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Advanced Math/My answers don't match up with the textbook
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Question
Hello:
Struggling with algebra: difference quotient specifically: f(x) = x^2 - x + 1
f(x + h) - f(2)/h
The book answer is 3 + h. But that is not my answer and it is not even close.
How could I input this into the wolfram/alpha website and get a answer too.
I guess that is 2 questions
Thanks
Will
I assume you mean (f(2 + h) - f(2))/h
f(2+h) = (2+h)^2 - (2+h) + 1
= (4 + 4h + h^2)- (2+h) + 1
= h^2 + 3h + 3
Also check that f(2) = 3
so
f(2 + h) - f(2) = h^2 + 3h + 3 - 3
f(2 + h) - f(2) = h^2 + 3h
Then
(f(2 + h) - f(2))/h = (h^2 + 3h)/h = h + 3
and this matches your book's answer , h + 3
I am not very familiar with the Wolfram website , so I can not help you with that.
good luck
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Good clear answer. Just tell Socrates to check out www.wolfram/alpha.com, they are instituting a step by step program to help students solve math problems that looks promising. He mentioned in his answer that he hadn't heard of it. Thanks so much!!!! WS | ||
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Socrates
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I can answer any questions from the standard four semester Calulus sequence. Derivatives, partial derivatives, chain rule, single and multiple integrals, change of variable, sequences and series, vector integration (Green`s Theorem, Stokes, and Gauss) and applications. Pre-Calculus, Linear Algebra and Finite Math questions are also welcome.
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Ph.D. in Mathematics and many years teaching undergraduate courses at three state universities.
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