You are here:
Calculus/pre calc
Advertisement
Question
for f(x)=x^2-3x+2; find f(x+h)-f(x)/h
We are given that f(x)=x^2-3x+2.
We need to find f(x+h)-f(x)/h.
It can be seen that f(x+h) = (x+h)^2 - 3(x+h) + 2.
It can also be seen that f(x) is given.
Multiplying f(x+h) out gives x^2 + 2hx + h^2 - 3x - 3h + 2.
Subtracting off f(x) ancels the x^2, -3x, and +2.
This gives 2hx + h^2 - 3h.
When that is divided by h, it is 2x + h - 3.
If the limit is taken as h goes to 0, the answer is 2x - 3.
That is what is known as the derivative of f(x).
It is written f'(x) = 2x - 3.
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Scotto
Expertise
Any kind of calculus question you want. I also have answered some questions in Physics (mass, momentum, falling bodies), Chemistry (charge, reactions, symbols, molecules), and Biology.
Experience
Experience in the area: I have tutored students in all areas of mathematics for over 25 years.
Education/Credentials: BSand MS in Mathematics from Oregon State University, where I completed sophomore course in Physics and Chemistry. I received both degrees with high honors.
Awards and Honors: I have passed Actuarial tests 100, 110, and 135.
Publications
Maybe not a publication, but I have respond to well oveer 7,500 questions on the PC.
Well over 2,000 of them have been in calculus.
Education/Credentials
I aquired well over 40 hours of upper division courses. This was well over the number that were required.
I graduated with honors in both my BS and MS degree from Oregon State University.
I was allowed to jump into a few junior level courses my sophomore year.
Awards and Honors
I have been nominated as the expert of the month several times.
All of my scores right now are at least a 9.8 average (out of 10).
Past/Present Clients
My past clients have been students at OSU, students at the college in South Seattle, referals from a company, friends and aquantenances, people from my church, and people like you from all over the world.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.