Chapter 2: Problem 36
\(31-36\) Each limit represents the derivative of some function \(f\) at some number a. State such an \(f\) and a in each case. $$\lim _{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{t^{4}+t-2}{t-1}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is \( f(t) = t^4 + t - 2 \) and \( a = 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Structure of the Limit
The given limit \( \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{t^{4} + t - 2}{t - 1} \) resembles the definition of the derivative, which is \( \lim_{t \rightarrow a} \frac{f(t) - f(a)}{t-a} \). To find \( f(t) \) and \( a \), note that \( t-1 \) in the denominator suggests \( a = 1 \). The numerator \( t^{4}+t-2 \) can be viewed as \( f(t) - f(1) \).
02
Determine the Function \( f(t) \)
Start by setting \( f(1) \) to be a term that balances the expression obtained when substituting \( t = 1 \) into \( f(t) \). Substitute \( t = 1 \) into \( t^4 + t - 2 \) to get \( 1^4 + 1 - 2 = 0 \). Therefore, \( f(1) = 0 \). Hence, \( f(t) = t^4 + t - 2 \).
03
Verify \( f(t) \) and \( a \)
Since we have defined \( f(t) = t^4 + t - 2 \), check that \( f(1) = 0 \) satisfies the condition. Substitute \( t = 1 \) into \( f(t) \) to get \( 1^4 + 1 - 2 = 0 \). The structure of the limit then confirms that it is indeed in the form for \( \frac{f(t) - f(1)}{t-1} \).
04
Conclusion
The function \( f(t) = t^4 + t - 2 \) and the number \( a = 1 \) satisfy the given limit as the derivative \( \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{f(t) - f(1)}{t-1} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Limits
A limit is the value that a function \(f(t)\) approaches as the variable \(t\) gets closer to a particular point. In calculus, limits are used to define derivatives, which measure how a function changes.
In the exercise above, the limit \(\lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{t^{4}+t-2}{t-1}\) indicates the behavior of the function as \(t\) approaches 1.
In the exercise above, the limit \(\lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{t^{4}+t-2}{t-1}\) indicates the behavior of the function as \(t\) approaches 1.
- The denominator \(t - 1\) vanishing at \(t = 1\) suggests a special behavior or point of interest at 1.
- The presence of \(t - 1\) in the denominator hints at the derivative of a function at \(a = 1\).
Numerical Differentiation
Numerical differentiation is the process of estimating the derivative of a function using limits. This is particularly useful when dealing with functions that are not simple polynomials.
Consider our function \(f(t) = t^4 + t - 2\). The derivative reflects the rate of change of this function. Understanding the change of \(f\) around a specific point \(a\) (like \(a = 1\)) allows us to predict how small alterations in \(t\) affect \(f(t)\).
Consider our function \(f(t) = t^4 + t - 2\). The derivative reflects the rate of change of this function. Understanding the change of \(f\) around a specific point \(a\) (like \(a = 1\)) allows us to predict how small alterations in \(t\) affect \(f(t)\).
- By using the limit structure \(\lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{f(t) - f(1)}{t-1}\), we can numerically derive the function's behavior at \(t = 1\).
- This demonstrates the fundamental definition of the derivative, offering insights into the function's behavior near any chosen point.
Function Behavior
Analyzing the behavior of a function involves understanding its changes and tendencies over its domain. This is often achieved through examining derivatives at various points.
For the given function \(f(t) = t^4 + t - 2\), we are interested in what happens when \(t\) nears 1.
For the given function \(f(t) = t^4 + t - 2\), we are interested in what happens when \(t\) nears 1.
- First, by determining \(f(t)\)'s derivative at \(t = 1\), we gauge how rapidly the function value changes.
- Second, understanding the derivative's sign indicates the function is increasing or decreasing; a positive derivative suggests increasing behavior, while a negative derivative suggests decreasing.
Calculus Problem Solving
Calculus problem solving hinges on transforming real-world problems into mathematical equations that can be analyzed and solved. Derivatives play a central role in this process.
For solving the problem \(\lim _{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{t^{4}+t-2}{t-1}\), we must first recognize it as a derivative.
For solving the problem \(\lim _{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{t^{4}+t-2}{t-1}\), we must first recognize it as a derivative.
- Identifying and defining \(f(t)\) and \(a = 1\) helped structure and simplify the problem.
- Knowing that the limit's format aligns with the derivative provides a clear path to the solution.
- From there, use algebraic techniques to verify \(f(t) = t^4 + t - 2\) satisfies \(f(1) = 0\) which confirms the problem's setup.