Chapter 1: Problem 16
(a) find the simplified form of the difference quotient and then (b) complete the following table. $$ \begin{array}{|c|l|l|} \hline x & h & \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h} \\ \hline 5 & 2 & \\ \hline 5 & 1 & \\ \hline 5 & 0.1 & \\ \hline 5 & 0.01 & \\ \hline \end{array} $$ $$ f(x)=x^{2}+4 x-3 $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Function
Find \(f(x+h)\)
Expand \(f(x+h)\)
Calculate the Difference Quotient
Simplify the Difference Quotient
Substitute into the Table
Complete the Table
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
- **Identify Similar Terms:** Group terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. Like terms can be combined, reducing the number of terms in an expression.
- **Perform Arithmetic Operations:** Apply basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to these like terms.
- **Apply Distributive Property:** Use this property to remove parentheses and combine terms by expanding expressions, such as \(a(b+c) = ab + ac\).
In the exercise, simplifying the difference quotient \(\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}\) is key. After expanding \(f(x+h)\), identifying like terms like \(x^2\) and \(x,\) and then carefully simplifying it \(\text{to}\ 2x + h + 4\), is essential. Breaking it down simplifies our task and makes functions easier to work with.
Polynomial Functions
- **Form and Degree:** A polynomial function looks like \(a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \, ... \, + a_1x + a_0\), where \(a\)'s are coefficients and \(n\) is the degree of the polynomial. The degree determines the function's complexity regarding its number of roots and turns.
- **Examples:** Linear polynomials, like \(3x + 1\), have a degree of 1, while quadratic polynomials, such as \(x^2 + 4x - 3\), have a degree of 2.
In this exercise, the function \(f(x) = x^2 + 4x - 3\) is quadratic. Recognizing its form enabled us to substitute and expand \(f(x+h)\) correctly. Knowing the structure of polynomial functions aids in further calculus study, especially in understanding changes in their behavior.
Derivatives
- **Difference Quotient as a Foundation:** The expression \(\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}\) approximates the derivative, providing a way to estimate how much a function changes, near \(x\). As \(h\) approaches zero, it gives us a precise rate of change — the derivative at \(x\).
- **Calculating Derivatives:** For simple polynomial functions, the process involves using power rules where the derivative of \(x^n\) is \(nx^{n-1}\).
By simplifying the difference quotient in this task, \(2x + h + 4\), and observing results for smaller and smaller \(h\), one estimates the derivative of the given polynomial function at \(x = 5\). This shows how the theoretical underpinnings of derivatives apply practically, enhancing our understanding of function meanings and applications.