The asymptotes are straight lines on a graph that a function approaches indefinitely. You will find asymptotes with a curve only. In simple words, an asymptote is a straight line that approaches a curve but they both never meets each other. They both keep moving to infinity and since asymptote and the curve doesn't meet, it also means that asymptote doesn't overtake the curve and vice versa. There are three types of asymptotes:

  • Horizontal Asymptotes
  • Vertical Asymptotes
  • Oblique Asymptotes

 

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Horizontal Asymptotes

When the asymptote (asymptote parallel to the x-axis) reaches or without touching the curve but approaching it at some point (let's call it "k"), we call it Horizontal Asymptote. 

horizontal asymptote of a function

Vertical Asymptotes

If the x remains constant, however, the y approaches the curve but does not touches it as well as reaches infinity, the line will be called Vertical Asymptote

vertical asymptote of a function

Oblique asymptote

Last but not least, the x moves to infinity and the equation of the line is and the curve approaches that line, we will call it Oblique Asymptote.

Oblique asymptote of a function

Example

Q. Calculate the horizontal asymptote of the function:

K are the points outside the domain of the function (in the rational functions).

Q. Calculate the horizontal and vertical asymptotes of the function:

 

The oblique asymptotes will only be found when there are no horizontal asymptotes.

Q. Calculate the asymptotes of the function:

HORIZONTAL ASYMPTOTES

No horizontal asymptotes

VERTICAL ASYMPTOTES

OBLIQUE ASYMPTOTES

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Emma

Emma

I am passionate about travelling and currently live and work in Paris. I like to spend my time reading, gardening, running, learning languages and exploring new places.