Math Problem Statement
Find the difference quotient and simplify your answer for the function f(x) = x^2 - 2x + 2, with the difference quotient given by (f(3 + h) - f(3)) / h, h ≠ 0.
Solution
To find and simplify the difference quotient for the function , we will follow these steps:
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Calculate :
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Calculate : Expand and simplify:
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Form the difference quotient :
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Simplify the expression:
So, the simplified form of the difference quotient is:
Would you like more details or have any questions about this process?
Here are 5 relative questions to further your understanding:
- How would the difference quotient change if the function was instead?
- What is the geometric interpretation of the difference quotient?
- How does the difference quotient relate to the derivative of the function at ?
- Can you compute the difference quotient for at ?
- What happens to the difference quotient as approaches zero?
Tip: The difference quotient is a fundamental concept that leads to the derivative, which measures how a function changes as its input changes.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Difference Quotient
Limits
Functions
Formulas
Difference Quotient: (f(x + h) - f(x)) / h
Theorems
Limit Definition of Derivative
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12