Math Problem Statement

lim(Δx→0) [(x + Δx)^2 - 7(x + Δx) + 2 - (x^2 - 7x + 2)] / Δx

Solution

The expression shown in the image appears to be part of a limit problem, specifically related to the definition of a derivative. Here's the mathematical expression in the image:

limΔx0(x+Δx)27(x+Δx)+2(x27x+2)Δx\lim_{\Delta x \to 0} \frac{(x + \Delta x)^2 - 7(x + \Delta x) + 2 - (x^2 - 7x + 2)}{\Delta x}

This looks like the difference quotient used in finding the derivative of a quadratic function:

f(x)=x27x+2f(x) = x^2 - 7x + 2

The formula for the derivative using the difference quotient is:

f(x)=limΔx0f(x+Δx)f(x)Δxf'(x) = \lim_{\Delta x \to 0} \frac{f(x + \Delta x) - f(x)}{\Delta x}

In this case, f(x)=x27x+2f(x) = x^2 - 7x + 2, so you're calculating:

f(x+Δx)=(x+Δx)27(x+Δx)+2f(x + \Delta x) = (x + \Delta x)^2 - 7(x + \Delta x) + 2

The next step would be expanding and simplifying the numerator, then dividing by Δx\Delta x, and finally taking the limit as Δx0\Delta x \to 0.

Would you like me to go through the full solution step by step?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What is the purpose of the difference quotient in calculus?
  2. How do you expand binomials like (x+Δx)2(x + \Delta x)^2?
  3. Why does Δx\Delta x approach 0 in the definition of a derivative?
  4. How do you simplify expressions with higher-order terms of Δx\Delta x?
  5. Can we use this method to find the derivative of any polynomial?

Tip: Always check your algebraic expansions and cancellations carefully when working with limits and derivatives.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Derivatives
Difference Quotient
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

f'(x) = lim(Δx → 0) [(f(x + Δx) - f(x)) / Δx]
Quadratic function: f(x) = x^2 - 7x + 2

Theorems

Limit Definition of Derivative

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 11-12 (Calculus)