Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Domain of a Function
The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined. For the function y = (√(x² + 4)) / x, the domain excludes x = 0 because division by zero is undefined. Additionally, the expression under the square root, x² + 4, must be non-negative, which is always true for real numbers.
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Limits and Asymptotes
Limits help determine the behavior of a function as the input approaches a particular value, which is crucial for identifying asymptotes. Vertical asymptotes occur where the function becomes undefined, often where the denominator is zero. Horizontal or oblique asymptotes are found by evaluating the limit of the function as x approaches infinity or negative infinity.
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Square Root Function
The square root function, √(x), is defined for non-negative values of x. In the context of y = (√(x² + 4)) / x, the expression x² + 4 is always positive, ensuring the square root is defined for all real x. Understanding how the square root affects the function's behavior is essential for analyzing its domain and asymptotic properties.
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