Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
0. Functions
Combining Functions
Problem 1.R.21
Textbook Question
Evaluate and simplify the difference quotients (f(x + h) - f(x)) / h and (f(x) - f(a)) / (x - a) for each function.
f(x) = x2 - 2x
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Identify the function f(x) = x^2 - 2x.
Step 2: For the first difference quotient, substitute x + h into the function: f(x + h) = (x + h)^2 - 2(x + h).
Step 3: Expand f(x + h): (x + h)^2 = x^2 + 2xh + h^2 and -2(x + h) = -2x - 2h, so f(x + h) = x^2 + 2xh + h^2 - 2x - 2h.
Step 4: Calculate the difference f(x + h) - f(x): (x^2 + 2xh + h^2 - 2x - 2h) - (x^2 - 2x) = 2xh + h^2 - 2h.
Step 5: Simplify the first difference quotient: (f(x + h) - f(x)) / h = (2xh + h^2 - 2h) / h = 2x + h - 2.
Step 6: For the second difference quotient, substitute a into the function: f(a) = a^2 - 2a.
Step 7: Calculate the difference f(x) - f(a): (x^2 - 2x) - (a^2 - 2a) = x^2 - 2x - a^2 + 2a.
Step 8: Simplify the second difference quotient: (f(x) - f(a)) / (x - a) = (x^2 - 2x - a^2 + 2a) / (x - a).
Step 9: Factor the numerator of the second difference quotient if possible to simplify further.
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