Thread: simplifying an equation

I hope this belongs here, But I have no idea where to start on an equation like this where you are dividing something that is already being divided.

Simplify as much as possible.
f(x)=1/x(f(a+h)-f(a))/h

So i get
(1/(a+h)) - (1/a) / h

then im stuck. I knink this should be really easy but like i said dividing by something that is already getting divided.... if anyone has a set of rules that can be applied to something like this please let me know.

Originally Posted by jshimoda

I hope this belongs here, But I have no idea where to start on an equation like this where you are dividing something that is already being divided.

Simplify as much as possible.
f(x)=1/x(f(a+h)-f(a))/h

So i get
(1/(a+h)) - (1/a) / h

then im stuck. I knink this should be really easy but like i said dividing by something that is already getting divided.... if anyone has a set of rules that can be applied to something like this please let me know.

Okay, if you are working toward Calculus just let us know.

Otherwise, you have


Add the fractions in the numerator. You will wind up with something like this:


That's as simplified I think this is going to get and it leads to the idea of a derivative, which I am assuming you are headed toward.

-Dan