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horizontal asymptote

Definition

This term refers to a horizontal line that a graph approaches but never crosses as x goes towards positive or negative infinity.

Analogy

Think of an airplane flying at high altitude. As it travels further and further, it maintains its height without going up or down, just like how the graph of a function approaches but never crosses its horizontal asymptote.

Related terms

End behavior: The behavior of a function as x approaches positive or negative infinity.

Rational function: A function that can be expressed as the quotient of two polynomial functions.

Exponential growth/decay: Functions that increase (growth) or decrease (decay) rapidly over time.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.