Math Problem Statement

f(x) = x2 − 4x x2 − 16 ,

x = 4.1, 4.05, 4.01, 4.001, 4.0001, 3.9, 3.95, 3.99, 3.999, 3.9999 x f(x) 4.1

Incorrect: Your answer is incorrect. 4.05 4.01 4.001 4.0001

x f(x) 3.9 3.95 3.99 3.999 3.9999

Solution

The function you have is:

f(x)=x24xx216f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x}{x^2 - 16}

To begin, simplify the function and then calculate the values for f(x)f(x) at the given xx values.

Step 1: Simplifying the function

f(x)=x24xx216f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 4x}{x^2 - 16}

Notice that x216x^2 - 16 can be factored as a difference of squares:

x216=(x4)(x+4)x^2 - 16 = (x - 4)(x + 4)

Thus, the function becomes:

f(x)=x(x4)(x4)(x+4)f(x) = \frac{x(x - 4)}{(x - 4)(x + 4)}

For all x4x \neq 4, the (x4)(x - 4) terms cancel out, leaving:

f(x)=xx+4,forx4f(x) = \frac{x}{x + 4}, \quad \text{for} \quad x \neq 4

At x=4x = 4, the original form results in division by zero, so the function is undefined there.

Step 2: Calculate f(x)f(x) for the given values of xx

For each of the following values, we'll compute f(x)=xx+4f(x) = \frac{x}{x + 4}.

  1. x=4.1x = 4.1:

f(4.1)=4.14.1+4=4.18.10.50617f(4.1) = \frac{4.1}{4.1 + 4} = \frac{4.1}{8.1} \approx 0.50617

  1. x=4.05x = 4.05:

f(4.05)=4.054.05+4=4.058.050.50311f(4.05) = \frac{4.05}{4.05 + 4} = \frac{4.05}{8.05} \approx 0.50311

  1. x=4.01x = 4.01:

f(4.01)=4.014.01+4=4.018.010.50062f(4.01) = \frac{4.01}{4.01 + 4} = \frac{4.01}{8.01} \approx 0.50062

  1. x=4.001x = 4.001:

f(4.001)=4.0014.001+4=4.0018.0010.50012f(4.001) = \frac{4.001}{4.001 + 4} = \frac{4.001}{8.001} \approx 0.50012

  1. x=4.0001x = 4.0001:

f(4.0001)=4.00014.0001+4=4.00018.00010.50001f(4.0001) = \frac{4.0001}{4.0001 + 4} = \frac{4.0001}{8.0001} \approx 0.50001

Now, for values of xx approaching from the left (less than 4):

  1. x=3.9x = 3.9:

f(3.9)=3.93.9+4=3.97.90.49367f(3.9) = \frac{3.9}{3.9 + 4} = \frac{3.9}{7.9} \approx 0.49367

  1. x=3.95x = 3.95:

f(3.95)=3.953.95+4=3.957.950.49748f(3.95) = \frac{3.95}{3.95 + 4} = \frac{3.95}{7.95} \approx 0.49748

  1. x=3.99x = 3.99:

f(3.99)=3.993.99+4=3.997.990.49937f(3.99) = \frac{3.99}{3.99 + 4} = \frac{3.99}{7.99} \approx 0.49937

  1. x=3.999x = 3.999:

f(3.999)=3.9993.999+4=3.9997.9990.49987f(3.999) = \frac{3.999}{3.999 + 4} = \frac{3.999}{7.999} \approx 0.49987

  1. x=3.9999x = 3.9999:

f(3.9999)=3.99993.9999+4=3.99997.99990.49999f(3.9999) = \frac{3.9999}{3.9999 + 4} = \frac{3.9999}{7.9999} \approx 0.49999

Summary of Results

xxf(x)f(x)
4.10.50617
4.050.50311
4.010.50062
4.0010.50012
4.00010.50001
3.90.49367
3.950.49748
3.990.49937
3.9990.49987
3.99990.49999

Do you need further details or clarification? Here are some related questions you might want to explore:

  1. What happens at x=4x = 4? Why is it undefined?
  2. How does the behavior of the function change as xx approaches 4 from the left and right?
  3. Can we graph the function and identify key features such as asymptotes?
  4. What is the limit of f(x)f(x) as x4x \to 4?
  5. Can this function be further generalized for other values of parameters?

Tip: When working with rational functions, always check for points of discontinuity by factoring and simplifying the expressions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Rational Functions
Limits
Factoring

Formulas

f(x) = (x^2 - 4x) / (x^2 - 16)
f(x) = x / (x + 4), for x ≠ 4

Theorems

Limit of a function
Factoring difference of squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12