Unit G #1: Horizontal Asymptote, is that you?

1.  How do we know if a graph has a horizontal asymptote? What are three options?

A horizontal asymptote goes across (horizontally).  To determine the horizontal asymptote, we must compare the degrees of the numerator and denominator.  If the bottom has a bigger degree, the asymptote is y= 0. If the numerator and denominator have the same degree, the asymptote is the ratio of the coefficient.  If the top has a bigger degree, there will be no horizontal asymptote.