Math Problem Statement

Use differential to find an approximate value of √(2.99)^2 + √(4.03)^2.

Solution

To find the approximate value of (2.99)2+(4.03)2\sqrt{(2.99)^2} + \sqrt{(4.03)^2}, we can use differentials to approximate the values of the square roots at points close to 3 and 4, respectively.

Step 1: Define functions for approximation

Let: f(x)=xf(x) = \sqrt{x} We want to approximate f(2.992)f(2.99^2) and f(4.032)f(4.03^2) using differentials around the points x=3x = 3 and x=4x = 4, respectively.

Step 2: Use differentials for approximation

The differential approximation formula is: f(x+Δx)f(x)+f(x)Δxf(x + \Delta x) \approx f(x) + f'(x) \cdot \Delta x where f(x)f'(x) is the derivative of f(x)f(x).

The derivative of f(x)=xf(x) = \sqrt{x} is: f(x)=12xf'(x) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x}}

Now, we approximate 2.992\sqrt{2.99^2} and 4.032\sqrt{4.03^2}.

Step 3: Approximate 2.992\sqrt{2.99^2}

At x=32=9x = 3^2 = 9, we have: 2.992=f(2.992)f(9)+f(9)Δx\sqrt{2.99^2} = f(2.99^2) \approx f(9) + f'(9) \cdot \Delta x where Δx=2.99290.06\Delta x = 2.99^2 - 9 \approx -0.06.

Since f(9)=9=3f(9) = \sqrt{9} = 3, and f(9)=129=16f'(9) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{9}} = \frac{1}{6}

Using the differential: 2.9923+16(0.06)30.01=2.99\sqrt{2.99^2} \approx 3 + \frac{1}{6} \cdot (-0.06) \approx 3 - 0.01 = 2.99

Step 4: Approximate 4.032\sqrt{4.03^2}

At x=42=16x = 4^2 = 16, we have: 4.032=f(4.032)f(16)+f(16)Δx\sqrt{4.03^2} = f(4.03^2) \approx f(16) + f'(16) \cdot \Delta x where Δx=4.032160.06\Delta x = 4.03^2 - 16 \approx 0.06.

Since f(16)=16=4f(16) = \sqrt{16} = 4, and f(16)=1216=18f'(16) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{16}} = \frac{1}{8}

Using the differential: 4.0324+180.064+0.0075=4.0075\sqrt{4.03^2} \approx 4 + \frac{1}{8} \cdot 0.06 \approx 4 + 0.0075 = 4.0075

Step 5: Add the results

Now, approximate the sum: (2.99)2+(4.03)22.99+4.0075=6.9975\sqrt{(2.99)^2} + \sqrt{(4.03)^2} \approx 2.99 + 4.0075 = 6.9975

Thus, the approximate value is: 6.9975\boxed{6.9975}

Would you like more details on any part of this solution?

Relative Questions:

  1. How do you compute differentials for more complex functions?
  2. Why is the linear approximation method valid for small changes in xx?
  3. Can you explain how higher-order approximations work?
  4. What is the significance of differentials in real-world applications?
  5. How would this approach change for approximating cube roots?

Tip:

Using differentials for approximation works best when the change in xx is small, as it provides a quick and efficient estimate without needing full computations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differential Calculus
Linear Approximation
Square Roots

Formulas

Differential approximation formula: f(x + Δx) ≈ f(x) + f'(x) · Δx
Derivative of square root function: f'(x) = 1/(2√x)

Theorems

Differential approximation theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12