In a test example I'm solving, the question asks to find the oblique asymptote of the following function:
$f(x) = \sqrt{4x^2+x+6}$
$x$ at $+\infty$
We have only learned how to do so with rational functions. Is there any general way of finding the oblique asymptote that works with any kind of function? Perhaps using limits?
Best Answer
Yes. If $f$ has an oblique asymptote (call it $y=ax+b$), you will have: $$a=\lim_{x\to\pm\infty}\frac{f(x)}{x}$$
$$b=\lim_{x\to\pm\infty} f(x)-ax$$
In your example, $\displaystyle\lim_{x\to+\infty}\frac{\sqrt{4x^2+x+6}}{x}=2$ and $\displaystyle\lim_{x\to+\infty}\sqrt{4x^2+x+6}-2x=\frac{1}{4}$
The asymptote as $x\to+\infty$ is therefore $y=2x+\dfrac{1}{4}$