and more negative, which causes the value of the function to increase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity. This is because the horizontal asymptote of the function is , and the graph of the function approaches this line as gets larger and larger.
Comparison with Other Options
Now that we have analyzed the behavior of the function, let's compare it with the other options.
Option A: The graph approaches -3 as approaches infinity.
This option is correct, as we have shown that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity.
Option B: The graph approaches 0 as approaches infinity.
This option is incorrect, as we have shown that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, not .
Option C: The graph approaches 3 as approaches infinity.
This option is incorrect, as we have shown that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, not .
Final Answer
The final answer is that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity. This is the correct option, and it is supported by our analysis of the function.
Additional Analysis
In addition to analyzing the behavior of the function as approaches infinity, we can also analyze its behavior as approaches negative infinity. As we have shown, the graph of the function approaches the line as gets more and more negative.
Graphical Analysis
To visualize the behavior of the function, we can graph it using a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system. The graph of the function will show that it approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it will also show that it approaches the line as approaches negative infinity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it also approaches the line as approaches negative infinity. This is supported by our analysis of the function, and it is also supported by the graphical analysis of the function.
Final Answer
The final answer is that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it also approaches the line as approaches negative infinity. This is the correct option, and it is supported by our analysis of the function.
Understanding the Function
The given function is . This is a rational function, which means it is the ratio of two polynomials. In this case, the numerator is and the denominator is . To understand the behavior of this function, we need to analyze its components and how they interact with each other.
Q&A
Q: What is the horizontal asymptote of the function?
A: The horizontal asymptote of the function is given by the ratio of the leading coefficients of the numerator and denominator. In this case, the leading coefficient of the numerator is 3, and the leading coefficient of the denominator is -1. Therefore, the horizontal asymptote is given by the ratio of these two coefficients, which is .
Q: What happens to the graph of the function as approaches infinity?
A: As approaches infinity, the graph of the function approaches the horizontal asymptote, which is . This means that as gets larger and larger, the value of the function gets closer and closer to .
Q: What happens to the graph of the function as approaches negative infinity?
A: As approaches negative infinity, the graph of the function approaches the horizontal asymptote, which is . This means that as gets more and more negative, the value of the function gets closer and closer to .
Q: Is the function continuous?
A: Yes, the function is continuous. This means that the graph of the function is a single, unbroken curve, and there are no gaps or holes in the graph.
Q: Is the function differentiable?
A: Yes, the function is differentiable. This means that the graph of the function has a well-defined slope at every point, and the function can be differentiated using the standard rules of differentiation.
Q: What is the domain of the function?
A: The domain of the function is all real numbers except . This means that the function is defined for all values of except , where the denominator is equal to zero.
Q: What is the range of the function?
A: The range of the function is all real numbers except . This means that the function can take on any value except , where the function is undefined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it also approaches the line as approaches negative infinity. The function is continuous and differentiable, and its domain is all real numbers except . The range of the function is all real numbers except .
Final Answer
The final answer is that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it also approaches the line as approaches negative infinity. This is the correct option, and it is supported by our analysis of the function.
Additional Analysis
In addition to analyzing the behavior of the function as approaches infinity, we can also analyze its behavior as approaches negative infinity. As we have shown, the graph of the function approaches the line as gets more and more negative.
Graphical Analysis
To visualize the behavior of the function, we can graph it using a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system. The graph of the function will show that it approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it will also show that it approaches the line as approaches negative infinity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it also approaches the line as approaches negative infinity. This is supported by our analysis of the function, and it is also supported by the graphical analysis of the function.
Final Answer
The final answer is that the graph of the function approaches the line as approaches infinity, and it also approaches the line as approaches negative infinity. This is the correct option, and it is supported by our analysis of the function.