Math Problem Statement

Given the function f(x) = 5x - 5, evaluate and simplify the expressions: f(a), f(a + h), and (f(a + h) - f(a)) / h.

Solution

We are given the function f(x)=5x5f(x) = 5x - 5 and we need to evaluate the following expressions:

  1. f(a)f(a)
  2. f(a+h)f(a+h)
  3. f(a+h)f(a)h\frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h}

Let's calculate these step by step.

1. f(a)f(a)

Substitute aa into the function f(x)=5x5f(x) = 5x - 5:

f(a)=5a5f(a) = 5a - 5

2. f(a+h)f(a+h)

Substitute a+ha+h into the function:

f(a+h)=5(a+h)5=5a+5h5f(a+h) = 5(a+h) - 5 = 5a + 5h - 5

3. f(a+h)f(a)h\frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h}

Now, subtract f(a)f(a) from f(a+h)f(a+h):

f(a+h)f(a)=(5a+5h5)(5a5)=5hf(a+h) - f(a) = (5a + 5h - 5) - (5a - 5) = 5h

Finally, divide by hh:

f(a+h)f(a)h=5hh=5\frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h} = \frac{5h}{h} = 5

Final Answers:

  1. f(a)=5a5f(a) = 5a - 5
  2. f(a+h)=5a+5h5f(a+h) = 5a + 5h - 5
  3. f(a+h)f(a)h=5\frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h} = 5

Would you like more details or have any other questions? Here are five additional related questions:

  1. How would the derivative of f(x)=5x5f(x) = 5x - 5 be interpreted geometrically?
  2. What happens to the difference quotient as h0h \to 0?
  3. How does the constant term 5-5 affect the slope of the function?
  4. Can you find the second derivative of f(x)f(x)?
  5. How would this process change if f(x)f(x) were a quadratic function?

Tip: The difference quotient f(a+h)f(a)h\frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h} is fundamental in understanding the derivative, which represents the slope of the function at any point.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Functions
Difference Quotient

Formulas

f(x) = 5x - 5
f(a) = 5a - 5
f(a + h) = 5a + 5h - 5
(f(a + h) - f(a)) / h = 5

Theorems

Difference Quotient

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12