Math Problem Statement

Let f(x) = 2/x. Find (and simplify as much as possible) (a) f(a/4), (b) f(22/a), (c) (f(3+h) - f(3))/h.

Solution

The image contains a question with the function f(x)=2xf(x) = \frac{2}{x} and asks to find and simplify the following:

(a) f(a4)f\left(\frac{a}{4}\right)

To solve: f(a4)=2a4=24a=8af\left(\frac{a}{4}\right) = \frac{2}{\frac{a}{4}} = \frac{2 \cdot 4}{a} = \frac{8}{a}

(b) f(22a)f\left(\frac{22}{a}\right)

To solve: f(22a)=222a=2a22=2a22=a11f\left(\frac{22}{a}\right) = \frac{2}{\frac{22}{a}} = \frac{2 \cdot a}{22} = \frac{2a}{22} = \frac{a}{11}

(c) f(3+h)f(3)h\frac{f(3+h) - f(3)}{h}

First, find f(3+h)f(3+h) and f(3)f(3): f(3+h)=23+h,f(3)=23f(3+h) = \frac{2}{3+h}, \quad f(3) = \frac{2}{3} Now compute: f(3+h)f(3)h=23+h23h\frac{f(3+h) - f(3)}{h} = \frac{\frac{2}{3+h} - \frac{2}{3}}{h} Simplifying the numerator: 23+h23=2(3)2(3+h)(3+h)(3)=6(6+2h)(3+h)(3)=2h(3+h)(3)\frac{2}{3+h} - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2(3) - 2(3+h)}{(3+h)(3)} = \frac{6 - (6 + 2h)}{(3+h)(3)} = \frac{-2h}{(3+h)(3)} Now substitute this into the original expression: 2h(3+h)(3)h=2(3+h)(3)\frac{\frac{-2h}{(3+h)(3)}}{h} = \frac{-2}{(3+h)(3)}

Let me know if you'd like any more details or have any questions! Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the general process for simplifying complex fractions?
  2. How does one compute the difference quotient f(x+h)f(x)h\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h} for a given function?
  3. How do you determine the domain of f(x)=2xf(x) = \frac{2}{x}?
  4. What does the difference quotient represent in calculus?
  5. How does the result of part (c) relate to the derivative of the function?

Tip: When simplifying expressions involving fractions, always try to find a common denominator to combine terms effectively!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Simplification
Difference Quotient

Formulas

f(x) = 2/x
Difference Quotient: (f(x+h) - f(x)) / h

Theorems

Simplification of Fractions
Basic Function Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12