Limits Involving the Point at

Infinity

• Exploring Asymptotic Behavior and

Infinite Limits in Calculus
Introduction: The Concept of Infinity in
Calculus
In mathematics, «infinity» (∞) is not a number but a concept
representing a quantity without bound or a limit of increasing
magnitude.
• When we talk about limits involving infinity, we are investigating the
behavior of functions as their input (x) grows arbitrarily large
(positive or negative) or as their output (y) grows arbitrarily large
(positive or negative).
• This presentation will delve into the precise definitions and methods
for evaluating such limits, which are fundamental to understanding
the global behavior of functions and their graphical representations.
• These concepts are crucial for identifying asymptotes and
understanding the long-term trends of various mathematical
models.
Why Study Limits at Infinity?

Asymptotic Behavior: Limits at infinity help us understand the end

behavior of functions, revealing whether a function approaches a
specific value or tends towards positive or negative infinity. This is
critical for identifying horizontal asymptotes.
Graph Sketching: Knowledge of limits at infinity significantly aids in
accurately sketching graphs of functions, providing insights into their
shape beyond a finite interval.Real-World Applications: Many natural
phenomena and economic models exhibit behaviors that can be
described using limits at infinity (e.g., population growth models
approaching a carrying capacity, the concentration of a drug in the
bloodstream over time).
• Understanding Function Dominance: It helps in comparing the
growth rates of different functions
Definition of a Limit at Infinity (Horizontal
Asymptotes)
We say that the limit of f(x) as x approaches infinity is L, written as
lim x→∞
f(x)=L, if the values of f(x) can be made arbitrarily close to L by
taking x sufficiently large.
Formally, for every ϵ>0, there exists a number N such that if x>N,
then ∣f(x)−L∣<ϵ.
Similarly, for lim x→−∞
f(x)=L, for every ϵ>0, there exists a number M such that if x<M,
then ∣f(x)−L∣<ϵ.
• If either of these conditions holds, the line y=L is called a
horizontal asymptote of the function f(x).
Examples of Limits at Infinity – Basic
Functions
• Let's consider some fundamental examples:
• limx→∞​c=c (The limit of a constant is the constant itself).
• limx→∞​x1​=0 (As x gets very large, x1​gets very small,
approaching zero).
• limx→−∞​x1​=0 (Similarly for negative large values of x).
• limx→∞​x=∞ (As x increases, x also increases without bound).
• limx→−∞​x=−∞ (As x decreases, x also decreases without
bound).
• These basic limits form the building blocks for
evaluating more complex functions.
Properties of Limits at Infinity
• The limit laws that apply to finite limits also generally apply to
limits involving infinity, provided the results are well-defined.
• If limx→±∞​f(x)=L and limx→±∞​g(x)=M, where L and M are
finite numbers:
• Sum/Difference Rule: limx→±∞​[f(x)±g(x)]=L±M
• Constant Multiple Rule: limx→±∞​[c⋅f(x)]=c⋅L
• Product Rule: limx→±∞​[f(x)⋅g(x)]=L⋅M
• Quotient Rule: limx→±∞​g(x)f(x)​=ML​, provided M=0
• Important Note: These rules do not directly apply
when L or M are ±∞. Indeterminate forms like ∞/∞​
or ∞−∞ require further analysis.
Evaluating Limits of Rational
Functions at Infinity
• A rational function is of the form f(x)=Q(x)P(x)​,
where P(x) and Q(x) are polynomials.
• To evaluate limx→±∞​Q(x)P(x)​, we divide both the
numerator and the denominator by the highest power
of x in the denominator.
• This technique simplifies the expression, allowing us to
use the fact that limx→±∞​xnc​=0 for any positive
integer n and constant c.
• This method is generally more robust than simply
comparing degrees, though the degree comparison rule
is a useful shortcu
Case 1: Degree of Numerator <
Degree of Denominator

• If the degree of the polynomial in the numerator is less than

the degree of the polynomial in the denominator, then the
limit of the rational function as x→±∞ is always 0.
• Example: limx→∞​5x3−4x+73x2+2x−1​
• Divide numerator and denominator by x3:
• limx→∞​5−x24​+x37​x3​+x22​−x31​​=5−0+00+0−0​=50​=0.
• This implies that y=0 (the x-axis) is a horizontal asymptote.
Case 2: Degree of Numerator =
Degree of Denominator

• If the degree of the polynomial in the numerator is

equal to the degree of the polynomial in the
denominator, then the limit of the rational function
as x→±∞ is the ratio of the leading coefficients.
• Example: limx→∞​2x3+5x2−14x3−7x+2​
• Divide numerator and denominator by x3:
• limx→∞​2+x5​−x31​4−x27​+x32​​=2+0−04−0+0​=24​=2.
• This implies that y=2 is a horizontal asymptote.
Case 3: Degree of Numerator >
Degree of Denominator
• If the degree of the polynomial in the numerator is greater than
the degree of the polynomial in the denominator, then the limit
of the rational function as x→±∞ will be either ∞ or −∞.
• To determine the sign, evaluate the limit of the ratio of the
leading terms.
• Example: limx→∞​3x2−4x+16x4+x2−5​
• Consider the ratio of leading terms: limx→∞​3x26x4​=limx→∞​2x2=∞.
• Example: limx→−∞​x2+12x5−3x​
• Consider the ratio of leading terms: limx→−∞​x22x5​=limx→−∞​2x3=−∞.
• In these cases, there is no horizontal asymptote. There might be
a slant (oblique) asymptote if the degree difference is exactly 1.
Limits Involving Radicals at Infinity
• When functions involve radicals, we still apply similar principles:
divide by the highest power of x (or a suitable power
of x adjusted for the radical).
• Important Consideration: Remember that x2​=∣x∣. This is crucial
when evaluating limits as x→−∞.
• For x>0, x2​=x.
• For x<0, x2​=−x.

• Divide numerator and denominator by x: limx→∞​1−x3​4+x21​​=14​​=2.

• Example: limx→−∞​x−34x2+1​​
• Divide numerator by x2​=−x and denominator by x: limx→−∞​xx−3​
−x4x2+1​​=limx→−∞​1−x3​−4+x21​​=1−4​​=−2.