Math Problem Statement

Suppose that f(x) is a function with f(90) = 55 and f'(90) = 2. Estimate f(94).

Solution

To estimate f(94)f(94) given that f(90)=55f(90) = 55 and f(90)=2f'(90) = 2, we can use a linear approximation (or the tangent line approximation) around x=90x = 90.

Solution:

The linear approximation formula around x=90x = 90 is: f(94)f(90)+f(90)(9490)f(94) \approx f(90) + f'(90) \cdot (94 - 90)

  1. Substitute the given values: f(94)55+2(9490)f(94) \approx 55 + 2 \cdot (94 - 90)

  2. Calculate 949094 - 90: 9490=494 - 90 = 4

  3. Substitute and calculate: f(94)55+24f(94) \approx 55 + 2 \cdot 4 f(94)55+8f(94) \approx 55 + 8 f(94)63f(94) \approx 63

Answer:

f(94)63f(94) \approx 63

Would you like more details on this?

Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How would the estimate change if f(90)f'(90) were a different value?
  2. What if we needed to estimate f(92)f(92) instead?
  3. How accurate is this linear approximation compared to the actual function?
  4. Could we use a quadratic approximation to get a more accurate result?
  5. How would the result differ if we used other methods like the Mean Value Theorem?

Tip: Linear approximation is especially useful for small intervals around the point where the derivative is given.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Linear Approximation
Differentiation

Formulas

f(a) + f'(a) * (x - a)

Theorems

Linear Approximation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12