Chapter 23: Problem 6
In Exercises \(3-26,\) find the derivative of each of the functions by using the definition. $$y=2.3-5 x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The derivative of the function \( y = 2.3 - 5x \) is \( y' = -5 \).
Step by step solution
01
Recall the Definition of Derivative
The derivative of a function \( f(x) \) at a point \( x \) is defined as \( f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \). We will apply this definition to the function \( y = 2.3 - 5x \).
02
Express \( f(x+h) \)
Substitute \( x+h \) into the function \( y = 2.3 - 5x \) to get \( y = 2.3 - 5(x + h) \). Simplify this expression to obtain \( f(x+h) = 2.3 - 5x - 5h \).
03
Formulate the Difference Quotient
Substitute \( f(x+h) \) and \( f(x) \) into the difference quotient formula: \( \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} = \frac{(2.3 - 5x - 5h) - (2.3 - 5x)}{h} \).
04
Simplify the Difference Quotient
Simplify the expression \( \frac{(2.3 - 5x - 5h) - (2.3 - 5x)}{h} \). This simplifies to \( \frac{-5h}{h} \).
05
Apply the Limit
In the expression \( \frac{-5h}{h} \), cancel out \( h \) from the numerator and the denominator to obtain \( -5 \). Take the limit as \( h \to 0 \): \( \lim_{h \to 0} (-5) = -5 \). Thus, the derivative \( y' = -5 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Definition of Derivative
The concept of a derivative is essential in calculus, allowing us to understand how a function changes at any given point. Think of it like measuring the speed of a car at a specific moment. In mathematical terms, the derivative tells us the rate at which one quantity changes with respect to another. If you're trying to find the derivative of a function, you use the definition of the derivative: \[ f'(x) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \]
Here's how to think about it:
Here's how to think about it:
- Function Change: This measures how much the function's output changes as the input changes slightly (by \( h \)).
- Limit Concept: By letting \( h \) approach zero, we're finding the very small changes, or the real-time rate of change.
Difference Quotient
At the heart of understanding derivatives is the difference quotient. This is essentially the formula used in the definition of a derivative. Imagine it as calculating an average rate of change, very similar to finding the slope between two points on a graph.
The formula goes like this:
The formula goes like this:
- \( \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \)
- Output Change: \( f(x+h) \) minus \( f(x) \) shows how much the function values change.
- Input Step: The change, \( h \), shows how far apart these points are.
Limit Process
The limit process is vital in calculus because it allows us to analyze behavior as we approach a certain point. It transforms the difference quotient from an average view to a precise insight.
Here's what happens in the limit process:
Here's what happens in the limit process:
- Cancelling \( h \): In our simplified difference quotient, we often get forms like \( \frac{-5h}{h} \). Cancelling \( h \) gives us \(-5\).
- Approaching Zero: The limit \( \lim_{h \to 0} \) makes \( h \) infinitesimally small or close to zero.