To the nearest foot, what is the width of the arch 8 ft above the water? ft

For

 y = (x^2 -4)/((x +2)(x^2 -49))

the numerator factors to (x -2)(x +2), so the factor of (x +2) will cancel with that in the denominator, leaving

 y = (x -2)/(x^2 -49)

There are points of discontinuity at the hole, x=-2, and at each of the vertical asymptotes, at x=-7, +7.

The horizontal asymptote is y=0.

Step-by-step explanation: