Math Problem Statement

Each limit represents the derivative of some function f at some number a. State such an f and a in each case.

Solution

The image you provided contains several limits that represent the derivatives of some function f(x)f(x) at a specific point aa. Let's solve them one by one.

3. limh09+h3h\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\sqrt{9+h} - 3}{h}

This limit is of the form of the derivative definition: limh0f(a+h)f(a)h\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h} It matches with the derivative of the function f(x)=xf(x) = \sqrt{x} at a=9a = 9.

4. limh0e2+he2h\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{e^{-2+h} - e^{-2}}{h}

This limit represents the derivative of f(x)=exf(x) = e^x at a=2a = -2, because it's of the form: limh0f(a+h)f(a)h\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h} with f(x)=exf(x) = e^x and a=2a = -2.

5. limx2x664x2\lim_{x \to 2} \frac{x^6 - 64}{x - 2}

This limit represents the derivative of the function f(x)=x6f(x) = x^6 at a=2a = 2, because: f(x)=limxaf(x)f(a)xaf'(x) = \lim_{x \to a} \frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a} In this case, f(2)=64f(2) = 64, so the function is f(x)=x6f(x) = x^6 and a=2a = 2.

6. limx1/41x4x1/4\lim_{x \to 1/4} \frac{\frac{1}{x} - 4}{x - 1/4}

This limit represents the derivative of f(x)=1xf(x) = \frac{1}{x} at a=14a = \frac{1}{4}.

7. limh0tan(π4+h)1h\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4} + h\right) - 1}{h}

This limit represents the derivative of f(x)=tan(x)f(x) = \tan(x) at a=π4a = \frac{\pi}{4}, because the derivative of tan(x)\tan(x) is defined as: limh0tan(a+h)tan(a)h\lim_{h \to 0} \frac{\tan(a + h) - \tan(a)}{h} with tan(π4)=1\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = 1.

8. limθπ/6sin(θ)12θπ6\lim_{\theta \to \pi/6} \frac{\sin(\theta) - \frac{1}{2}}{\theta - \frac{\pi}{6}}

This is the derivative of f(θ)=sin(θ)f(\theta) = \sin(\theta) at a=π6a = \frac{\pi}{6}, because: f(a)=limθasin(θ)sin(a)θaf'(a) = \lim_{\theta \to a} \frac{\sin(\theta) - \sin(a)}{\theta - a} with sin(π6)=12\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{6}\right) = \frac{1}{2}.


Let me know if you'd like further details or clarifications. Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How do you differentiate a function using the formal definition of a derivative?
  2. Can you identify other common functions where the derivative at specific points is useful?
  3. What is the geometric interpretation of a derivative at a point?
  4. How does the chain rule apply when differentiating composite functions?
  5. Can you explore the concept of higher-order derivatives from these examples?

Tip: Always remember that limits involving the difference quotient are essential in finding derivatives, especially when the direct formula for the derivative isn't immediately clear.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Limits
Derivatives
Functions
Differential Calculus

Formulas

Derivative definition: lim(h → 0) [f(a+h) - f(a)] / h
f'(x) = lim(h → 0) [f(x+h) - f(x)] / h

Theorems

Derivative of square root function: f(x) = √x
Derivative of exponential function: f(x) = e^x
Power rule for differentiation: f(x) = x^n
Derivative of the tangent function: f(x) = tan(x)
Derivative of the sine function: f(x) = sin(x)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Advanced Calculus)