Math Problem Statement

Evaluate \( \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{{f(3+h) - f(3)}}{h} \) using the provided graph of \( y = f(x) \).

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to evaluate the expression:

limh0f(3+h)f(3)h\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{{f(3 + h) - f(3)}}{h}

This expression represents the derivative of f(x)f(x) at x=3x = 3. From the graph, let’s analyze the values of f(3)f(3) and f(3+h)f(3 + h) as hh approaches 0 to determine this derivative.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Determine f(3)f(3): Looking at the graph, the value of f(3)f(3) is at y=1y = -1.

    f(3)=1f(3) = -1

  2. Determine f(3+h)f(3 + h) as h0h \to 0: We need to look at the behavior of f(x)f(x) around x=3x = 3. Observing the slope of the function near x=3x = 3 on the graph, it appears that there is a constant slope as xx increases from x=2x = 2 to x=4x = 4.

    From the graph, f(2)=3f(2) = -3 and f(4)=0f(4) = 0. So, the slope between these points is:

    f(4)f(2)42=0(3)2=32=1.5\frac{{f(4) - f(2)}}{{4 - 2}} = \frac{0 - (-3)}{2} = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5

  3. Conclusion: The derivative f(3)f'(3) is equal to the slope between these points, which is 32\frac{3}{2} or 1.51.5.

Thus,

limh0f(3+h)f(3)h=1.5\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{{f(3 + h) - f(3)}}{h} = 1.5

Answer:

limh0f(3+h)f(3)h=1.5\lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{{f(3 + h) - f(3)}}{h} = 1.5

Would you like further explanation, or do you have any questions about this solution?


Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How is the derivative defined in terms of limits?
  2. How can we find the slope of a curve at a specific point using the graph?
  3. What are the implications if the limit in this problem does not exist?
  4. How does a graph help us interpret the derivative as a rate of change?
  5. What if the function had a sharp corner at x=3x = 3; how would this affect the derivative?

Tip: When evaluating derivatives graphically, always ensure that the function is continuous and differentiable at the point of interest. Discontinuities or sharp corners indicate that the derivative may not exist.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Derivatives
Slope Calculation
Graph Interpretation

Formulas

\( \lim_{{h \to 0}} \frac{{f(a+h) - f(a)}}{h} \) for calculating derivatives

Theorems

Definition of the derivative at a point

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12