Math Problem Statement

1. The equation of the tangent line to some function f(x) = 3x^2 - 2 at x = 2 is y = 12x - 1. What was the outcome of the following limit: lim(h→0) [(f(x+h) - f(x)) / h] at x = 2? 2. Find the slope of the function at x = 5, f(x) = 6√(2x - 2).

Solution

Let's analyze and solve the questions one by one.

Question 1

The problem gives us a function: f(x)=3x22f(x) = 3x^2 - 2 and asks for the limit representing the derivative at x=2x = 2: limh0f(x+h)f(x)hat x=2.\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{{f(x + h) - f(x)}}{h} \quad \text{at } x = 2.

To solve this:

  1. Calculate f(x)f'(x), the derivative of f(x)f(x). f(x)=3x22f(x) = 3x^2 - 2 The derivative, f(x)f'(x), is: f(x)=ddx(3x22)=6x.f'(x) = \frac{{d}}{{dx}}(3x^2 - 2) = 6x.

  2. Substitute x=2x = 2 to find the slope at this point: f(2)=62=12.f'(2) = 6 \cdot 2 = 12.

Thus, the outcome of the limit (and the slope of the tangent line at x=2x = 2) is 12, so the answer is (b) 12.

Question 2

The problem asks for the slope of the function at x=5x = 5 for: f(x)=62x2.f(x) = 6\sqrt{2x - 2}.

To find this slope:

  1. Rewrite f(x)f(x) to make it easier to differentiate: f(x)=6(2x2)1/2.f(x) = 6(2x - 2)^{1/2}.

  2. Use the chain rule to differentiate: f(x)=612(2x2)1/22=62x2.f'(x) = 6 \cdot \frac{1}{2} (2x - 2)^{-1/2} \cdot 2 = \frac{6}{\sqrt{2x - 2}}.

  3. Substitute x=5x = 5: f(5)=6252=6102=68=622=32.f'(5) = \frac{6}{\sqrt{2 \cdot 5 - 2}} = \frac{6}{\sqrt{10 - 2}} = \frac{6}{\sqrt{8}} = \frac{6}{2\sqrt{2}} = \frac{3}{\sqrt{2}}.

Since none of the options match 32\frac{3}{\sqrt{2}}, the answer is (e) none of these.

Would you like further clarification on any part of the solution?


Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How would you determine the derivative of a general quadratic function?
  2. What are some alternative methods to compute the slope at a point?
  3. How can limits help in defining the tangent line for any given function?
  4. Why is it essential to rewrite functions for easier differentiation?
  5. How does the chain rule apply in problems involving square roots?

Tip: For functions involving square roots, rewriting them in fractional exponents can simplify differentiation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Derivatives
Slope of Tangent Line

Formulas

Derivative definition: lim(h→0) [(f(x+h) - f(x)) / h]
Slope of a function: f'(x)

Theorems

Definition of Derivative
Power Rule
Chain Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Calculus Level)