Calc 1 question

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Jun 3rd 2008, 12:51 PM
weezie23

Calc 1 question

find the derivitive f(x) = -4/x^2 use the limit process

Using fx=(x+Dx)-fx/Dx

I get -4/(x+Dx)^2/x^2 + 4/x^2 and get lost in the math - am I on the right track?
Jun 3rd 2008, 12:54 PM
Moo

Hello,

Quote:

Originally Posted by weezie23

find the derivitive f(x) = -4/x^2 use the limit process

Using fx=(x+Dx)-fx/Dx

I get -4/(x+Dx)^2/x^2 + 4/x^2 and get lost in the math - am I on the right track?

:eek:

$f'(x)=\frac{f(x+Dx)-f(x)}{Dx}$

$f({\color{red}x+Dx})=\frac{-4}{({\color{red}x+Dx})^2}$

---> $f'(x)=\frac{\frac{-4}{(x+Dx)^2}+\frac{4}{x^2}}{Dx}$

Did you catch your mistake ? Now, try to simplify :) (show your work, it'd be better)
Jun 3rd 2008, 01:00 PM
TKHunny

It's time to get UNlost. You just have to sort through it.

1) Fix your notation:

These are NOT the same:

x+3/5 and (x+3)/5

Remember your Order of Operations.

2) Don't write things that make no sense.

You have: fx=(x+Dx)-fx/Dx

Notice how "fx" is on both sides. I'm sure you didn't mean that. Plus, there's and 'f' missing on the right -- f(x+Dx)?
Jun 3rd 2008, 01:05 PM
weezie23

As far as I get is 8x^2+8xDx+4Dx^2/(x+Dx)-x^2(Angry)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moo

Hello,

:eek:

$f'(x)=\frac{f(x+Dx)-f(x)}{Dx}$

$f({\color{red}x+Dx})=\frac{-4}{({\color{red}x+Dx})^2}$

---> $f'(x)=\frac{\frac{-4}{(x+Dx)^2}+\frac{4}{x^2}}{Dx}$

Did you catch your mistake ? Now, try to simplify :) (show your work, it'd be better)
Jun 3rd 2008, 02:09 PM
TKHunny

You didn't listen to me about the notation, did you?

If you are VERY CAREFUL, you will see it. If you are sloppy, it will work only by luck.

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