Chapter 3: Problem 17
Use the method of increments to estimate the value of \(f(x)\) at the given value of \(x\) using the known value \(f(c)\) $$ f(x)=e^{x}, c=0, x=-0.17 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The estimated value of \(f(x)\) at \(x = -0.17\) is approximately 0.83.
Step by step solution
01
Identify known values
We are given that the function is \(f(x) = e^x\) and we need to estimate \(f(x)\) at \(x = -0.17\). We know the value at \(c = 0\), which is \(f(0) = e^0 = 1\).
02
Calculate the increment
The increment \(\Delta x\) is the change from \(c\) to \(x\). Calculate this as \(\Delta x = x - c = -0.17 - 0 = -0.17\).
03
Determine the derivative at c
The derivative of \(f(x) = e^x\) is \(f'(x) = e^x\). At \(c = 0\), this gives \(f'(0) = e^0 = 1\).
04
Use the linear approximation formula
According to the method of increments, we can approximate \(f(x)\) using the formula: \(f(x) \approx f(c) + f'(c)\Delta x\). Substitute the known values: \(f(x) \approx 1 + 1 \times (-0.17)\).
05
Perform the calculation
Calculate the expression from Step 4: \(f(x) \approx 1 - 0.17 = 0.83\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Approximation
Linear approximation is a handy technique to estimate the value of a function at a certain point using its tangent line. Imagine you want to know how a curve behaves around a small area without going through complicated calculations. Linear approximation simplifies this by assuming the curve is nearly a straight line in that small region. This can make your calculations much quicker and easier!
Here's how it works intuitively:
Here's how it works intuitively:
- When you have a function, say \( f(x) \), you select a point \( c \) that is close to your point of interest.
- Then you calculate the function's value \( f(c) \) and its derivative \( f'(c) \) at that point.
- The formula for linear approximation is:
\[ f(x) \approx f(c) + f'(c) \Delta x \]
where \( \Delta x = x - c \).
Derivative
The derivative of a function provides a measure of how the function’s output value changes as its input changes, essentially reflecting its "slope." Consider it as the function's sensitivity to changes in its variable. If you have a curve, the derivative at a point tells you how steep the curve is at that location.
Key aspects of understanding derivatives:
Key aspects of understanding derivatives:
- Think of the derivative \( f'(x) \) as the rate of change of \( f(x) \). It is like knowing how fast a car is moving by looking at the speedometer.
- If \( f(x) \) is a linear function, its rate of change is constant. For curves like an exponential function, the rate can change based on \( x \).
- To find the derivative, you use differentiation rules such as the power rule, product rule, or chain rule, depending on the function type.
Exponential Function
An exponential function is a mathematical expression where a constant base is raised to a variable exponent, such as \( e^x \). These functions exhibit rapid growth and are used extensively in natural phenomena modeling, like population growth and radioactive decay.
Here’s why exponential functions are so intriguing:
Here’s why exponential functions are so intriguing:
- The base \( e \) is a special number, approximately 2.718, known as Euler's number. It frequently appears in calculus and complex system studies.
- An exponential function like \( e^x \) grows faster as \( x \) increases, which reflects in its steep curve on a graph.
- One interesting property is that the derivative of \( e^x \) is itself \( e^x \), which makes it stand out among other functions.