End Behavior 

• End behavior of polynomial functions
• End behavior of rational functions 

   
 End Behavior of polynomial Functions

For large values of x, either positive 
or negative, the graph of the 
polynomial 

resembles the graph of the power function. 
   
 Example – End Behavior

Determine the end behavior of the following:

(a) f ( x) = 3x 6

(b) g ( x) = −5 x 4

1 5
(c ) h( x ) = x
2
 
(d ) p ( x) = −7 x
 
7
 Example – Leading Term

Determine the leading term of

f ( x) = (2 x −1) ( x + 3) ( x − 5)
2 3

Leading Term: (2x)2 (x)3 (x) = 4x6

   
 Rational Functions
A rational function is a function of the form

Where p and q are polynomial functions and q 
is not the zero polynomial. The domain 
consists of all real numbers except those for 
which the denominator is 0. 
   
Find the domain of the following rational functions:

All real numbers except ­6 and­2.

All real numbers except ­4 and 4.

All real numbers.
   
 Behavior Near Undefined Values
Examine the behavior of  x−2
the function near the 
(a) f ( x) =
x +1
undefined values and as 
2
x goes to ±∞ (as x goes  x
to the extremes. (b) g ( x) = 2
x −2
3
x
(c ) h ( x ) =
x+2
   
   
 x=c Vertical Asymptotes
y

x
x=c
y

   
Theorem Locating Vertical Asymptotes
A rational function 

In lowest terms, will have a vertical 
asymptote x = r, if x ­ r is a factor of the 
denominator q. 
   
Find the vertical asymptotes, if any, of the graph 
of each rational function.
Vertical
asymptotes:
x = -1 and x = 1
No vertical asymptotes

Vertical asymptote: x = -4
   
 y Horizontal Asymptotes
y = R(x)

y=L

x
y
y=L
x y = R(x)

   
If an asymptote is neither horizontal nor vertical
it is called oblique.
y

   
Consider the rational function

1. If n < m, then y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote of the

graph of R.
2. If n = m, then y = an / bm is a horizontal asymptote of
the graph of R.
3. If n = m + 1, then y = ax + b is an oblique asymptote
of the graph of R. Found using long division.
4. If n > m + 1, the graph of R has neither a horizontal
nor oblique asymptote. End behavior found using long
   
division.
Find the horizontal and oblique asymptotes if 
any, of the graph of

Horizontal asymptote: y = 0

Horizontal asymptote: y = 2/3

   
 Oblique asymptote: y = x + 6