If the graph of [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{9x^2 + 36x + 41}{3x + 5} \)[/tex] has an oblique asymptote at [tex]\( y = 3x + k \)[/tex], what is the value of [tex]\( k \)[/tex]?



Answer :

To find the value of [tex]\( k \)[/tex] for the oblique asymptote of the rational function [tex]\( f(x) = \frac{9x^2 + 36x + 41}{3x + 5} \)[/tex], we need to perform polynomial long division.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify the degrees of the numerator and denominator.

- The degree of the numerator [tex]\( 9x^2 + 36x + 41 \)[/tex] is 2.
- The degree of the denominator [tex]\( 3x + 5 \)[/tex] is 1.

Since the degree of the numerator is one more than the degree of the denominator, there is an oblique asymptote.

Step 2: Perform polynomial long division:

1. First division:
- Divide the leading term of the numerator by the leading term of the denominator: [tex]\(\frac{9x^2}{3x} = 3x\)[/tex].
- Multiply the entire denominator by this result: [tex]\(3x \cdot (3x + 5) = 9x^2 + 15x\)[/tex].
- Subtract this product from the original numerator:
[tex]\[ (9x^2 + 36x + 41) - (9x^2 + 15x) = 21x + 41. \][/tex]

2. Second division:
- Again, divide the leading term of the current result by the leading term of the denominator: [tex]\(\frac{21x}{3x} = 7\)[/tex].
- Multiply the whole denominator by 7: [tex]\(7 \cdot (3x + 5) = 21x + 35\)[/tex].
- Subtract this product from the result of the previous step:
[tex]\[ (21x + 41) - (21x + 35) = 6. \][/tex]

Step 3: Determine the quotient and remainder:

- Quotient: [tex]\( 3x + 7 \)[/tex]
- Remainder: [tex]\( 6 \)[/tex]

The oblique asymptote is given by the quotient of the division, which is [tex]\( y = 3x + 7 \)[/tex].

Thus, the value of [tex]\( k \)[/tex] is [tex]\( \boxed{7} \)[/tex].

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