Chapter 4: Problem 43
If \(f(x)=10^{x},\) show that $$ \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}=10^{x}\left(\frac{10^{h}-1}{h}\right) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression simplifies and shows that \(\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h} = 10^{x}\left(\frac{10^{h}-1}{h}\right).\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function and Substitute
Given the function is \(f(x) = 10^x\). We want to find \(\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}\). Start by substituting these into the expression: \(f(x+h) = 10^{x+h}\) and \(f(x) = 10^x\).
02
Apply Function Substitutions
Substituting into the expression, we get: \[ \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} = \frac{10^{x+h} - 10^x}{h}. \]
03
Use Properties of Exponents
Recall the property of exponents that \(10^{x+h} = 10^x \cdot 10^h\). Replace \(10^{x+h}\) in the expression with \(10^x \cdot 10^h\).
04
Factor Out Common Terms
Factor out \(10^x\) from both terms in the numerator:\[ \frac{10^x \cdot 10^h - 10^x}{h} = 10^x \cdot \frac{10^h - 1}{h}.\]
05
Conclude the Algebra
The expression now matches the given right-hand side:\(10^x \left(\frac{10^h - 1}{h}\right).\)This concludes the derivation and shows the desired outcome.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
limits
Limits fundamentally help us understand the behavior of functions as they approach a specific point. In calculus, limits are essential in defining both derivatives and integrals.
When dealing with expressions like \( \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \), which is called a difference quotient, we often want to understand what happens as \( h \) approaches zero. This limit process is vital in deriving the derivative of a function.
In practical terms, the limit checks the value that a function
When dealing with expressions like \( \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \), which is called a difference quotient, we often want to understand what happens as \( h \) approaches zero. This limit process is vital in deriving the derivative of a function.
In practical terms, the limit checks the value that a function
- approaches as the input approaches a certain value
- helps in determining continuity, where if a function is continuous at a point, the limit at that point will equal the function's value
- allows us to understand instantaneous rates of change, which are essential for finding the slope of a curve at a single point
derivatives
Derivatives reflect the rate of change of a function with respect to a variable. Think of derivatives as a tool to measure how a function behaves in an ever-changing environment, capturing its rate of change effectively.
For exponential functions like \( f(x) = 10^x \), the derivative gives us insight into how quickly the function grows or shrinks. The difference quotient \( \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \) approaches the derivative as \( h \) approaches zero.
To clarify:
For exponential functions like \( f(x) = 10^x \), the derivative gives us insight into how quickly the function grows or shrinks. The difference quotient \( \frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} \) approaches the derivative as \( h \) approaches zero.
To clarify:
- The basic concept involves recognizing the changes in the function value as the input changes.
- Derivatives define tangent lines, which are the best linear approximations to the function at any given point.
- They allow us to solve problems involving velocity and acceleration, or any scenario where change is involved.
exponential functions
Exponential functions, characterized by the form \( a^x \), where \( a \) is a constant base, represent rapid growth or decay.
Given the function \( f(x) = 10^x \), it's a perfect example of exponential growth. Such functions frequently model real-world phenomena, including population growth, radioactive decay, and financial interest calculations.
Key aspects include:
Given the function \( f(x) = 10^x \), it's a perfect example of exponential growth. Such functions frequently model real-world phenomena, including population growth, radioactive decay, and financial interest calculations.
Key aspects include:
- Exponential functions continually multiply a constant base by itself, dictated by the power \( x \).
- The derivative of an exponential function is constantly proportional to its own value, resulting in unique calculus properties.
- The expression \( 10^{x+h} = 10^x \cdot 10^h \) uses exponentiation rules effectively, demonstrating property use to simplify calculus operations.