Math Problem Statement

Let f(x) = 3x^2 - x + 2. Find and simplify the following: (a) f(a+1), (b) f(a) + f(1), (c) f(1+h) - f(1)

Solution

The question asks to simplify expressions involving the function f(x)=3x2x+2f(x) = 3x^2 - x + 2. Let's solve the problem step by step.

Given:

f(x)=3x2x+2f(x) = 3x^2 - x + 2

(a) Find f(a+1)f(a+1):

To compute f(a+1)f(a+1), substitute x=a+1x = a+1 into the function:

f(a+1)=3(a+1)2(a+1)+2f(a+1) = 3(a+1)^2 - (a+1) + 2

Now expand the expression:

f(a+1)=3(a2+2a+1)(a+1)+2f(a+1) = 3(a^2 + 2a + 1) - (a + 1) + 2 f(a+1)=3a2+6a+3a1+2f(a+1) = 3a^2 + 6a + 3 - a - 1 + 2 f(a+1)=3a2+5a+4f(a+1) = 3a^2 + 5a + 4

(b) Find f(a)+f(1)f(a) + f(1):

First, calculate f(a)f(a) and f(1)f(1) individually:

  • f(a)=3a2a+2f(a) = 3a^2 - a + 2
  • f(1)=3(1)21+2=31+2=4f(1) = 3(1)^2 - 1 + 2 = 3 - 1 + 2 = 4

Now sum these:

f(a)+f(1)=(3a2a+2)+4=3a2a+6f(a) + f(1) = (3a^2 - a + 2) + 4 = 3a^2 - a + 6

(c) Find f(1+h)f(1)f(1+h) - f(1):

First, calculate f(1+h)f(1+h) by substituting x=1+hx = 1+h into the function:

f(1+h)=3(1+h)2(1+h)+2f(1+h) = 3(1+h)^2 - (1+h) + 2 f(1+h)=3(1+2h+h2)(1+h)+2f(1+h) = 3(1 + 2h + h^2) - (1 + h) + 2 f(1+h)=3+6h+3h21h+2f(1+h) = 3 + 6h + 3h^2 - 1 - h + 2 f(1+h)=3h2+5h+4f(1+h) = 3h^2 + 5h + 4

Now, subtract f(1)=4f(1) = 4:

f(1+h)f(1)=(3h2+5h+4)4=3h2+5hf(1+h) - f(1) = (3h^2 + 5h + 4) - 4 = 3h^2 + 5h


Do you need further details on any step, or have additional questions? Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How do you expand binomials like (a+1)2(a+1)^2?
  2. What are the steps for simplifying polynomial expressions?
  3. Can you describe the process for calculating f(x)f(x) for specific values of xx?
  4. How is the difference f(1+h)f(1)f(1+h) - f(1) related to the concept of derivatives?
  5. What happens when the function is evaluated at negative numbers?

Tip: When simplifying polynomial expressions, always carefully expand and combine like terms to avoid mistakes.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Functions
Polynomial Expansion

Formulas

f(x) = 3x^2 - x + 2
f(a+1) = 3(a+1)^2 - (a+1) + 2
f(1+h) - f(1) = (3h^2 + 5h)

Theorems

Polynomial expansion
Substitution in functions

Suitable Grade Level

High School (Grades 9-12)