Finding Tangent Slope to Parabola Using Theorem 2 | Limit Help

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the slope of the tangent to the parabola defined by the function y(x) = x^2 + 2x at the point P(-3, 3) using Theorem 2, which involves limits. Participants explore the application of the theorem and the process of eliminating h from the denominator.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem of finding the tangent slope using Theorem 2 and expresses difficulty in eliminating h from the denominator.
  • Another participant suggests using a value for a directly in the limit calculation, indicating that m can be simplified to 2(a + 1).
  • A participant questions the value of a, suggesting it should be -3 based on the point P(-3, 3).
  • Further calculations are provided by another participant, showing the steps to simplify the limit expression for the tangent slope.
  • A final post indicates that the original poster has solved the problem, thanking the participants for their help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to eliminate h from the denominator initially, but there is agreement on the value of a being -3. The discussion includes various methods and calculations, indicating differing perspectives on the problem-solving process.

Contextual Notes

Some steps in the limit calculations are not fully resolved, and there may be assumptions about the continuity and differentiability of the function that are not explicitly stated.

Orion1
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Find tangent slope to parabola using Theorem 2.
[tex]y(x) = x^2 + 2x \; \text{at} \; P(-3.3)[/tex]

Theorem 2:
[tex]m = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}[/tex]
[tex]m = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(a + h)^2 + 2(a + h) - 3}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{a^2 + h^2 + 2ah + 2a + 2h - 3}{h}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{a^2 + h^2 + 2ah + 2a + 2h - 3}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(a + h - 1)(a + h + 3)}{h}[/tex]
:rolleyes:

I have already solved the tangent line using the Tangent Line Theorem, however, I have been unable to eliminate [tex]h[/tex] from the denominator in this theorem using division or numerator conjugates...

Any suggestions?
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Last edited:
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either use a throughout or immediatedly plug in its value. Then
m=lim (h2+2ah+2h)/h=2(a+1)
 
[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{y(x+h) - y(x)}{h}[/tex]

y(x) = x^2 + 2x

[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{(x+h)^2 + 2(x+h) - x^2 - 2x}{h}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{x^2 + 2xh + h^2 + 2x + 2h - x^2 - 2x}{h}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_h{\rightarrow 0} \frac{2xh + h^2 + 2h}{h}[/tex]

Can you see what's going on now?
 

Solved!, thanks everyone!
[/color]
 

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