Math Problem Statement

Given the function g(x) = 6 − x2, evaluate g(x + h) − g(x) h , h ≠ 0.

Solution

To evaluate the expression g(x+h)g(x)h\frac{g(x + h) - g(x)}{h} for the function g(x)=6x2g(x) = 6 - x^2, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find g(x+h)g(x + h)

Substitute x+hx + h into the function g(x)g(x): g(x+h)=6(x+h)2g(x + h) = 6 - (x + h)^2

Step 2: Expand g(x+h)g(x + h)

Expand the square in the expression: g(x+h)=6(x2+2xh+h2)g(x + h) = 6 - \left(x^2 + 2xh + h^2\right) Simplify this: g(x+h)=6x22xhh2g(x + h) = 6 - x^2 - 2xh - h^2

Step 3: Find g(x+h)g(x)g(x + h) - g(x)

Subtract g(x)g(x) from g(x+h)g(x + h): g(x+h)g(x)=(6x22xhh2)(6x2)g(x + h) - g(x) = \left(6 - x^2 - 2xh - h^2\right) - \left(6 - x^2\right) Simplify the expression by canceling out like terms: g(x+h)g(x)=2xhh2g(x + h) - g(x) = -2xh - h^2

Step 4: Divide by hh

Now, divide the expression by hh: g(x+h)g(x)h=2xhh2h\frac{g(x + h) - g(x)}{h} = \frac{-2xh - h^2}{h} Simplify by dividing each term by hh: g(x+h)g(x)h=2xh\frac{g(x + h) - g(x)}{h} = -2x - h

So, the evaluated expression is: g(x+h)g(x)h=2xh\frac{g(x + h) - g(x)}{h} = -2x - h

Would you like to explore more about this problem or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the significance of the expression g(x+h)g(x)h\frac{g(x + h) - g(x)}{h} in calculus?
  2. How would the answer change if g(x)g(x) was a different quadratic function?
  3. What happens to the expression as hh approaches 0?
  4. How does this result relate to the derivative of g(x)g(x) at xx?
  5. What if g(x)g(x) was a cubic function, how would the process differ?

Tip: When evaluating expressions like g(x+h)g(x)h\frac{g(x + h) - g(x)}{h}, you're essentially finding the average rate of change of the function over the interval xx to x+hx + h.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Calculus
Limits

Formulas

Difference quotient: (g(x + h) - g(x)) / h
Quadratic expansion: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2

Theorems

Difference quotient as a precursor to the derivative

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12