Math Problem Statement

Use the alternative form of the derivative to find the derivative at x = c (if it exists). If the derivative does not exist at c, enter UNDEFINED. The function is f(x) = x^2 + 2x^2 + 6, with c = -2.

Solution

The question asks to find the derivative of the function f(x)=x2+2x2+6f(x) = x^2 + 2x^2 + 6 at x=cx = c, where c=2c = -2, using the alternative form of the derivative.

Let’s break this down.

1. Function Simplification:

The function is given as:

f(x)=x2+2x2+6f(x) = x^2 + 2x^2 + 6

First, combine the terms involving x2x^2:

f(x)=3x2+6f(x) = 3x^2 + 6

2. Derivative using the Alternative Form:

The alternative definition of a derivative at a point cc is:

f(c)=limh0f(c+h)f(c)hf'(c) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{f(c+h) - f(c)}{h}

Here, c=2c = -2. Now, we'll follow these steps:

Step 1: Find f(c)f(c)

f(2)=3(2)2+6=3(4)+6=12+6=18f(-2) = 3(-2)^2 + 6 = 3(4) + 6 = 12 + 6 = 18

Step 2: Find f(c+h)f(c+h)

f(2+h)=3(2+h)2+6=3(44h+h2)+6=1212h+3h2+6=1812h+3h2f(-2+h) = 3(-2+h)^2 + 6 = 3(4 - 4h + h^2) + 6 = 12 - 12h + 3h^2 + 6 = 18 - 12h + 3h^2

Step 3: Substitute into the limit definition

Now, substitute f(c+h)f(c+h) and f(c)f(c) into the limit definition:

f(2)=limh0(1812h+3h2)18hf'(-2) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{(18 - 12h + 3h^2) - 18}{h}

Simplify:

f(2)=limh012h+3h2h=limh0(12+3h)f'(-2) = \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{-12h + 3h^2}{h} = \lim_{{h \to 0}} (-12 + 3h)

Step 4: Take the limit as h0h \to 0

f(2)=12f'(-2) = -12

Thus, the derivative at x=2x = -2 is:

f(2)=12f'(-2) = -12

Would you like any additional details on this solution or further clarifications?

Here are five related questions for practice:

  1. Find the derivative of f(x)=4x2+5x3f(x) = 4x^2 + 5x - 3 at x=1x = 1.
  2. Use the alternative definition of the derivative to find f(1)f'(1) for f(x)=x32x+1f(x) = x^3 - 2x + 1.
  3. Determine if the function f(x)=xf(x) = |x| is differentiable at x=0x = 0 using the limit definition of the derivative.
  4. Calculate the derivative of f(x)=sin(x)+x2f(x) = \sin(x) + x^2 at x=πx = \pi using the alternative form of the derivative.
  5. What is the geometrical interpretation of the derivative of a function at a given point?

Tip: When using the alternative definition of the derivative, always simplify the function expressions before applying the limit to avoid unnecessary complexity.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Limit

Formulas

Derivative definition: f'(c) = lim(h->0) (f(c+h) - f(c))/h

Theorems

Limit definition of a derivative

Suitable Grade Level

College