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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of a quadratic function given that f(0) = -4. The participants explore different methods, including partial fraction decomposition and the power rule. The final conclusion is that f'(0) equals 0, as the derivative of a quadratic function at its vertex is always 0. Additionally, an alternative approach yields f'(0) = 32/5, indicating a discrepancy in methods used.

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  • Understanding of quadratic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of differentiation techniques, including the power rule
  • Familiarity with partial fraction decomposition
  • Basic calculus concepts, particularly limits and continuity
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  • Study the application of the power rule in calculus
  • Learn about partial fraction decomposition in rational functions
  • Explore the properties of derivatives at critical points
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on calculus and algebra, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of derivatives and quadratic functions.

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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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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:


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.
 

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