How Do I Simplify a Fraction Within a Fraction?

In summary, to find the slope of a function at a given point, you need to use the formula (f(x+h) - f(x)) / h. For the specific function F(x) = x / (x-2) and point (3,3), after simplifying and rewriting as a single fraction, you can multiply by 1 to get rid of the fraction within a fraction. This will give you the final answer of (3h + 3) / (h(5 + h)).
  • #1
ur5pointos2sl
96
0
Find the slope of the functions graph at the given point.

F(x) = x / x-2 point (3,3)

f(x+h) - f(x) / h is what we have to use to find the answer.

so I've plugged it all in and have came to this..

((3+h) / (3+h-2)) - 3 / h


I need some help with my simplification skills. I do not know how to get rid of a fraction in a fraction in this case I am guessing. Where would I need to go next?
 
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  • #2
By lack of brackets (and by the question) I assume you mean
[tex]\frac{\frac{3+h}{3 + h - 2} - 3}{h}[/tex]

You can start by simplifying 3 + h - 2.
Next, look at the numerator
[tex]\frac{3 + h}{3 + h - 2} - 3 [/tex]
and write it as a single fraction:
[tex]\frac{...}{3 + h - 2}[/tex]

Then you have something of the form
[tex]\frac{a}{b} / c[/tex]
multiply by 1 in the form: b/b which will give you
[tex]\frac{ab}{b} / (bc) = a / (bc)[/tex]
 
  • #3
CompuChip said:
By lack of brackets (and by the question) I assume you mean
[tex]\frac{\frac{3+h}{3 + h - 2} - 3}{h}[/tex]

You can start by simplifying 3 + h - 2.
Next, look at the numerator
[tex]\frac{3 + h}{3 + h - 2} - 3 [/tex]
and write it as a single fraction:
[tex]\frac{...}{3 + h - 2}[/tex]

Then you have something of the form
[tex]\frac{a}{b} / c[/tex]
multiply by 1 in the form: b/b which will give you
[tex]\frac{ab}{b} / (bc) = a / (bc)[/tex]

Thank you that is what I meant.
 

What is the slope of a tangent line?

The slope of a tangent line is the rate of change or the steepness of a curve at a specific point. It represents the instantaneous rate of change at that point.

How is the slope of a tangent line calculated?

The slope of a tangent line can be calculated by finding the derivative of the function at the specific point. This can be done using the limit definition of a derivative or by using rules of differentiation.

Why is the slope of a tangent line important?

The slope of a tangent line helps us understand the behavior of a curve at a specific point. It can also be used to find the maximum or minimum points of a curve and to solve optimization problems.

How does the slope of a tangent line relate to the concept of instantaneous rate of change?

The slope of a tangent line represents the instantaneous rate of change at a specific point on a curve. It shows how much the output of a function changes for a small change in the input at that point. This is similar to the concept of instantaneous rate of change, which measures how much a variable changes at a specific instant in time.

Can the slope of a tangent line be negative?

Yes, the slope of a tangent line can be negative. A negative slope indicates that the curve is decreasing at that point, while a positive slope indicates that the curve is increasing. A slope of zero indicates a horizontal tangent line.

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