Section 1.3

There are two new types of limits we will be finding.

1.

means find the number that y is getting closer and closer to as you look way, way out on the extreme right end of the graph.  Here you want to find the number that y approaches when x assumes values such as 1 million, 1 billion, and 1 trillion.

2.  

means find the number that y is getting closer and closer to as you look way, way out on the extreme left end of the graph.  Here you want to find the number that y approaches when x assumes values such as negative 1 million, negative 1 billion, etc.

When finding the limit of a polynomial function as x approaches  or , ignore all terms except for the term of highest degree.The limit of this term will be the answer. 

When finding the limit of a rational function as x approaches  or , there are two possible methods to use:

1. Ignore all terms except for the term of highest degree in the numerator and the term of highest degree in the denominator. Reduce, then take the limit.
2. Divide everything by the highest power of x. Then take the limit.