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Ch. 1 - Functions
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh. 1 - FunctionsProblem 1.R.24
Chapter 1, Problem 1.R.24

Evaluate and simplify the difference quotients (f(x + h) - f(x)) / h and (f(x) - f(a)) / (x - a) for each function.
f(x) = 7 / (x + 3)

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the function f(x) = \(\frac{7}{x + 3}\).
Step 2: For the first difference quotient, calculate f(x + h) by substituting x + h into the function: f(x + h) = \(\frac{7}{(x + h) + 3}\).
Step 3: Substitute f(x + h) and f(x) into the first difference quotient: \(\frac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h}\) = \(\frac{\frac{7}{x + h + 3}\) - \(\frac{7}{x + 3}\)}{h}.
Step 4: Simplify the expression from Step 3 by finding a common denominator for the fractions in the numerator: \(\frac{7(x + 3) - 7(x + h + 3)}{h(x + h + 3)(x + 3)}\).
Step 5: For the second difference quotient, calculate f(a) by substituting a into the function: f(a) = \(\frac{7}{a + 3}\), and then substitute f(x) and f(a) into the second difference quotient: \(\frac{f(x) - f(a)}{x - a}\) = \(\frac{\frac{7}{x + 3}\) - \(\frac{7}{a + 3}\)}{x - a}.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Difference Quotient

The difference quotient is a fundamental concept in calculus that represents the average rate of change of a function over an interval. It is defined as (f(x + h) - f(x)) / h, where h is a small increment. This expression is crucial for understanding the derivative, as it approaches the instantaneous rate of change as h approaches zero.
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The Quotient Rule

Limit

The limit is a core concept in calculus that describes the behavior of a function as its input approaches a certain value. In the context of the difference quotient, taking the limit as h approaches zero allows us to find the derivative of a function. Limits help in analyzing the continuity and behavior of functions at specific points.
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Derivative

The derivative of a function measures how the function's output changes as its input changes, representing the function's instantaneous rate of change. It is defined as the limit of the difference quotient as h approaches zero. Derivatives are essential for understanding the behavior of functions, including their slopes, tangents, and optimization problems.
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Derivatives
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Assume f is an odd function and that both f and g are one-to-one. Use the (incomplete) graph of f and the graph of g to find the following function values. <IMAGE>

f⁻¹( g⁻¹(4))

Textbook Question

Inverse sines and cosines Evaluate or simplify the following expressions without using a calculator.


sin⁻¹ ( -1 )

6
views
Textbook Question

Assume f is an odd function and that both f and g are one-to-one. Use the (incomplete) graph of f and the graph of g to find the following function values. <IMAGE>

f⁻¹ (10)

Textbook Question

Assume f is an odd function and that both f and g are one-to-one. Use the (incomplete) graph of f and the graph of g to find the following function values. <IMAGE>

f-1(1 + f(-3))

Textbook Question

Solving equations Solve each equation.


ln 3x + ln (x + 2) = 0

Textbook Question

Inverse of composite functions


a. Let g(x) = 2x + 3 and h(x) = x³. Consider the composite function ƒ(x) = g(h(x)). Find ƒ⁻¹ directly and then express it in terms of g⁻¹ and h⁻¹