Math Problem Statement

Let f(x) = -10x - 13. Find (f(x + h) - f(x)) / h. This is called the Difference Quotient (6 points).

Solution

The problem asks you to find the difference quotient for the given function:

f(x)=10x13f(x) = -10x - 13

The difference quotient is given by the formula:

f(x+h)f(x)h\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}

To solve this, follow these steps:

  1. Find f(x+h)f(x + h):
    Substitute x+hx + h into the function f(x)f(x).
    So, f(x+h)=10(x+h)13=10x10h13f(x + h) = -10(x + h) - 13 = -10x - 10h - 13

  2. Substitute f(x+h)f(x + h) and f(x)f(x) into the difference quotient formula:

    We already know that f(x)=10x13f(x) = -10x - 13. Therefore: f(x+h)f(x)h=(10x10h13)(10x13)h\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} = \frac{(-10x - 10h - 13) - (-10x - 13)}{h}

  3. Simplify the expression:

    = \frac{-10h}{h}$$
  4. Simplify further: =10= -10

So, the difference quotient for this function is 10-10.

Would you like further explanation or have any questions about this process? Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the significance of the difference quotient in calculus?
  2. How would the difference quotient change if the function were quadratic, e.g., f(x)=x2f(x) = x^2?
  3. Can you find the derivative of this function using the limit of the difference quotient?
  4. What happens when you try to find the difference quotient for a constant function like f(x)=5f(x) = 5?
  5. How would you calculate the difference quotient for a function involving trigonometric terms?

Tip: The difference quotient is a key concept when working with derivatives and approximating the rate of change of a function!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Difference Quotient
Linear Functions

Formulas

f(x + h) - f(x) / h

Theorems

Difference Quotient as a method for approximating the derivative

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11