Find the Derivative of a Quadratic Function with f(0)=-4 and Evaluate f'(0)

In summary, using partial fraction decomposition and the given conditions, we can determine the value of f'(0) to be (32/5).
  • #1
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Let [tex]f(x)[/tex] be a quadratic function such that [tex]f(0) = -4[/tex] and

[tex]\frac{f(x)}{x^2(x-5)^8}dx[/tex]
is a ration function.

Determine the value of [tex]f'(0)[/tex].

[tex]f'(0)=______[/tex]

i don't really have a clue on how to do this. I can only think of integrating the function then find the derivative of it and plug in 0 for the x's, which doesn't seem to be correct.
 
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  • #2
ProBasket said:
Let [tex]f(x)[/tex] be a quadratic function such that [tex]f(0) = -4[/tex] and

[tex]\frac{f(x)}{x^2(x-5)^8}dx[/tex]
is a ration function.

Determine the value of [tex]f'(0)[/tex].

[tex]f'(0)=______[/tex]

i don't really have a clue on how to do this. I can only think of integrating the function then find the derivative of it and plug in 0 for the x's, which doesn't seem to be correct.
Because the integrand's numerator is a polynomial of lesser order than the denominator, we can use partial fraction decomposition to obtain:
f(x)/{(x^2)(x-5)^8} =
= a_1/x + a_2/x^2 + b_1/(x - 5) + b_2/(x - 5)^2 + b_3/(x - 5)^3 + ... + b_8/(x - 5)^8

Since the integral is given to be purely rational, {a_1=0} and {b_1=0} since otherwise LOG terms would result. Thus, adding remaining terms on the right with common denominator of {(x^2)(x-5)^8}, we can equate f(x) with the numerator:
f(x) = {a_2*(x-5)^8} + {b_2*(x^2)*(x-5)^6} + {b_3*(x^2)*(x-5)^5} + ... + {b_8*(x^2)}

Because it's given that f(0)=(-4), we have:
f(0) = (-4) = {a_2*((0) - 5)^8} + 0 + 0 + ... + 0
(-4) = a_2*(5^8)
a_2 = (-4)/(5^8)

Furthermore, f'(x) will have the form:
f'(x) = (8)*(a_2)*(x-5)^7 + {terms involving either (x) or (x^2)}
so that substituting x=(0) and a_2={(-4)/(5^8)} from above:
f'(0) = (8)*{(-4)/(5^8)}*{(0) - 5)^7} + 0 + 0 + ... + 0
f'(0) = (8)*(4)*(5^7)/(5^8)
f'(0) = (32/5)


~~
 
Last edited:
  • #3


To find the derivative of a quadratic function, we can use the power rule. Let's first rewrite the given function as:

f(x) = -4x^2(x-5)^-8

Using the power rule, we can find the derivative as:

f'(x) = -8x(x-5)^-9 + 2(-4x)(x-5)^-8

Now, to find the value of f'(0), we can plug in x=0 into the derivative function:

f'(0) = -8(0)(0-5)^-9 + 2(-4)(0)(0-5)^-8

Simplifying, we get:

f'(0) = 0 + 0 = 0

Therefore, the value of f'(0) is 0. This makes sense since the derivative of a quadratic function at its vertex is always 0.
 

1. What is a derivative of a quadratic function?

A derivative of a quadratic function is the instantaneous rate of change of the function at a specific point. In other words, it is the slope of the tangent line at that point on the graph of the quadratic function.

2. How do you find the derivative of a quadratic function?

To find the derivative of a quadratic function, you can use the power rule or the product rule. For a quadratic function in the form of f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, the derivative is f'(x) = 2ax + b. In this case, f'(0) = b.

3. What does f(0)=-4 mean in the context of a quadratic function?

The notation f(0)=-4 means that at x=0, the value of the quadratic function is -4. This is known as the y-intercept of the function, which is the point where the function intersects with the y-axis on the coordinate plane.

4. Why is it important to evaluate f'(0) for a quadratic function?

Evaluating f'(0) for a quadratic function is important because it gives us the slope of the tangent line at the point where x=0. This can provide valuable information about the behavior of the function at that point and allows us to make predictions about the function's behavior near that point.

5. How do you evaluate f'(0) for a quadratic function with given information?

To evaluate f'(0) for a quadratic function with given information, you can substitute the value of x=0 into the derivative formula, f'(x) = 2ax + b. In this case, f'(0) = b. So, if f(0) = -4, then f'(0) = b = -4. This means that the slope of the tangent line at x=0 is -4, and the equation of the tangent line is y = -4x - 4.

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