What is the value of the horizontal asymptote? Describe it's meaning in the context of the problem.

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1 Answer
Feb 20, 2018

A) y = 96; the maximum number of moose that can be sustained in the forest at one time.

Explanation:

This is a good practical application of algebra to real-world systems! Interpreting the resulting equations correctly is as important as calculating them correctly.

An "asymptote" is a value to which a line or trend of values approaches, without ever actually reaching it. In this case the "horizontal" asymptote is the one relating the ratio of the expression as the "x" value increases.

We can see qualitatively that #60x# will increase faster than #1 + 0.625x#, so the ratio will increase. Eventually, the "1" becomes insignificant, and the limit (asymptote) is #60/0.625 = 96#

Given the relationship of "y" and "x", where "x" is the independent variable - "x" must be some factor like food or habitat, and "y" must be the number of moose.

Therefore, the correct answer is A) y = 96; the maximum number of moose that can be sustained in the forest at one time.