# Describe the behavior

• October 17th 2007, 06:45 PM
Truthbetold
Describe the behavior
x-1/(x^2(x+2))
Describe the behavior to the left ad right of any vertical asymptote.

I'm using a computer other than my own (no access to mine), so I can't graph anything online.

Thanks.
• October 17th 2007, 06:54 PM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by Truthbetold
x-1/(x^2(x+2))
Describe the behavior to the left ad right of any vertical asymptote.

I'm using a computer other than my own (no access to mine), so I can't graph anything online.

Thanks.

well, you actually don't need the graph to tell what the behavior at the ends are. but if you want a graph, here it is. i assume the function is $\frac {x - 1}{x^2(x + 2)}$ ...(you should use parentheses more efficiently)
• October 17th 2007, 07:46 PM
Truthbetold
Quote:

well, you actually don't need the graph to tell what the behavior at the ends are. but if you want a graph, here it is. i assume the function is http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...7f04ec6c-1.gif ...(you should use parentheses more efficiently)
You're right on both accounts. You got the equation right.
Why did I want a graph? Oh, now I know why. Still, I need to be able to do it without a graph.

Thought:
Right hand: lim as x--> infinity f(x)/g(x) = 1
Left hand: lim as x--> - infinity f(x)/g(x) = 1

For the right, after expanding the equation
$\frac {x - 1}{x^3 + 2x^2)}$

We have $x/x^3 = \frac {1}{x^2}$ as the right,
Guess: and $x^3$ as the left, though no understanding how to prove, if even right.

Augh, this should be easy!!
Does it have to do with this?
Definition: A polynomial function (real) can be expressed in the form:
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...8b5fb309-1.gif

Our teacher, for some odd reason, didn't teach this, but it looks important since it was the first thing on the "Introduction to Calculus Tutorial" sticky on the Calculus board.

Thanks!
• October 17th 2007, 08:07 PM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by Truthbetold
You're right on both accounts. You got the equation right.
Why did I want a graph? Oh, now I know why. Still, I need to be able to do it without a graph.

Thought:
Right hand: lim as x--> infinity f(x)/g(x) = 1
Left hand: lim as x--> - infinity f(x)/g(x) = 1

For the right, after expanding the equation
$\frac {x - 1}{x^3 + 2x^2)}$

We have $x/x^3 = \frac {1}{x^2}$ as the right,
Guess: and $x^3$ as the left, though no understanding how to prove, if even right.

Augh, this should be easy!!
Does it have to do with this?
Definition: A polynomial function (real) can be expressed in the form:
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...8b5fb309-1.gif

Our teacher, for some odd reason, didn't teach this, but it looks important since it was the first thing on the "Introduction to Calculus Tutorial" sticky on the Calculus board.

Thanks!

ok...what are you talking about? what is f(x) and g(x)?